Monkey Kingdom (2015)
Release Date:
2015
Movie Rating:
G
Runtime:
1h 21m

Synopsis:
Monkey Kingdom follows the journey of Maya, a clever monkey living in the ancient ruins of South Asia. As a low-ranking member of her troop, Maya faces challenges in finding food and securing a safe place for her newborn son, Kip. The troop is led by Raja, the alpha male, and his family, who enjoy the best resources. When their home is invaded by a rival troop, Maya and her group are forced to leave and search for a new place to live. Throughout their adventure, they encounter various obstacles, including predators and harsh weather. Maya's resourcefulness is put to the test as she navigates these challenges to ensure the survival of her family. The film captures the daily life and struggles of the troop as they adapt to their ever-changing environment.






Monkey Kingdom, released in 2015, is a nature documentary that falls under the genre of family and wildlife films. It is rated G, making it suitable for kids, and it generally receives positive feedback from parents who appreciate its educational value and stunning visuals. The film is praised for its engaging storytelling and the way it introduces children to the wonders of the animal kingdom, though some parents note that certain scenes might require a bit of context for younger viewers.
Why Kids Should Watch Monkey Kingdom
Monkey Kingdom is celebrated for its educational content and breathtaking visuals.
- Promotes understanding and appreciation of wildlife and nature.
- Features a strong, relatable protagonist in the monkey Maya, who demonstrates resilience and resourcefulness.
- Offers stunning cinematography that captivates young audiences.
- Encourages curiosity about the natural world and animal behavior.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Monkey Kingdom
Some parents express concerns about the film's depiction of natural animal behavior that might be intense for sensitive children.
- Includes scenes of animal conflict that could be emotionally challenging.
- Some moments of survival and struggle may be distressing without parental guidance.
- The complexity of social hierarchies in the animal kingdom might be confusing for younger viewers.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers educational value, stunning visuals, and a positive message about resilience.
What Parents Should Know About Monkey Kingdom
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Maya, the main monkey character, shows determination and problem-solving skills that children can learn from. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Scenes depicting animal conflict and survival challenges may require parental explanation. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film illustrates the natural consequences of actions within the animal kingdom, such as the impact of social hierarchies. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Maya's interactions with her group highlight the importance of cooperation and social bonds. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges, delivered through Maya's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Monkey Kingdom is widely appreciated for its educational content and the way it brings the animal kingdom to life for young viewers. While some scenes may require parental guidance, the film's positive messages and stunning visuals make it a worthwhile watch. Parents can enhance the experience by discussing the natural behaviors and social structures depicted in the film. For those seeking similar content, other Disneynature documentaries like "Bears" or "Chimpanzee" are also recommended.
Official Monkey Kingdom Trailer
Monkey Kingdom, released in 2015, is a nature documentary that falls under the genre of family and wildlife films. It is rated G, making it suitable for kids, and it generally receives positive feedback from parents who appreciate its educational value and stunning visuals. The film is praised for its engaging storytelling and the way it introduces children to the wonders of the animal kingdom, though some parents note that certain scenes might require a bit of context for younger viewers.
Why Kids Should Watch Monkey Kingdom
Monkey Kingdom is celebrated for its educational content and breathtaking visuals.
- Promotes understanding and appreciation of wildlife and nature.
- Features a strong, relatable protagonist in the monkey Maya, who demonstrates resilience and resourcefulness.
- Offers stunning cinematography that captivates young audiences.
- Encourages curiosity about the natural world and animal behavior.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Monkey Kingdom
Some parents express concerns about the film's depiction of natural animal behavior that might be intense for sensitive children.
- Includes scenes of animal conflict that could be emotionally challenging.
- Some moments of survival and struggle may be distressing without parental guidance.
- The complexity of social hierarchies in the animal kingdom might be confusing for younger viewers.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers educational value, stunning visuals, and a positive message about resilience.
