REVIEW: ‘The Hidden Life of Trees’ goes into the forest with Peter Wohlleben
Photo: The Hidden Life of Trees follows the career and passions of forester Peter Wohlleben. Photo courtesy of Capelight Pictures / Provided by Fusion Entertainment with permission.
Peter Wohlleben, the world-renowned forester, has become a global icon for conservation and respect for nature. His writing is science-based, but accessible, and his wonderment when describing the forest is truly inspired.
Now, Wohlleben’s message has jumped mediums, evolving from the page to the screen with the new documentary The Hidden Life of Trees, which was released this summer from Capelight Pictures and MPI Media Group. The film promises a walk in the woods with Wohlleben, which is an extra special treat because this man is able to convey deep scientific thoughts in such beautifully rendered language that most of his audience members become disciples of the cause.
The film is mostly an effective adaptation of the forester’s own words and career. The best parts are when Wohlleben is out in the woods, describing the majesty of the trees and their uniquenesses. The problems only occur when minor directorial flourishes — such as an unnecessary narration — get in the way of the overarching narrative.
The direction by Jörg Adolph captures the lush countryside and the inherent beauty of the trees — from all angles. On screen, there are portraits of root systems, canopies and trunks. There is a trek to what is believed to be the oldest tree in the world, and there are images of Wohlleben leading groups into the forest with the hope of education and inspiration as the day’s takeaways.
There’s no enemy per say in the film, but it’s clear where Wohlleben stands when it comes to logging these trees. He offers scientific reasons for his beliefs, and he also dabbles in some appropriate personification when he discuses trees’ ability to think, communicate and remember. He touches the trees with his hands and talks of the forest not as a set structure that doesn’t move and breathe; instead, he describes these arbors with great ardor, respecting their life-giving power and recognizing their intrinsic dignity.
The Hidden Life of Trees is not as effective as its main character, but as a documentary it is able to showcase enough of the wonder of the forest for audience members to feel great passion and compassion for the world’s greenery. There’s a clear message in this film and in the entire work of Wohlleben: Individuals and communities need to start respecting the forest, otherwise something grand and exquisite will be lost forever, and with its demise, so goes the world.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Hidden Life of Trees (2021). In German and English with subtitles. Directed by Jörg Adolph. Featuring Peter Wohlleben. Running time: 101 minutes. Rating: 
