Oceans

What it's about:

Nearly three quarters of the earth’s surface is covered with water and we boldly chronicle the mysteries that lie beneath, diving deep into the very waters that sustain all of mankind – exploring its harsh reality and the amazing creatures that live within. Featuring spectacular never-before-seen imagery captured using the latest underwater technologies, the film offers an unprecedented look beneath the sea in a powerful motion picture.

What we thought:

Disney’s Oceans took an entire seven years to make and it's easy to see why, it is an incredible film. The acclaimed French actor, producer and director Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud co-direct this ecological documentary. These talented filmmakers take us on an amazing journey using technological innovations to reveal never before seen footage of marine life, allowing us to experience the sub-aquatic world through their eyes.

Oceans follows in the wake of another Disney success, Winged Migration, also produced by Perrin and Cluzaud – clearly Disney knows all the right ingredients (and directors) to make a great movie. The first scenes of the movie portray marine animals, such as fishes, dolphins, and whales in their natural habitat and the potential dangers they face by other marine predators. The following scenes then look at the human threats these animals face through pollution and illegal hunting.

There is not much narrative to the story, rather the vivid images produced by nature is the narrative. When we do hear the narrator speaking, he only uses a few simple sentences making the impact of his words so much more powerful.

You may be pleasantly surprised by the many emotions you experience watching the film. At some points you’re at the edge of your seat filled with suspense, such as when the newly hatched baby turtles are trying to run to the safety of the ocean before the seagulls attack. Other scenes are more comedic, like watching the fight scene between the crab and another sea creature that clearly has a temper! Then there is the emotional, heart-wrenching, tear-jerking moments like when the animals are caught in the ships’ nets struggling to get free.

One thing that stood out was the cinematography that shows us, with incredible clarity, the lives of every marine animal you can think of, including those many of us never knew existed. The colours are astounding like the mesmerizing, ever-changing blues of the ocean and the bright colours of the animals. Added to these visuals are the fascinating sounds of the animals and the background music, played by an orchestra that knows exactly how to create the perfect atmosphere.

Although every animal is different, you get a sense that they all have the same gentle, rhythmic movements – from the largest whale to the smallest insect. Watching the interaction between the animals is especially enjoyable and seems remarkably similar to human relationships, like the adorable moment between the walrus mother who protectively cuddles her little baby. What the documentary provides is a harmonious picture of the ocean where so many different species of marine life somehow fit together. It’s almost as if you’re putting together random pieces of a puzzle and ending up with this spectacular picture.

Oceans really opens our eyes to the natural beauty of our planet and how we are destroying this beauty through our destructive practices. Yet at the same time, it gives us hope that it’s not too late to change our fate. Far from being a bland documentary, it’s an extraordinary film that'll make you appreciate your environment so much more.