This is a 90 minute film which, devoid of its art, presents an interesting summary of not only the cave "art" of an absolutely illiterate culture but also the fascinating effect of striking beautiful mineral accretions that resulted during the time that the subject cave was sealed by landslide some tens of thousands years ago. At the time that the illiterate culture made extremely primitive line drawings on the cave walls, which sometimes considered the topology of the cave as if this were some kind of "three dimensional" effect, it was possible to wander all over what would become modern Europe because of thick glaciers that when melted would fill in the English channel with water. Thus, there was some communication between the primitive illiterate cultures as evidenced by their primitive art. The cave "art" lacks any complexity such as precise human features or studies of anatomy. The film is worthwhile for its 30 minutes of science, never mind the awed participant stares.

Fascinating film. I wish the theatre I saw it at had it in 3D. It's a bit long at times...but extremely fascinating.

Very good, but there's no reason to pay a lot for it or to see it on a big screen.

I will be the first to admit that this film is not for everyone. Many of the audience members may be put to sleep by the pacing. I myself enjoyed most of it, especially the perfumer they engaged to "smell the cave" . The artwork is amazing and the complete opposite of the child like paintings i expected to see. You will never see anything like this in your life so I strongly suggest giving this film a view.

I'm so grateful that the French government gave Herzog permission to film at the Chauvet caves since this movie will be the closest I'll ever get to seeing them. The artwork is amazing and Herzog's mythic approach to it makes for a really provocative view. Most of his interviews added to the layers of meaning, even the French parfumier nuzzling the countryside trying to sniff out undiscovered caves, but I could have done without some of the music which I found incredibly irritating and distracting in places. Overall, it's a very satisfying film and will give you lots to ponder about where we come from and what's at the core of being human.