Disneynature’s Oceans
Rating: G
Genre: Documentary
Why I liked Oceans:
- Marine biology is the shit.
- Pierce fucking Brosnan narrated it,
- so the British accent made it epic.
- The cinematography was breathtaking.
- It went in depth with many aspects of Ocean life,
- such as exploring the different ecosystems,
- the marine life that thrive there,
- how they live their day-to-day lives under the sea,
- dealing with predators and Ocean water pollution.
- It was exactly what it advertised itself to be.
Overall Grade: B
For the successful conveying of Ocean life through live-action documentary footage, shot in the most beautiful and magical of ways, put together to make a family friendly and informative picture. And Pierce Brosnan, ‘nuff said.
Disneynature, the studio that presented the record-breaking film “Earth,” brings OCEANS to the big screen on Earth Day, 2010. Nearly three-quarters of the Earth’s surface is covered by water and OCEANS boldly chronicles the mysteries that lie beneath. Directors Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud dive deep into the very waters that sustain all of mankind—exploring the playful splendor and the harsh reality of the weird and wonderful creatures that live within. Featuring spectacular never-before-seen imagery captured by the latest underwater technologies, OCEANS offers an unprecedented look beneath the sea in a powerful yet enchanting motion picture. (Fandango)
In it’s simplest terms, it’s an innovative and fun documentary featuring marine wildlife and how they live through stunning cinematography.
So I went to see Oceans on a whim today. I absolutely adore marine biology, so ever since I heard this documentary was coming out I’ve been wanting to see it. I didn’t get to see Earth, but I definitely want to after having seen this.
Oceans was a pretty good film. It followed less of a story line and more of an adventure through the sea, which I think that’s what it was going for. I assumed it would take me through different sea life, how that sea life lived and thrived, and overall just explore the magic and beauty of the ocean. And that’s pretty much what it did.
Pierce Brosnan’s lovely voice narrated the story of our oceans, telling the audience about the sleeping habits of Humpback Whales, describing the magnificent Blanket Octopus as “red silk” through the water, and sharing the disturbing facts about Ocean pollution and it’s infiltration into these creatures habitats.
I will admit it was a little slow to start, and I found myself thinking “Oh gosh I have another hour and a half of this?” But it quickly picks up once you feel the same passion for the ocean as the documentary projects.
The cinematography was to die for, bringing in stunning visuals of brightly colored fish, a fishing boat battling enormous stormy waves, Alaskan mountains overlooking the icy sea, and many other stunning images. I really can’t say enough about it. It was really cutting edge, and the things that were on the screen were brilliant to behold. I don’t want to say too much because what was captured on screen for this film is really an extraordinary must see that should be left for a surprise.
The rhythm and editing of the documentary was spot on, transitioning from ecosystem to ecosystem and discussing the wildlife in each one. Some of it’s flow was a bit awkward, but Pierce’s soothing vocals make you forget all about jumping from leafy sea dragons to narwhals. My only other complaint was lack of exploration of deep sea life and all the crazy creatures down there, but that’s just a personal observation.
(SPOILER) Some notable moments include a moment between a mother walrus and her baby as she teaches it how to swim- a rather touching display of motherly affection in wildlife. The battle between thousands of king crabs scattered along the ocean floor for as far as the eye could see, piled up on one another, was an incredible sight. Incredible for both it’s element of inducing the audience to think “WHAT THE FUCK” and “THAT’S REPULSIVE.” At least, that’s what I was thinking.
One moment that I found most memorable was when the documentary followed a beautiful whale shark, swimming innocently enough into an enormous man-made net. It became so entangled in it to the point where it couldn’t move. Thousands of these animals die every day due these fishing nets. It’s so terrible, and so easy to prevent! It’s so unnecessary and ridiculous that it happens.
In the end, Oceans was a lovely documentary, and I would definitely recommend it for a fun little adventure into another world.
Compare it To: Disneynature’s Earth
