Jane's Journey (2011)

45% of critics liked it
(11 reviews)
81% of users liked it
(395 ratings)

It would be hard to name anyone who has had more of an impact in the realm of animal research and wildlife conservation than Dr. Jane Goodall, Dame of the British Empire, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and UN Messenger of Peace. Dr. Goodall's pioneering study of wild chimpanzee behavior… More It would be hard to name anyone who has had more of an impact in the realm of animal research and wildlife conservation than Dr. Jane Goodall, Dame of the British Empire, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and UN Messenger of Peace. Dr. Goodall's pioneering study of wild chimpanzee behavior in Africa is legendary and continues today, more than 50 years later, under the auspices of her Institute. Jane's Journey is a portrait of the private person behind the world-famous icon. It is the story of an exceptional woman, possibly one of the most fascinating women of our time. With its unhurried pace and unobtrusive camera, this documentary shows the charismatic and eloquent Dr. Goodall as she has never been seen before. -- (C) First Run

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: Lorenz Knauer
Written By: Lorenz Knauer
Genres: Documentary

In Theaters: Sep 16, 2011 Limited
On DVD: Dec 27, 2011
Studio: First Run Features

Critic Reviews

Sheri Linden, Los Angeles Times
Positivity has its limits in "Jane's Journey," a portrait of primatologist Jane Goodall that's long on adulation and short on spark.
Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News
Now in her 70s, Goodall is still shy, with as much indefatigible energy as ever.
Kyle Smith, New York Post
You may have the feeling of being stuck at a nice old lady's house while she narrates a meandering slide show in slow, storybook tones.
Paul Brunick, New York Times
Skimps on intellectual substance but skirts by on the lightly likable charm of its subject, who appears throughout.
Rob Nelson, Village Voice
Spectacularly photographed and journalistically lame...
Brent Simon, Shockya.com
An awkward and generally unfocused mash-up of mixed perspectives and mission statements.
Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media
Slow but insightful documentary about pioneering activist.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
An engrossing portrait of the public and private lives of Jane Goodall; one of the Best Documentaries of 2011.
Andrew Schenker, Time Out New York
Any analysis of her philanthropy or character is traded for blind idol worship...
Joseph Jon Lanthier, Slant Magazine
Leads us through Jane Goodall's greatest hits with adulating talking heads and putatively inspiring, over-exposed eco-scapes.
Susan Granger, SSG Syndicate
Intriguing and inspirational, it's a beguiling film in every way.