Watch Kangaroo: A Love-Hate Story

"Kangaroo: A Love-Hate Story" is a 2017 Australian documentary film that offers an insightful exploration of the complex and often controversial relationship between humans and kangaroos, one of Australia's iconic species. The documentary is directed by Kate McIntyre Clere and Michael McIntyre and explores the various ways in which the kangaroo population has been affected by human interference and intervention.

The film follows the journey of the renowned 'Kangaroo Dundee' (Chris 'Brolga' Barnes), who has become a champion for the protection and care of kangaroos. He runs an animal sanctuary in Alice Springs, central Australia, where he takes care of sick and orphaned kangaroos. Through his work, we get to see an intimate portrait of these fascinating creatures and the efforts being made to protect them.

The documentary presents a range of views about kangaroos, from those who see them as pests who need to be culled, to those who have great admiration for these animals and see them as an integral part of Australia's identity. It also examines the commercial aspects of kangaroo culling and how it is justified by the Australian government as a means of controlling a growing population of kangaroos.

As the film delves deeper into the subject, it becomes clear that there is a lot of debate surrounding the control of the kangaroo population. The film presents compelling arguments made by activists and wildlife preservationists that culling is unnecessary and brutal, and instead, they should be left alone to live their lives in their natural habitats. As a counterpoint, those in favor of culling argue that kangaroos damage crops and fencing, and are a danger to motorists on the road.

In addition to Kangaroo Dundee, the film features interviews with other experts in the field of Australian wildlife, including Tim Flannery, an author and scientist who has written extensively about kangaroos, and Terri Irwin, a conservationist and wife of the late Steve Irwin. Through their discussions and personal experiences, viewers are presented with a broader understanding of the history and culture of kangaroos in Australia.

The film is beautifully shot and captures some stunning visuals of the Australian landscape, from the vast plains to the lush forest canopies, giving viewers a sense of the vast and diverse terrain that is home to the kangaroo. The footage of kangaroos in their natural habitat is captivating, and viewers cannot help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for these fascinating and unique animals.

One area where the film could have gone further is exploring the impact of climate change on kangaroos and their habitats. While the issue is briefly mentioned, it is not explored in depth, which is unfortunate given the enormity of the problem and how it will impact Australia's unique wildlife.

Overall, "Kangaroo: A Love-Hate Story" is a thought-provoking documentary that offers a nuanced and balanced exploration of the complex relationship between humans and kangaroos. Through interviews with experts, activists, and Kangaroo Dundee himself, viewers are provided with different perspectives about the kangaroo culling controversy and are given a glimpse into the lives of these remarkable animals. The film inspires its audience to think critically about the role of humans in shaping the lives of other species, and raises important questions about our responsibilities as stewards of the planet.

Kangaroo: A Love-Hate Story is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 66.