complex web of space and time

This...moving towards understand the interconnections that are the most vital.

Sir David Attenborough gave a speech last night that was both powerful and empowering. He breaks down why he values Our Planet and why we all need to act to take on saving this world. Honestly, can you imagine not loving him?

A review of the film
The world might be going to hell in a handcart as wildlife populations plummet, rain forests are decimated, and for the first time in human history we are told the "stability of nature can no longer be taken for granted". But somehow it doesn't seem so awful or imminent when one of the greatest broadcasters who has ever lived is giving you the bad news.

Having the warm, intelligent, measured voice of Sir David Attenborough repeatedly stating that man's reckless approach to managing Earth's delicate resources is putting it, and therefore our, very existence in grave danger, is a bit like Dr Doug Ross giving you a terminal diagnosis in ER: you don't really hear him because it's GEORGE CLOONEY.

And, so it is with Our Planet.

Sir David is emphatic and uncompromising in his assessment of the state of the natural world.

We have ruined it, basically. Our rapaciousness aligned to industrial-scale destruction and over-population has put us on the brink of an ecological disaster from which there will be no return.

"What we do in the next 20 years will determine the future for all life on Earth", he warns.

It is a stark and important message but it never really lands in the way it is intended. It comes across more as "Oh, and by the way", as opposed to "We're all doomed". And that is because, when all is said and done, this is a classic Attenborough-narrated series full of his inherent optimism and love of the natural world in all its resilient, adaptable, magnificent glory.

To be shown orangutans' habitat mercilessly eroded by the commercial exploitation of palm oil plants is awful, but soon forgotten when you watch mother teach son how to fillet a dead tree for ants.

It is a narrative paradox that runs through Our Planet. However dire Sir David's warnings, they are always overshadowed by his enthusiasm to show us one more piece of amazing never-seen-before footage filmed deep inside the animal kingdom.


via {netflix}
via {bbc}