Fergully: The Last Rainforest (1992)-Viewing Notes

What is the significance of the title? Why is Ferngully the "last" rainforest?

What was the relationship between tree spirits and humans? of humans and nature?

(Note the drawings in the opening of the film and the connection between hands and trees.)

How is evil portrayed in the film? What, if anything, does Hexus symbolize?

What strengthens or weakens him?

Listen to the lyrics of his song? "Toxic Love"

What does Hexus remind you of?

What is the reason for the original alienation of humans and nature?

Hexus can only be released by humans and he feeds on poisons.

One theme in the film is the passing of wisdom to the next generation. Note the relationship of the wise woman Magi and the young tree spirit Chrysta. Pay attention to how Chrysta grows up and gains wisdom during the film. She is typical adolescent in some ways. Learning about her own power.

What is the importance of magic in nature?

Pay attention to the lyrics of the first song, "Life is a Magic Thing."

Chrysta goes above the canopy and sees the wider world, including smoke in the distance. Other animals say never go above the canopy. She sees Mt. Warning. She goes to talk to Magi. She is excited about the wider world.
Magi: everything is connected by the strands of the delicate web of life, a balance between the forces of destruction and the magic of the force of creation. Everyone can call on the magic powers of life, they just have to find it in themselves.
 

Pay attention lyrics of Batty's song. What is the underlying message? Why is Batty so scared of humans?
What is ironic about the fairies comments that humans are extinct and only exist in stories?
 

What attitudes toward science and technology are expressed in the film?

What is the significance of Zack being shrunk to fairy size? How does that help him understand things he couldn't understand before? (Being hunted as food)

The film's main two characters are teenagers.   Do you think the film has any special message for teenagers?

FERNGULLY SONG LYRICS

QUOTES
 

Chrysta (watching trees being cut down):"That's terrible."

Zack: "Only if you live in a tree."
Chrysta: "I do live in a tree."

Chrysta (to Zack): "Don't you miss talking to the forest?"

Chrysta: "Can't you feel its pain?"

Magi Lune: "Look for the hero inside yourself, Chrysta.  Look to the good and loving in you and all others.

For just as every seed holds the power and magic of creation, so too do you and every other creature in this world."

Chrysta:   Magi, don’t leave me.
Magi Lune:   I’ll always be with you.  We all have the power and it grows when it is shared
 

Christa:  "Zack, remember everything."

Zack: "I will remember." "Guys, something's got to change."