Reviews

For the record, I can't stand this show, or any of the characters in it. I am waiting for the day someone just drops a big ol'bomb on the lot of them so I will be spared the ridiculously unrealistic dialogue, plot, and one dimensional characters. Beth looks the right age to be John's wife- not daughter. And the way they brand, abuse, and even murder people is disturbing and stupid, all at the same time. The women are all hard as nails, promiscuous, miserable, or a combination of all 3 (Beth). Such a scenic backdrop and a few decent actors, but all that is thrown to the wind in favor of complete nonsense. I don't get the love for the show, until I remember that this is the same nation that made 2 and a half men a hit tv show for years. My husband makes us watch. I keep playing along thinking it will get cancelled- but it keeps getting renewed. Argh!!!!

I loved seeing zeytin live on her own terms, but I am mad at production for exploiting certain situations. The crew knew the Syrian kids stole the puppy and instead of helping her reunite with construction-caretaker, they filmed it knowing full well the puppy would have a better life with her family and caretakers. Also when Zeytin was attacked, did they seek medical care for her like Turks there regularly do? If not, that is not fair to Zeytin. Finally, the whole name of the film is incorrect. Zeytin and her friends are not stray. Turkey recognizes a dog and cats' right to live and exist without an owner, unlike here in the US where we feel more civilized because we euthanize millions of healthy animals every year, or force them to be locked in shelters/in a cage, sometimes for years. Again I have a lot of issues with this film but Zeytin is a star.

I love nature documentaries and this was no exception. It was a beautifully shot and informative documentary. I found Foster to be pretty self indulgent and trying to draw a metaphor for everything in his own life against the natural world of the octopus. It really was a one sided friendship where the octopus took a chance and let this man into her world. Foster was a little dramatic and truly seems to only care about the octopus in regards to his own life's purpose. I found myself screaming at the screen when he would not help his little friend in very dire circumstances. We rescue animals in nature all the time. I don't see why he thought his little friend should not be afforded any benefits from having a giant human advocate. Even the octopus' end -left to be ravaged by the nature surrounding it was too much for me. I know it's the 'circle of life' but under the pretense of him supposedly having formed a special loving bond with her- it really bothered me. He interfered with her natural habitat to make his video but would not interfere to save her. He is a rich self absorbed bore.

Him aside- I've always been fascinated by the magic of octopuses. She does not disappoint with her quick mind, magic skills, and sweet curiosity. Hopefully this documentary will raise sensitivity and awareness towards these beautiful intelligent creatures and why they should be protected much in the same way we do with dolphins. The only reason I give this 5 stars instead of the 1 star (Foster deserves for his narcissism) is for raising awareness for octopuses.