Chimp Empire

I've never seen anything like this.

Animal documentaries, especially African animal films have become commonplace and frankly rather predictable. But Chimp Empire is something new. This four-episode series is like watching Game of Thrones on a more intimate and intense scale. Much of the credit goes to the cinematographers who have managed a vital technique. Somehow they have brought us so close into this Ugandan chimp tribe the we can see every facial expression, look into every eye and recognize all of the players. Like humans, they play subtle politics, make war, care for children and kill enemies. Narrator Mahershala Ali weaves the power struggles of these personalities so subtly that he manages to amplify the power of jaw-dropping scenes.

I don't know how they did it, but I'll be watching all four episodes.

This series is fantastic. I always love a good nature documentary and this one was exactly what I was looking for. Nothing more fascinating than the human like mannerisms and politics of our closest relatives.

It is hard to imagine how they managed to capture all of this footage. They are seemingly living amongst the tribe and giving you an up close and personal account of their daily lives.

Their hierarchy struggles are eye opening and highlight our own human motivations that are so deeply ingrained. It is hard not to relate and look within at what really motivates you.

Excellent story and excellent writing. I like Mahershala as the narrator. Well done all around.

Im not an Chimpanzee expert by any means, but after watching this 4 Part Documentary, im confident to say, that i learned quite a lot, by seeing this. It was super interesting to watch and shot so beautfiful. Also it was narrated very well and the way they gave each Chimp a name and certain characteristics about them, gave the viewer an opportunity to connect to these chimps fairly quick and so with that, it was a really deep experience. In my opinion each episode had the perfect length and from what ive read in an article, is that they had camera crews, which filmed for over 400 days for this project. Basically following these chimps each day. And that really shows itself in each episode. So, do you wanna dive deep into the forest? Go ahead. 9/10🔥👏🏼

I started watching, flipping thru the channels and I assumed I'd give it a minute and flip but this isn't your typical Animal show. The Director has studied these Chimps & shows to the viewers the deep level of societal interaction they have. They're tremendously smart, I had no idea. Fascinating stuff. Hope they make another season but knowing Netflix, this was a one time deal. I started watching, flipping thru the channels and I assumed I'd give it a minute and flip but this isn't your typical Animal show. The Director has studied these Chimps & shows to the viewers the deep level of societal interaction they have. They're tremendously smart, I had no idea. Fascinating stuff. Hope they make another season but knowing Netflix, this was a one time deal.

An incredible documentary following two chimp clans in Kibale National Park. I was immediately captivated, but motivated to finish the whole thing purely to discover what becomes of Gus, a young male chimp, in his quest to find a foothold within his clan.

And that's what is great about this series - I became emotionally invested in these chimps and their lives. I was able to relate to some of the decisions they made, particularly when decisions centered around motherhood and protecting infant chimpanzees. I felt sad for some, happy for others, and even annoyed at certain strategies a few adopted. This is not just brilliant production and beautifully captured shots of Kibale and the chimps, but a great story which is also well narrated.