'The Green Planet' (2022)
Opening thoughts: Have been a massive fan of David Attenborough for most of my young adult life and see any new project of his without fail. Amazing images, information that entertains, teaches, moves and shocks, cute and menacing animals, complex mix of emotions and unforgettable sequences are abound in everything he does, and it is hard to not listen to his distinctive voice for hours. When it comes to presenting and narrating nature documentaries, he is incomparable.
'The Green Planet' is another treasure from Attenborough, who may dislike being called a national treasure but wholly deserves being considered one. It is not quite some of his best work, not being on 'Blue Planet' and 'Planet Earth's' level, but it is his most ground-breaking series in a long time. Can not remember any other documentary of his that explored such a wide variety of plants in such a comprehensive way and with such unique behaviours. All five instalments are never less than excellent and are visually stunning and informative.
Good things; Everything. As said, all five episodes look fantastic. With some absolutely stunning photography, that at its best is cinematic-worthy. Can say nothing bad about the scenery, which is both beautiful and unforgiving. They are breath-taking in their beauty while also suitably cruel (the underwater in "Water Worlds" is both a beautiful and unforgiving place), reminding one that the different environments pose daily challenges for its inhabitants.
Did like too that the music is beautifully scored and tonally varied (whether majestic, playful or melancholic), without being too melodramatic. Throughout the narration educates, thought-provokes and entertains, with the odd surprise. Cannot praise Attenborough himself enough. He delivers the information so sincerely and enthusiastically, without talking down, and he is easily in the top 10 of voices that one can listen to for hours tirelessly.
Neither can any fault be had with the plants, such an amazing job is done making one care for them. Prey and predator and regardless of size, in a way that one cares about a well written human character without over-humanising. There are images that left me asking "how was this even caught on camera". All while also bringing something fresh to the more familiar plants. There are so many moments of sheer beauty, but the series is also not afraid to show a more brutal, uncompromising side.
Closing thoughts: Overall, truly wonderful.
10/10.
