"Babies" follows 4 children (2 boys, 2 girls) from birth to one year of age. As you can see above, the babies are from Mongolia, Namibia, Japan and the United States.
And this is where I struggle to explain the movie without giving out some of the most laughable moments. Mainly because that is what you're going to do throughout this movie.....laughter, oooh's and awww's will be heard from every person in the audience, I guarantee you!
The one thing that did surprise me was that there is absolutely no narration in the movie. At first...I didn't like that. I wanted to know what the mothers in Namibia where saying {mainly because they chatted away the whole time, laughing and probably gossiping...like any playdate :) }, and I wanted to know more details about their lives. But as the movie continued, I found myself liking the simplicity of the documentary. The movie is called "Babies" for a reason...it really allows the babies to "speak for themselves" in a way, which in turn allows you to fully engross yourself into the film. The other thing that I would like to have seen in the movie was some sort of age listed...I would have loved to compare when they took their first steps based on the country and environment they were in.
Overall, the comparisons between the children's blend seamlessly, showing you the change without being all in your face about it. While each child and their situation is different, they are also very similar. Bath time may not all be the same, but we all get clean. Pets are always fun to have around. Everyone has that big brother that picks on the little guy, no matter what country you're in.
Along with the aw-ing, know that you are going to also have those OH MY GOD moments, those Mom moments when you cringe and wonder what the hell is going on. I had to check myself at a lot of those moments....not judge, accept the other cultures and know that what they are showing is just how it is. Some of those OH HOLY HELL moments also made me very, very thankful for things that we have.......diapers, for one :)
For me, Ponijao had the most gasp-worthy moments but was still one of my favorites. Bayar was my all time favorite, and he easily stole the movie, in my opinion. This kid can make even the meanest old man laugh, I'm sure. Hattie from the US had some of the funniest moments, those moments that I'm sure her parents were rather embarrased about, but God did they make us laugh. Overall, I was surprised that Mari's life in Japan wasn't far from what a child in the US would go through.
The movie was adorable, eye opening and something that I would recommend for any baby lover. If you're not into the kid thing, don't step near this movie. Husbands? Daddies? Let them skip it. Go with your mom, you best girl friends and enjoy what is probably the most heart warming movie of the year. Now, I know I said "go". However....and I'm sorry to say this.....I probably wouldn't go to the theatre for this movie. Don't get me wrong - I loved it - but I think I would enjoy it just the same in the comfort of my own home, where I could discuss it with my friends or mom or who ever....because that is what I feel this movie is all about. It should stimulate a discussion between those who have seen it, and that discussion would fit perfectly into the otherwise quiet film. There were many times when I wanted to say something...point something out to my mom or wonder out loud about something but wasn't able to in the theatre.
I am so thankful that my Mom and I were able to go to this advance screening....a cute movie, fun conversation on the way home and overall a fun day :) Thanks BABIES!!
{BABIES is in theatres this weekend. Watch the trailer here, which begins with one of my favorite parts of the movie and ends with one of my other favorites....Ponijao and Bayar!}
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