The Lost Children

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.

WOW! This documentary is deeply moving and brought me to tears. It's hard to even imagine the hardships these children endured. Their courage and resilience are nothing short of extraordinary. Surviving in the jungle for 40 days is beyond words. The film captures their journey in a way that's both powerful and inspiring, leaving a lasting impression.

Watching this also makes me think: the world would be a much better place if people from all races, religions, and ethnicities came together to uplift those less privileged. This film reminds us that, as a global community, we can and must do better.

I loved how in this doco, a lot of issue were addressed from the accident to the ongoing problems in Colombia. The fact the the indigenous people and the Colombian army were working together was amazing. I'm so so happy the forth children are alive and together. I only hope the best of best for them. My heart roots for them. And thank you so much for everyone that was part of this amazing operation hope. I wish all the was issue of my country will one day cease. I hope for the vulnerable communities, to be safe, to be protected and helped in every way possible. As someone mentioned in the doco, we all have indigenous blood in our body. We need to care and helps each other.

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.

True account of four children surviving a plane crash that killed all the adults including their mother. The crash happen in the Amazon jungle and I can't imagine a worse place except maybe high up on a snowy mountain. The children leave the wreck and start walking. The Colombian government sends huge helicopters full of soldiers to try and find the children. The indigenous people send another group of volunteers. Meanwhile there are rebels inhabiting the jungle and the other two groups needed to stay away from them. We see mostly the two groups search under horrible conditions. Most of it is actual footage from the search and actual searchers telling their own accounts with some re-enactments. The sheer will it took to spend 40 days under these conditions, speaks to the resilience of the both the searchers and even more amazingly, the children. Well made documentary.