Monkey Kingdom

Monkey Kingdom

Year: 2015

Runtime: 81 min

Language: English

Directors: Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfield

Documentary

A determined young mother, Maya, strives to protect her family and reclaim their place within a troop of Japanese macaques in the lush mountains of central Japan. After losing their home to a rival group, Maya leads her infant son and a small band of others through challenging terrain, encountering unfamiliar landscapes and forming unexpected partnerships. Through perseverance and ingenuity, they seek a new, stable existence and the chance to rebuild their community.

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Timeline & Setting – Monkey Kingdom (2015)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Monkey Kingdom (2015). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie revolves around the cyclical rhythms of nature, specifically focusing on the seasonal changes and their impact on the macaque troop. The narrative showcases themes of survival and social dynamics that exist in both nature and human society, echoing challenges faced over generations.

Location

Polonnaruwa, Castle Rock, Lily Pond, Nearby City

The film is set in the ancient city ruins of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, surrounded by lush greenery and rich wildlife. This historical location is known for its impressive archaeological sites, reflecting a deep-rooted cultural heritage. Castle Rock serves as a significant landmark, representing the Lowborn's territory and social struggles, while the lily pond represents hidden resources that play a critical role in survival.

🏞️ Nature 🏰 Historical Site 🍃 Wilderness

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:06

Main Characters – Monkey Kingdom (2015)

Meet the key characters of Monkey Kingdom (2015), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Maya

Maya is a lowborn toque macaque, characterized by her determination and strength as she navigates the trials of motherhood and social hierarchy. Initially oppressed and vulnerable, her journey illustrates resilience, culminating in her rise within the troop. Maya’s fierce love for her son Kip drives her actions, making her a poignant representation of maternal courage.

🐒 Mother 💪 Resilient 👑 Ambitious

Kumar

Kumar is a charming newcomer who represents hope and potential for change in Maya's life. His innate leadership qualities begin to shine as he interacts with the troop, and he transforms from a secret lover to a figure of respect among the macaques. His role as Maya’s partner highlights themes of partnership and unity in overcoming obstacles.

🐒 Leader 💖 Charming 🤝 Supportive

Raja

Raja is the dominant alpha male of the troop, marked by his possessive and aggressive nature. His initial treatment of Maya reflects the harsh realities of hierarchical structures in animal communities. However, as circumstances change, Raja's character evolves, revealing complexity and a sense of loyalty to the troop despite his earlier antagonism.

🐒 Alpha 🔒 Possessive ⚔️ Conflict

Kip

Kip, Maya's son, symbolizes innocence and vulnerability, becoming a catalyst for his mother's fierce protective instincts. Throughout the film, Kip’s journey revolves around his connection with Maya and the challenges of growing up in a tumultuous environment. His character embodies the themes of motherhood and survival.

🐒 Young 👶 Innocent 💓 Loved

Lex

Lex is the leader of a rival troop, known for his aggression and ambition. His character represents the external threats that test the unity and survival of Maya's troop. His actions drive the conflict within the story, showcasing the primal nature of competition in the wild.

🐒 Rival ⚔️ Aggressive 😡 Fearsome

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:06

Major Themes – Monkey Kingdom (2015)

Explore the central themes of Monkey Kingdom (2015), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👑 Social Hierarchy

The movie explores the complex social hierarchy among the toque macaque troop, illustrating how dominance and submission affect their interactions. Maya's struggles and eventual rise highlight themes of resilience and evolution in social status. This theme resonates not just within the animal kingdom but mirrors societal structures in human culture.

❤️ Motherhood

Maya's journey emphasizes the challenges and triumphs of motherhood amid adversity. Her relentless pursuit to protect and reunite with her son Kip showcases the depth of maternal instinct and love. The sacrifices she makes reflect the universal theme of a mother's unwavering dedication to her children.

⚔️ Conflict and Unity

The narrative depicts the theme of conflict both within and between groups, as rivalries manifest in battles for territory. Yet, it also shows how adversity can unite individuals towards a common goal, particularly in Maya's leadership, which rallies her troop against external threats. This theme illustrates the strength found in solidarity through shared struggles.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:06

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Movies about underdog mothers like Monkey Kingdom

Stories of determined mothers fighting for their family's survival and place in the world.If you liked watching Maya's journey in Monkey Kingdom, you'll enjoy these similar movies about mothers fighting against the odds. This collection features hopeful stories of maternal determination, where a mother's love and resourcefulness are the keys to survival and social ascent.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a linear, straightforward path where a mother protagonist loses her security or status and must embark on a perilous journey. Through a series of challenges that test her ingenuity and resolve, she gradually rebuilds her family's stability, often culminating in a triumphant reclaiming of their rightful place.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on a mother's arc from vulnerability to strength. They blend medium emotional weight with a steady, hopeful pacing, creating an inspiring and tense viewing experience that ultimately feels rewarding and uplifting.

Movies about displacement and rebuilding like Monkey Kingdom

Uplifting stories about losing a home and the perilous quest to find a new one.Find movies similar to Monkey Kingdom that explore themes of displacement and community rebuilding. These films follow characters on a steady, adventurous journey after losing their home, focusing on resourcefulness, leadership, and the triumphant feeling of creating a new beginning.

hopefuladventuroustenseperiloustriumphantcommunityresourcefulnessjourney

Narrative Summary

The plot structure begins with a destabilizing event that forces a group from their sanctuary. The middle act is a journey of adaptation, filled with both danger and discovery. The story concludes with a successful establishment of a new home, emphasizing the themes of resilience, leadership, and the importance of community.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific emotional mix: the tension of survival and peril is balanced by a core of hopeful determination. The pacing is consistently steady, charting a clear physical and social journey that leads to a satisfying, happy conclusion centered on unity and security.

Unlock the Full Story of Monkey Kingdom

Don't stop at just watching — explore Monkey Kingdom in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Monkey Kingdom is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Monkey Kingdom Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Monkey Kingdom, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Monkey Kingdom Summary

Monkey Kingdom Timeline

Track the full timeline of Monkey Kingdom with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Monkey Kingdom Timeline

Monkey Kingdom Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Monkey Kingdom that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Monkey Kingdom Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Monkey Kingdom

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Monkey Kingdom: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Monkey Kingdom

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