VIFF: Once Upon a Forest

I was excited to see this documentary about the top of the Amazon rain forest with a famed French botanist. However, the title of the film Once Upon a Forest should have been the first giveaway.

Within the first 20 minutes, we are treated to a fantasy-like viewing of the luscious Amazon, but complete with animated plants growing from the ground. What was with the superimposed cartoons? I found it took away from the natural beauty of the Amazon, which is why I wanted to see the film in the first place. I ended up leaving early as I didn't want to waste my time watching an artist's rendering of what the Amazon could/should be, rather than seeing the real thing.