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My Octopus Teacher

  • 2020
  • TV-G
  • 1h 25m
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
69K
YOUR RATING
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
Watch Official Trailer
Play trailer2:17
1 Video
42 Photos
Nature DocumentaryDocumentaryDrama

A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world.A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world.A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world.

  • Directors
    • Pippa Ehrlich
    • James Reed
  • Writers
    • Pippa Ehrlich
    • James Reed
  • Stars
    • Craig Foster
    • Tom Foster
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.1/10
    69K
    YOUR RATING
    • Directors
      • Pippa Ehrlich
      • James Reed
    • Writers
      • Pippa Ehrlich
      • James Reed
    • Stars
      • Craig Foster
      • Tom Foster
    • 676User reviews
    • 60Critic reviews
    • 82Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Won 1 Oscar
      • 11 wins & 16 nominations total

    Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:17
    Official Trailer

    Photos42

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    + 38
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    Top cast2

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    Craig Foster
    Craig Foster
    • Self - Host & Founder of Sea Change Project
    Tom Foster
    • Self - Son of Craig Foster
    • Directors
      • Pippa Ehrlich
      • James Reed
    • Writers
      • Pippa Ehrlich
      • James Reed
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews676

    8.168.5K
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    Featured reviews

    8johnfrederickdavidson

    You are part of it, not just a visitor

    This is the second documentary I have watched on the Octopus, but this one is more personal. We don't get to know the context except that human protagonist has gone through a period of crisis and goes back to one of his childhood occupations--underwater exploration. He doesn't set out to study the octopus, but is surprised by one in particular and in over a period of several days earns its trust. He learns something everyday right up to the end (and beyond). My title comes from the protagonist, Craig Foster who originally saw himself as visitor, but came to realize we all are part of nature. Beautiful and I mean beautiful cinematography and moodily appropriate music.
    9jszeliga-84852

    Love

    A truly touching story of two species connecting on a level that is unknown to most. Animals are the greatest teachers out there, and what a blessing it is to connect with such an extraordinary creature. This just goes to show no matter how unlikely the connection, love can exist in any form.
    9unbrokenconstraint

    Excellent, Empathetic, and Incredible Cinematography

    There's not much to say about this documentary type movie. It show cases an animal that's one of the most intelligent creatures we know and interacting with it, in its own environment. I was pretty shocked by how much personality the octopus showed, and intelligence. It gives you such a large level of empathy and love for a creature that's so alien looking compared to a regular pet (a dog or a cat).

    Definitely needed this in 2020. Would recommend this for anyone that enjoys the sea, or really, anyone.
    10lnolan68

    Stunning Documentary

    Everyone do yourself a favour and watch this beautiful documentary about Craig Foster and the wonderful relationship he had with an octopus. It highlights how highly intelligent these beautiful creatures are. I can't believe I cried over an Octopus
    10bernalbee

    Wow!

    As I sit here in my living room with the 'very unhealthy smoke' outside (from all the rampant PNW fires) I turned on Netflix and saw this Documentary. I thought Hmmm...that looks good. I was immersed from the get go. 23 minutes into it I paused it and had to text all my friends and tell them to watch it. I just put a post on Facebook to please watch this incredible film. It was one the THE very BEST documentaries I have ever watched. I always knew the octopus was smart but this film reminded me how smart. The bond between the octopus and filmmaker were beyond amazing. See this film now. And tell all your friends. There are important messages to take away from this documentary and we need to share those messages. We are part of this earth. Not just visitors. By the way, this is my first ever review. I felt compelled to write one after seeing this movie.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      Craig Foster can hold his breath for 6 minutes, and the director, Pippa Ehrlich, can hold hers for 4 minutes.
    • Quotes

      Craig Foster: What she taught me was to feel... that you're part of this place, not a visitor. That's a huge difference.

    • Connections
      Featured in The Oscars (2021)

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    FAQ

    • How long is My Octopus Teacher?Powered by Alexa
    • Will this movie be available on DVD/Blu-ray? When?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 7, 2020 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • South Africa
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Mi maestro el pulpo
    • Filming locations
      • Storm Cape, Western Cape, South Africa
    • Production companies
      • A Netflix Original Documentary
      • Off The Fence
      • The Sea Change Project
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 25 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.78 : 1

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