It may have been produced in part by National Geographic, but "The Story of the Weeping Camel" actually has more in common with one of Disney's old "True-Life Adventure" films, the old Disney "nonfiction" shorts that were a staple of a many public-school science classes.
That's because "Camel" is really more of a docudrama than an actual documentary. Which isn't to say that the film is fictionalized or doesn't ring true. But it's clear that the filmmakers have contrived some of these situations in order to tell a better story.
While the title makes reference to a Mongolian folk tale — one that explains why camels lack horns or antlers, unlike many of their hoofed cousins — the film actually revolves around a tight-knit community of Mongolian animal herders living in the Gobi desert.
Though they do have some sheep, the tribesmen rely most heavily on their camels, which provide them with a source of transportation. And several of their pack animals are giving birth.
In fact, one camel has recently given birth to a white colt, which is a rare occurrence. That's also left the tribesmen with a small problem, as they try to get the mother to accept her offspring and nurse it until it's healthy and strong enough to find its own food.
Certain parts of this story have been "shaped" by filmmakers Byambasuren Davaa and Luigi Falorni, but they also let the story go where it will, when possible. It does feel more authentic as a result of that, and this look at a culture very different from ours is refreshing.
Still, this is a rare instance where a film might have been helped out by some voice-over narration. Things do get a little dry at times, and there are some things that could have been explained better or in further detail.
The tribesmen seem at ease with the cameras, as do the camels — in fact, the animals have more personality here than many of the actors in this summer's blockbusters.
"The Story of the Weeping Camel" is rated PG, though it does contain scenes of animal birth, a scene of public urination and some nude bathing. Running time: 87 minutes.
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