It's easy to look back now, but I can't imagine how anyone could have believed that interfering with another living being in this way would ever be acceptable. The scientists involved may have had good intentions, but it seems inevitable that the outcome would be what it was for the chimpanzee they named “Nim Chimpsky.” Separated from his mother at birth, he’s taken in by a group attempting to demonstrate that with enough care, they could teach him how to communicate. They provide "Nim" with everything associated with family and become his entire world, and he responds with affectionate, playful, and attentive actions. Then the scientific aspects begin to overshadow any natural elements of the program, and soon he’s confined, subjected to experiments, and essentially let down by those who claimed to “love” him. Financial problems and the more ambitious goals of science quickly erase any possibility of genuine compassion as legal battles arise and "Nim" becomes a pawn – abandoned and isolated. It's deeply upsetting to witness this, largely because the underlying scientific idea is presumptuous and simply incorrect. The film presents substantial footage documenting this project, often featuring input from the scientists themselves, powerfully demonstrating how short-sighted it was, a venture that would only continue as long as funding allowed. You could argue about the possible advantages or disadvantages of animal research when animals are used in developing life-saving medications, but this deliberate effort to control and manipulate the psychological and emotional development of this young ape as if he were a toy is disturbing to watch. While it’s unsettling and thought provoking, the film is well constructed and maintains an essentially unbiased approach to its presentation. The filmmakers don't try to persuade us; they simply present evidence and allow viewers to draw their own conclusions, unlike those raising "Nim."

Source on TMDB