
Virunga
Seen it?2014 | 100 min | Documentary, War
Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for the curious and history buffs. If you loved 20 Days in Mariupol or For Sama, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Intense, eye-opening.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 40 min.
- What might put you off
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Virunga in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is Africa’s oldest national park, a UNESCO world heritage site, and a contested ground among insurgencies seeking to topple the government that see untold profits in the land. Among this ongoing power struggle, Virunga also happens to be the last natural habitat for the critically endangered mountain gorilla. The only thing standing in the way of the forces closing in around the gorillas: a handful of passionate park rangers and journalists fighting to secure the park’s borders and expose the corruption of its enemies. Filled with shocking footage, and anchored by the surprisingly deep and gentle characters of the gorillas themselves, Virunga is a galvanizing call to action around an ongoing political and environmental crisis in the Congo.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 95 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.9 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 18K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
20 Days in MariupolFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed documentary that fewer people know today.
For SamaFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed documentary that fewer people know today.
They Shall Not Grow OldFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed documentary that fewer people know today.
RestrepoSunday Safe BetAnother war story, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
War for the Planet of the ApesFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed war story.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Orlando von Einsiedel
- André Bauma
- Emmanuel de Merode
- Mélanie Gouby
- Rodrigue Mugaruka Katembo
- Vianney Kazarama