Naomi Weisman is a Canadian-Australian and mother of three, who loves to Ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.
I think that I was born loving primates. There has never been a time, in my memory, that I haven’t loved them. Orangutans, Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Baboons— they all tug at my heartstrings.
My parents loved bringing us to the zoo when we were small. The Miami Zoo had a baboon exhibit that I adored because my dad had named them all. We would talk to them as though they were old friends. Those visits planted the seed for a lifelong fascination with the connections between humans and animals—especially our closest relatives, the great apes.
So when I watched Jane Goodall: Famous Last Words, I was completely transfixed. The documentary captures the world’s most beloved primatologist in the twilight of her life, yet still filled with boundless energy, curiosity, and compassion. At nearly ninety, Jane continued to travel the world, spreading her message of hope for the planet and all living beings.
What makes this documentary so moving is Jane’s humility and sense of wonder. She speaks as though she’s still that young woman in the field, learning something new every day. But there’s also a gentle urgency—an awareness that time is finite, and that her final message might be the most important: it’s not too late for us to change course, to live in harmony with nature rather than domination over it.
The film feels both intimate and profound. We see her reflecting on her life’s work in Gombe, where her groundbreaking observations of chimpanzees changed science forever.
Yet what lingers most are the quiet, personal moments—the glint in her eye as she jokes about her “afterlife plan,” suggesting she might return as a tree, or perhaps as a mischievous chimp herself. Her quirky sense of humor and unshakable belief in the interconnectedness of all life make her musings feel less like eccentricity and more like gentle wisdom.
One of my favorite scenes is Jane and her interviewer sharing a scotch at day’s end. It’s such a human moment—two kindred spirits toasting to curiosity, courage, and the messy beauty of life. The warmth between them feels like an acknowledgment that while her physical journey may be nearing its end, her spirit continues to ripple outward.
Ultimately, Famous Last Words isn’t a farewell—it’s a love letter. A love letter to the natural world, to empathy, and to the enduring belief that small acts of care can still change the course of our shared story.
Nomi’s Verdict: A deeply human, quietly profound portrait of a living legend. Bring tissues—and maybe a banana or two.
READ MORE > Nomi's Pics, Rambler Cafe Blog
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