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Douce the Bear, Bart the Bear, Tcheky Karyo, Jack Wallace, Doc the Bear ... see more see more... , Griz the Bear , Bear: Bianca , André Lacombe , Check-Up the Puma , Youk the Bear

Jean-Jacques Annaud directed this unusual and compelling tale of animals in the wild, which tells its tale from the bears' point of view. A pair of carefully-trained bruins deliver remarkably effectiv... read more read more...e "performances" (aided by clever editing and, in some sequences, the use of realistic animated models). A infant bear cub (Douce the Bear) witnesses the death of his mother in a rockslide and is forced to set out to fend for himself. The young bear encounters a giant grizzly (Bart the Bear), who at first cannot abide the young bear's presence. However, the grizzly is soon ambushed by a pair of hunters -- Bill (Jack Wallace) and Tom (Tcheky Karyo) -- after an altercation with their pack animals. As the injured beast cleans his wounds in a stream, the young bear comes to his aid, and the giant takes the youngster under his wing. However, Bill and Tom have sworn revenge on the grizzly, and when they capture the young bear, it lures the giant back into the hunters' camp. L'Ours, released in English-speaking countries as The Bear, was based on the novel King Grizzly by James Oliver Curwood. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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76% liked it

8,500 ratings

Critics

92% liked it

12 critics

PG, 1 hr. 32 min.

Directed by: Jean-Jacques Annaud

Release Date: October 25, 1989

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DVD Release Date: March 7, 2000

Stats: 453 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (453)

  • stormyweather980
    September 8, 2009
    stormyweather980
    "The Bear" is the only movie I've ever seen of its kind. It's the story of a little orphaned bear and a wounded Kodiak bear who become friends and try to elude a couple of bear hunters. Along the way, the bears' friendship will grow stronger and they will face dangers other than ... read morefrom the hunters, such as a mountain lion, dogs, and swift waters.
    "The Bear" is a great movie to watch, especially one to watch with the family. The bears are real bears, so they don't talk where you can understand them, but you can understand them perfectly by their actions and gestures. It's an exciting adventure with the bears. The movie has great photography with all the closeups and the footage of the animals. It also has great scenery because the movie was filmed in the Alps.

    If you like animals, I recommend getting "The Bear." It'll be a movie that you will never forget and that you will want to watch again and again for many years to come. There needs to be more movies like "The Bear." NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2000. This is no longer the only movie of its type I've seen, well maybe it still is. Started to say "March of the Penguins" is reminiscent of it but not really - great stuff here!
  • YosemiteSamFan
    August 20, 2007
    YosemiteSamFan
    Nice scenery. An orphaned baby bear hangs out with an older daddy bear. There are humans observing this, with a stern warning from the older bear when they get too close. Not much dialogue. Lots of bear behaviour is captured nicely.
  • constanzaboutter
    July 16, 2009
    constanzaboutter
    Great production, which really cares about animals as the movie portrays them in a light that only an animal lover would. I should know because I love animals, the score is perfect and the closing scene is nothing but heart warming and fulfilling. All people who like animals have... read more to see it.
  • jimbotender
    May 29, 2009
    jimbotender
    A meticulously rejuvenating film,not so much for the tutoring progress (a bear in need for instance),the guidance of this project keeps a succumbing passion of emotions,marvelous cuddles,a child's movie outside Hollywood's brainwashing fishy smell...
  • hawkledge
    February 20, 2009
    hawkledge
    Jean-Jacques Annaud's convincing, naturalistic motifs in which all animals, human and otherwise, seek their place within their environment. First-rate cinematography.
  • SunilJawahir
    September 11, 2007
    SunilJawahir
    I remember seeing it in theatres and I remember being bored.
  • ileo
    April 11, 2007
    ileo
    After many years, I still find this movie heartwrenching but yet fantastic.
  • jjb3332003
    December 14, 2011
    jjb3332003
    A quote from the American writer J.O. Curwood appears at the end of this beautifully cinematographic film - "The greatest thrill is not to kill but to let live." This theme is understatedly delivered by the talented Jean-Jacques Annaud in this touching story about a bear cub loo... read moreking to fit in and the circle of life that nature represents, all set to a wonderul score.
  • dgogirlie
    October 2, 2008
    dgogirlie
    This just cracks me up because I remember going to see it at the theater on a date in sixth grade. I think the movie is okay though.
  • Hamee
    September 14, 2007
    Hamee
    I remember watching this movie in the theater when I was a wee one. While I probably enjoyed it then I doubt it would do anything for me these days!

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Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy
March 26, 2012
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

In theme, Annaud's tale may recall the good Disney features, but its superlative (Oscar-nominated editing) production values and mature approach make it suitable fare for children and adults. Full Review

Charles Cassady
March 29, 2011
Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media

Live-action animal saga is incredible, and a bit scary. Full Review

Scott Weinberg
April 2, 2005
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com

Impressively engaging nature drama.

Staci Layne Wilson
December 31, 2004
Staci Layne Wilson, StaciWilson.com

Click to read the article. Full Review

Bob Ross
July 25, 2002
Bob Ross, Tampa Tribune

Superb nature yarn.

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
June 8, 2001
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

Has all the marks of a classic... it emphasizes the ties that bind the human and animal worlds together. Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
July 24, 2001
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Rita Kempley
July 24, 2001
Rita Kempley, Washington Post

Click to read the article Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum
October 25, 1989
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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The Bear Trivia

  • This "actor" passed away in 2000. He weighted 1,500 pounds, standing 9 1/2 feet tall. He played in White Fangs, The Edge, The Great Outdoors, Legends of the Fall, etc.. Who was he?  Answer »
  • What did rj do to the bear (over the hedge)  Answer »
  • What two movies had both Anthony Hopkins and "Bart" the bear in them?  Answer »
  • what happen to the brother when he killed the bear in the movie brother bear?   Answer »
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