For some reason, the penguin (aptenodytes forsteri) has long infatuated the human (homo sapien). Maybe it’s the enigmatic nature of the beast—a plump and seemingly comical cold weather bird that can’t fly, that mimics both human affection and human playfulness, that cares for its young and its mate (temporarily at least) and that, despite the improbable odds of its survival, appears to coexist quite well with its inhospitable environment.

“March of the Penguins” is a French-built, National Geographic-sponsored documentary—a year in the cycle of life of Antarctica’s emperor penguin. For nature lovers and the NG crowd, this one’s a treat, a wonderfully filmed, masterfully edited and nicely narrated (by Morgan Freeman) glimpse into a group of intrepid birds who waddle and bellyflop some 70 miles to their ritual mating ground and find true love amid the frozen, barren wasteland at the bottom of the Earth.

It is a spectacular and daunting effort of filmmaking—not only in director Luc Jacquet’s ability to capture the essence of these creatures, but also in his team’s effort to brave months of brutal Antarctic temperatures. The filmmakers have gathered some incredible footage, not only of the birds in transit but of their majestic, unforgiving environment. Still, the penguins are the stars here—expect numerous cute and funny scenes that kids will love.

There are some moving moments as well. No species that attempts to mate in minus-80-degree weather and then struggles to survive for months without food escapes without its share of casualties. To director Jacquet’s credit and hinted at by the film’s ‘G’ rating, most of the birds’ lethal predicaments are implied but not shown. The weather takes it toll. So do predators. But when the surviving chicks emerge from underneath their fathers’ bellies (Didn’t know that? Where’s mom? Hey, see the film), all is forgiven. Unless you can’t tolerate the excruciatingly cute, you’ll be smitten.

If there’s any flaw here, it’s perhaps our tendency to attribute human emotion to everything from homesick aliens to the Pet Rock. There are scenes of penguins smooching (so we’re to suppose) and tender moments of romantic intent that the filmmakers pass off as nothing but. The occasional swell of ethereally lush New Age flutes only augments the supposition. In reality—well, who knows. This is more a visual treat than a scientific treatise, so the scholastic among us might be slightly disappointed.

Why not wait for the DVD or for the inevitable National Geographic TV special? Director Jacquet does a remarkable job of capturing these birds up close and personal. The cinematography is exquisite; this is a film that is enhanced by a large-screen presence. It’s also a pleasant change of pace from Hollywood’s standard summer fare. With so many films celebrating the destruction of life, it’s nice to find one that celebrates nature—life, in all its quirky glory.

In a nutshell: This Earth of ours is a big, fabulous, wondrous place. More often than not, amid our daily grind, we tend to forget those things that make it unique and worthy of our notice. “March of the Penguins” reminds us in a most unusual and pleasant way. For nature lovers and penguin addicts and even as lighthearted family fare, this one is a terrific mid-summer offering.

P.S.: A word of warning to the chronically tardy: This flick is currently in limited release locally at the Westlake Village Twin and word of mouth has already made it popular. Expect sold-out weekend showings—remember the lines for “Sideways”?—so get there early.