The isle of martens

A review of "The Isle" 

The isle of the title is the Donauinsel, an artificial island (really a kind of protective wall against excessive flooding) in the middle of Vienna, the capital city of Austria. The island is a recreational area with everything from beaches and rock festivals to a mosque, but it's also a haven for countless of animals. Most of them are pretty regular: martins, martens, mallards, beavers, mice, frogs, grass snakes, more martens, even more martens…if you love temperate European fauna (martens, say) rather than the lion Cecil or the killer whale Willy, “The Isle” is a real treat. If not, you might find this a bit boring. The only sensational scene features a nasty dog chasing a fawn with (presumably) lethal intent! Perhaps the Austrian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals should take a closer look at this? Otherwise, a very laid back production. Works on long, rainy summer days…