Born in China 2017

The film intricately weaves together the stories of three distinct animal families as they navigate the ever-changing seasons in the wilds of China. We meet a mother snow leopard named Dawa, who resides in the remote Qinghai Plateau. Dawa is fiercely protective of her two cubs, constantly facing threats from nature and rival predators. As spring blooms, she easily wards off a rival snow leopard, but by fall, he returns, accompanied by his aggressive sons, and Dawa is unable to fend them all off. As winter descends, a desperate hunt for sheep results in Dawa sustaining serious injuries. Tragically, a year passes, and in a gripping turn of events during spring, she falls victim to a domestic yak while hunting. Dawa’s cubs are left to fend for themselves, facing the harsh realities of life without their mother.

In the central mountain valleys of Sichuan, we encounter TaoTao, a young golden snub-nosed monkey, who grapples with his feelings of jealousy towards his newborn sister. Feeling neglected by his parents, he seeks solace among a group of rebellious monkeys known as “The Lost Boys,” led by an adult male named Rooster. However, when Rooster clashes with TaoTao’s father one autumn day, TaoTao shifts his loyalties back to his family during the colder months. Initially rejected, his family eventually opens their hearts to him again. As the seasons change, TaoTao finds himself drifting away from his family, but when a Goshawk threatens his sister, he bravely comes to her rescue, reinstating his place within the family unit.

Meanwhile, nearby in a vibrant bamboo forest, YaYa, a protective giant panda, watches over her curious daughter, MeiMei. As time rolls forward, MeiMei’s fascination with her surroundings grows, yet her overbearing mother remains cautious, aware of the lurking dangers. As the seasons shift, we witness MeiMei’s coming of age—she climbs her first tall tree in spring, showcasing her newfound skills. Although pride fills YaYa’s heart, she understands that her daughter is now ready to explore the world beyond their home, prompting her to fade into the forest.

In the rugged elevations of western China, chiru antelope inhabit the expansive plains near the Qinghai Plateau. Each spring, the female antelopes embark to Zhuonai Lake to nurture their young, leaving the males behind. As autumn arrives, their young antelopes, now prepared for their return journey, face the perilous threat of wolves eager to prey on them. Upon reuniting for the mating season, the adults struggle to recognize their companions and offspring after months apart.

As the film culminates, we witness the animals embracing their lives within the wild tapestry around them. Dawa’s young cubs play joyfully in the mountains, while TaoTao and his father share a serene moment by the riverbank. In a heartwarming scene, a giant panda—potentially YaYa—welcomes another baby into the world. Meanwhile, a young chiru antelope thrives, impressing a potential mate with its graceful leaps. As the narrator poignantly concludes, in Chinese mythology, the cycle of life continues, with a red-crowned crane carrying souls onward to new beginnings, encapsulating the eternal dance of birth and rebirth.