Watch When Elephants Were Young

When Elephants Were Young is a heartwarming and educational documentary film that takes viewers on a captivating journey into the natural beauty of Thailand's lush jungles. Directed by Patricia Sims and co-produced by William Shatner, the film tells the story of young elephants and their mahouts, or keepers, as they form a special bond in the wild forests.

Set against the backdrop of Thailand's stunning landscapes, the film is shot through the lens of filmmaker Patricia Sims, who showcases the unique and often misunderstood relationship between elephants and humans. The film follows a baby elephant named Nong Mai, as she is taken from her family to be trained by her mahout, a man named Wok. Nong Mai's journey is one of wonder and discovery, as she navigates the unknown territory of being an elephant in captivity, while also seeking to find the companionship and love of both her mahout and her new herd.

Throughout the film, viewers are given a firsthand look at the complex emotional lives and intelligence of these magnificent creatures, and how they interact with each other and their keepers. The elephants are depicted as sensitive and empathetic animals, capable of forming deep bonds with one another and with their human caretakers. For example, Nong Mai is shown going through a tough period of adjustment when she is separated from her mother, but eventually forms a close relationship with her mahout Wok, who becomes a father figure to her.

As the story progresses, the film highlights the challenges faced by both the elephants and their mahouts, who must strive to strike a balance between preserving traditional techniques and adapting to new methods of training. In one particularly touching scene, viewers see Wok and Nong Mai perform a traditional dance at a local festival, showcasing the deep connection between humans and elephants in Thai culture.

As the film nears its conclusion, viewers are left with a sense of empathy and compassion for these magnificent animals, who must endure so much in the face of human encroachment on their natural habitats. However, the documentary does not shy away from addressing the bigger issues surrounding the treatment of elephants in captivity, as well as the many conservation efforts currently underway to protect them.

Overall, When Elephants Were Young strikes a perfect balance between the awe and wonder of exploring a foreign culture and the sobering realization of what humans have done to devastate this fragile ecosystem. It is a film for both animal-lovers and nature enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into a world most of us can only imagine. Join William Shatner and Patricia Sims, as they take you on an unforgettable journey through one of the most stunningly beautiful places on Earth, and witness the incredible bond between humans and elephants when they are young.

When Elephants Were Young is a 2016 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.