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My Octopus Teacher

  • 2020
  • TV-G
  • 1h 25m
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
68K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
4,783
727
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
    68K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    4,783
    727
    • Directors
      • Pippa Ehrlich
      • James Reed
    • Writers
      • Pippa Ehrlich
      • James Reed
    • Stars
      • Craig Foster
      • Tom Foster
    • 675User 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

    Edit
    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 reviews675

    8.167.9K
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    Featured reviews

    mreuvers

    Whoever wants to eat an octopus after this, is missing three hearts

    Such an amazing documentary, told from four hearts, about an unlikely connection between a human and an octopus. What's amazing about this movie is that was capable of making me feel good about nature as well as humans. The mere fact that we both want to connect, just shows that there is a stronger connection between us and the animal kingdom than most of us realize. Absolute must watch...
    8evanston_dad

    Mixed Reactions

    I had mixed reactions to this documentary about a man's love for an octopus. I've seen a lot of reviewers complain that it's yet one more story about a self-absorbed privileged white guy whining about his white person problems and making the underwater natural world all about himself. I can see how people might react to the movie that way I guess, but I didn't feel that way while watching it. Instead, I thought it was a visually breathtaking film about our relationship with and responsibility to the natural world. The way he approached his subject didn't seem that intrusive to me, and there were several moments where he explicitly said he did not interfere with nature even when he wanted to because he didn't want to upset the natural balance. I thought this film was a good reminder that we co-exist with the natural world and it's to mankind's benefit to respect it and try to understand it, if for no other reason than that our lives depend on it.

    And and can I just say that the octopus may just be one of the most fascinating creatures on the face of the earth?

    Grade: A-
    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.
    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.
    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.

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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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    FAQ17

    • 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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