What Parents Should Know About Monkey Kingdom
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Maya, the main monkey character, shows determination and problem-solving skills that children can learn from. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Scenes depicting animal conflict and survival challenges may require parental explanation. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film illustrates the natural consequences of actions within the animal kingdom, such as the impact of social hierarchies. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Maya's interactions with her group highlight the importance of cooperation and social bonds. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges, delivered through Maya's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Monkey Kingdom is widely appreciated for its educational content and the way it brings the animal kingdom to life for young viewers. While some scenes may require parental guidance, the film's positive messages and stunning visuals make it a worthwhile watch. Parents can enhance the experience by discussing the natural behaviors and social structures depicted in the film. For those seeking similar content, other Disneynature documentaries like "Bears" or "Chimpanzee" are also recommended.
Official Monkey Kingdom Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Monkey Kingdom
Monkey Kingdom's most common core values include Family love, Perseverance, and Environmental awareness. Kids can learn a lot from watching Maya, the clever monkey mom, take care of her newborn son, Kip. As they face everyday challenges, Maya's dedication to her family is clear, showing how Love keeps them close, even in tough times. Perseverance shines through when Maya keeps pushing forward to find food and shelter for her group, no matter how hard things get. Environmental awareness is another big part of the story, as Maya and her troop must pay attention to their surroundings to survive and find a new home.
In the movie, Family love is highlighted when Maya takes risks to protect Kip, showing how much she cares about her son. Perseverance is evident in a scene where Maya continues to search for food in difficult conditions, teaching kids to never give up, even when things seem impossible. Environmental awareness is clearly shown when the troop travels through the jungle, encountering natural obstacles like rivers and dense forests, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting the environment around them. These moments help children see how important these values can be in their own lives.
Other Core Values Explored: Teamwork | Leadership | Courage | Resilience | Protecting nature | Determination | Problem-solving
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Monkey Kingdom
Importance of Family: At the heart of the movie is Maya's devotion to her newborn son, Kip. Her actions are driven by her love for him, emphasizing how family bonds can give us strength even in the most challenging situations.
Working as a Team: The troop's survival relies on their ability to work together, showcasing the importance of collaboration and mutual support to overcome obstacles and find a safe new home.
Persevering Through Obstacles: Time and again, Maya faces setbacks, but her determination to push through inspires kids to persist in the face of difficulties, showing that resilience can lead to eventual success.
Protecting the Environment: As the troop journeys through diverse landscapes, they must respect their surroundings, highlighting the necessity of understanding and preserving the natural world for survival.
Finding Courage: Throughout their journey, Maya exhibits bravery when faced with threats. This courage encourages kids to be brave and stand firm, even when situations seem daunting.
Other Lessons Learned: Supporting Your Friends | Overcoming Failure | Embracing Differences | Appreciating the Little Things
Why Kids Love Monkey Kingdom
In the vibrant world of Monkey Kingdom, kids are instantly swept up into the exciting jungle life where funny, clever monkeys like Maya navigate their wild surroundings. The film offers exciting moments as Maya and her troop embark on daring adventures, jumping through trees and outsmarting rivals. Children love the thrill of unexpected friendships that form, especially with curious animal friends who add humor and surprise to the story. It's not just about facing challenges—it's about the fun of discovery and playing in the natural playground of soaring vines and ancient ruins. Maya's clever tricks and brave decision-making keep the story buzzing with energy, making it a celebration of monkey teamwork and quick thinking that leaves kids eager for the next twist.
Monkey Kingdom keeps kids on the edge of their seat with fast-paced moments of teamwork as Maya and her troop dodge predators and plan their next move together. The sheer excitement of navigating nature as a group adds an exhilarating sense of adventure. Kids revel in the thrill of exploration as the troop uncovers hidden paths and new territories, bursting with vibrant wildlife and lush scenery. It's not just about surviving; it's about the joy of pushing boundaries and discovering the unknown, making every moment a wild surprise. Whether it's the burst of monkey chatter or the gasp-inducing scenes of unexpected challenges, each new experience is a whirlwind of fun, creating a thrilling tapestry of jungle escapades that delights young adventurers.