How Planet Earth II nearly saved 2016
2016 has been a treacherous year, with a plethora of political and social trauma thrown at humanity in all directions. However, out of the ashes of sorrow and despair, a new glimmer of hope has arisen and united our broken country in admiration and optimism. That’s right kids – I’m talking about Planet Earth II.
Nature documentaries are an oasis in the parched desert of 2016, spreading light and joy in the form of flirting birds, bears scratching itches and lizards narrowly escaping the clutches of serpentine doom. A glorious reminder that not every living organism knows who Donald Trump is. As Sir David Attenborough narrates the unfathomable beauty of nature, it’s hard to comprehend that what’s being shown is reality. The effort of everyone involved in this production is evident in every frame and the way the mesmerising landscapes and action scenes are interwoven with a breath-taking soundtrack is almost hypnotic. Each segment on the varied animals could be movies in themselves, from beholding the exhilaration of a Hollywood-esque action escape scenario to having a comical and truly euphoric realization about what nature has to offer. The program is so remarkable it transcends the concept of a mere nature documentary.
One of the most tragic stories was about a mother fairy tern (which we can all agree is an adorable name) incubating her egg despite the fact that it had been broken by another bird. "She knows something’s not quite right. But her drive to incubate is strong," narrates the wonderful Attenborough as she looks confused and distraught, yet she still attempts to conserve the life of her unborn chick. Her naïve hopefulness eventually reduced the entire nation to tears.
Thankfully, not all of the stories are quite so tragic and violent – such as the stunning footage of bioluminescent jungle mushrooms growing from the jungle floor which transported viewers to a surreal world of immense beauty. A world without politics, tranquil and captivating.
The back-scratching and gyrating bears were a notable highlight of this documentary. The comical moment provided relief to those suffering with the unpredicted aspects of our political future.
Whilst you witness each animal go through the struggles of survival, a new perception of empathy is gained towards these creatures. It is important to recognise the value of Planet Earth II, as it highlights the fragility of our beautiful natural world. With impending environmental devastation, due to climate change, there will be a subsequent loss of many of the wildlife depicted in this documentary. Hopefully this documentary will have an impact on new eyes who share a mutual concern for the future of the world.
By Evie Swan and Laurel Hart
Nature documentaries are an oasis in the parched desert of 2016, spreading light and joy in the form of flirting birds, bears scratching itches and lizards narrowly escaping the clutches of serpentine doom. A glorious reminder that not every living organism knows who Donald Trump is. As Sir David Attenborough narrates the unfathomable beauty of nature, it’s hard to comprehend that what’s being shown is reality. The effort of everyone involved in this production is evident in every frame and the way the mesmerising landscapes and action scenes are interwoven with a breath-taking soundtrack is almost hypnotic. Each segment on the varied animals could be movies in themselves, from beholding the exhilaration of a Hollywood-esque action escape scenario to having a comical and truly euphoric realization about what nature has to offer. The program is so remarkable it transcends the concept of a mere nature documentary.
One of the most tragic stories was about a mother fairy tern (which we can all agree is an adorable name) incubating her egg despite the fact that it had been broken by another bird. "She knows something’s not quite right. But her drive to incubate is strong," narrates the wonderful Attenborough as she looks confused and distraught, yet she still attempts to conserve the life of her unborn chick. Her naïve hopefulness eventually reduced the entire nation to tears.
Thankfully, not all of the stories are quite so tragic and violent – such as the stunning footage of bioluminescent jungle mushrooms growing from the jungle floor which transported viewers to a surreal world of immense beauty. A world without politics, tranquil and captivating.
The back-scratching and gyrating bears were a notable highlight of this documentary. The comical moment provided relief to those suffering with the unpredicted aspects of our political future.
Whilst you witness each animal go through the struggles of survival, a new perception of empathy is gained towards these creatures. It is important to recognise the value of Planet Earth II, as it highlights the fragility of our beautiful natural world. With impending environmental devastation, due to climate change, there will be a subsequent loss of many of the wildlife depicted in this documentary. Hopefully this documentary will have an impact on new eyes who share a mutual concern for the future of the world.
By Evie Swan and Laurel Hart