Wildest beasts on Earth: Killer Whale | Documentary

In the remote volcanic archipelago of the Crozet islands, meet David Reicnert, a cameraman who has an extraordinary talent to locate, approach and tame some of the wildest beasts on Earth.

Enduring raging winds and icy waters with minimal protection, he enters the intimacy of elephant seals and orcas using clever ethological analyses and gets them used to his presence. Then comes the extraordinary: meet a man who communicates with penguins with body language, calms young seals and turns them into live pillows, lies underwater with 8 ton orcas or mature male seals...

Context:
David Reichert is a young American wildlife filmmaker who has dedicated his life to his passion. Specialized in marine subjects, at ease in rough seas and icy waters, David has an incredible resistance to extreme environments and a real talent for dealing with complex wildlife situations. To achieve this unique film, he spent 4 months in an isolated bay on an island 2000 miles away from the nearest continent with Jean François BARTHOD, another talented filmmaker and director with a solid experience as a DOP of feature films.

Author(s) : Bertrand Loyer
Director(s) : Jean-François Barthod
Year : 2006
Producer(s) : Saint Thomas Productions, France 2, Discovery-Animal Planet
Running time : 52mn
Format : Digital Beta, Super 16mm
Distributor(s) : Saint Thomas Productions

Awards :
Filmar,
International See and Environment Film Festival
Hendaye, France - 2009
City of Hendaye’s Award

San Francisco Ocean Film Festival
USA
Wildlife Award

Underwater film festival
St. Petersbourg, Russia
Grand Award and Best Photography Award

International Film Festival
Dompierre-sur-Besbre, France
Best Documentary

33rd festival of underwater image in Antibes
Juan les Pins, France
Palme de Bronze

Nature Festival
Namur, Belgium
Gold tape of the Audience, city of Namur’s award

International Marine and Exploration Film Festival
Toulon, France
Silver Anchor

Jules Verne Festival
Paris, France, 2006
Nature Award and Young Public’s Award

More English documentary :

[pripri]

I honestly think this documentary deserves an award..

[tylerwilson]

this is one of the best Orca documentaries out there

[julioreyram]

I'm not exaggerating by saying that this is the most heart touching well made and produced documentary i've ever seen in my life, i feel so joyful and i'm happy by the fact that a smart human being like David could communicate with my favorite animals in the world, the orca.

[southernbunny]

Watching this at 1AM...watched the whole thing. I have to be at work in a few short hours, I should be sleeping. David, you are incredible. This is the best documentary on orcas I have ever seen. I felt like I was there with you. May God bless you and all of your endeavors. I’ve always had a fondness for orcas. Your passionate work and experience with these animals has really touched my soul. I will never forget this... thank you! ❤️

[tublaujkawmpaub]

I watch over and over this documentary . I am from Laos, a small land lock country bordered with Thailand, the other 4 countries in the Indochina region. I am highly appreciated to see your teams achievement. Your documentary is over an d over excellent of what I can tell

[tutangcanja]

Poor orphaned seal... I want to hug him 😢😢God blesses this men in documentary 🙌🙏🙏

[BBAngelkids]

This was a very nice documentary and it was an eye opening experience. I was really sad when the one little pup was orphaned and had to fend for himself..just hearing him cry for his momma and then be pushed away from the other momma seals broke my heart. I was literally crying over that part.😢💔😭 Also there were a lot of things I didn't even know about Orcas..like for instance..they sleep with one eye open literally because only half of their brain sleeps at a time. Also that they rub up against each other to show affection to one another..and that each pod of Orcas have their own unique speech pattern to talk to one another. That's awesome! Like they say" You learn something new every day"! Thanks for the great video! 🤗🐧🌊🐋💙

[jenny]

This documentary is so beautifully made and the interactions it captured just fill people with love for wildlife. Really appreciated your wonderful work!

[Phobos_]

25:26 you never really get a good sense of scale of the males until David starts running in with the camera and keeps getting smaller and smaller

[blueeyes]

Marvelous! I can see why this documentary won so many awards. Thank you for keeping the video up. God bless and stay well.

[juliamcdonald-carberry]

An excellent Orca documentary. Thank you for sharing this film with us.

[shelemason]

this is the best orca documentary I have watched you are an incredible person and what a blessing to experience this marine wildlife up close thank you

[McHeisenburger]

I am not typically the one to make serious comments, but as a man who is passionate about orcas, this documentary has touched me, truly.

[MrSevillian]

Great work filming and exposing nature, much more in the tradition of Jacques Cousteau than modern documentaries.

[GravityGrave]

The scene where he naps and goofs with the seals was honestly really sweet.

[click]

I don't think I've ever seen a documentary about marine life that is this This is thee best for sure. Thanks a million David. You are super courageous!!!

[sherryditzler]

Truly wonderful thank you for all your hard work to give us such an amazing experience.

[Shanie]

Me and my 7 year old son looks at this documentary every night before going to sleep ❤️❤️

[MLR]

While there is a part of me that questions the wisdom of this man risking so much to be this close to the apex predator of the sea. Having grown up around the sea myself and interacting marine life. I appreciate his due diligence and desire to be one with these powerful animals. This is one outstanding video. To all who made this happen, thanks for what you have done and thanks for sharing.

[gunnyoneshot]

AWESOME!!!! This has got to be the most stunning/breathtaking video I, In my sixty years, have ever seen, about Orcas & Elephant Seals. I truly envy Mr. Reicnert for being able to socialize with these wonderful creatures. Makes you wonder what GOD was thinking when he created them. I will definitely watch this over and over again.
Thank you for posting this masterpiece.
SuperSniperSal
USMC
Disabled War Vet