The Lost Children

This is not a regular documentary. Coming from Colombia, the undertones of decades of mistrust and lack of communication between the indigenous population and the "whites" is the actual driving force of the story.

The focus on the searchers and their conflicts (internal and external) makes this a piece of great storytelling.

There is a book about the event that speaks a lot about the beliefs of the indigenous on the creatures of the jungle and how those beliefs affected (positively?) the search.

It is a great story of different perspectives and views needed to solve a problem.

See it with open eyes, not thinking it is a Rambo-type movie. It is not.

Wow, I am shocked and stunned by the resilience of Lesley!

It shows how important it is to pass down ancestral knowledge at the young age. The girl, herself badly hurt, knew which fruits were edible, had to kill dangerous animals with the stick, and even managed to catch fish with an improvised rod. All while keeping alive 3 other kids including the baby, for 40 days, lost in a jungle. Her feat was simply incredible even by indigenous standards.

The end result is that they got justice by being protected from the family abuser! I hope they thrive in their life going forwards, they've been through so much and deserve all the love in the world.

I am so happy that the searchers did not give up! Their bravery, resilience and toughness were astounding. I am glad that we got to hear some of their life stories as well. They were real and tough, and not like typical documentaries where you would hear same old background stories of american cops with white privileged lives. Their stories are on another level, and I am happy that those brave men were given a platform to tell them. And not just given, they've earned that platform with their incredible feat.

Great documentary, with unexpected layers, twists and turns. The scenery is breathtaking! Highly recommended. I've cried and held my breath throughout. Nice job, Netflix! Please give us more stories like this, jungle rescues, with presenting lives of indigenous people.

This is my first attempt at writing a review, driven by the profound impact of a documentary that has left an indelible mark on my soul. Each moment within it feels like a poignant whisper, a testament to the resilience and spirit of humanity rarely encountered. I cannot recall witnessing a story as gripping and full of compassion as that of these children and their rescuers, bound together by a connection that seems to transcend both time and space.

The narrative unfolds like a dance, where an entire community, as though moving with one heartbeat, joins in a search infused with hope. In this unity, the precision of technology and military expertise intertwine with the ancient wisdom of indigenous peoples. At the heart of this fusion, the spirituality and shamanism of native cultures elevate every act to an almost supernatural plane, as though nature herself extends invisible hands to guide them.

This documentary reminds us of the immense force of Mother Nature, that we are part of her vast tapestry and that within her we find both humility and the purest knowledge. In attuning ourselves to her primal rhythms, through instinct and intuition, we experience the reverence of being, in the deepest sense, children of the earth. To her, we owe all that we are-our very existence and our understanding.

May this story remain as an everlasting reminder of our essence. May it gently yet firmly recall us to our origins, to the truth that we come from the earth and to the earth we shall return, all the while belonging to a greater consciousness that enfolds and transcends us.

I rated it a 10.

My husband said, "it was ok", but I thought it had several outstanding factors:

1). It was a TRUE story. I get so frustrated with "based on a true story" because you actually don't know what was actually true or not. This was downright true.

2) it actually had the REAL people, giving real commentary.

3) it used real footage

4). The jungle looked absolutely amazing (though a few too many spider/ant shots. Puts me right off.)

5) a bit of a glimpse into indigenous culture, which has always fascinated me

6) it's a wonderful story about very different people being brought together for a reason of good, working together, and learning to respect and appreciate each other.

7). It had a happy ending.

The biggest reason for the 10, though, is that it was REAL.

There isn't much of that in today's world.

You might say, "well ENTERTAIMENT" isn't supposed to BE real. It's supposed to provide an ESCAPE from reality."

But, actually, sometimes it's quite nice to know that REALITY is sometimes wonderful enough that one doesn't NEED to escape from it.

If you know what I mean. :-)

Directed by Orlando von Einsiedel, Lali Houghton, and Jorge Duran, "The Lost Children" is a powerful and moving documentary that follows the harrowing experience of four young siblings who become lost in the vast and treacherous Amazon rainforest after a tragic plane crash. The film not only highlights the physical trials faced by the Mucutuy children but also explores the emotional and psychological impacts of their struggle.

The documentary begins with a concise introduction to the Mucutuy family, setting the context for their ill-fated journey from their isolated home near Araracuara to San José del Guaviare. The filmmakers expertly blend archival footage, interviews, and dramatic reenactments to craft a compelling narrative that draws viewers into a world divided yet united in the quest to save these young lives. Initially, the Indigenous people of the forest, who formed the rescue teams, did not collaborate with the army soldiers, leading to separate search efforts. However, as the weeks passed and the urgency to find the children intensified, both groups began to support one another, ultimately forging friendships. This search operation, dubbed Operation Hope, unexpectedly united the people of Colombia, showcasing a historic collaboration between soldiers and Indigenous communities that led to successful outcomes.

The directors have skillfully balanced the documentary's emotional depth with moments of lightness and warmth, while also addressing broader themes of loss, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit, resulting in a profoundly impactful viewing experience.