The ice age may be long over, but its legacy lives on, with every awe-inspiring mountain range and deep winding valley cut into the landscape. From the frozen wilds of north Scotland, to the idyllic picture of the Lake District, to the rugged highlands of Wales, comedian Griff Rhys-Jones shows us how the ancient glaciers shaped the British mainland. With every peak visited, we learn something of their formation, their impact on mankind across the centuries, and mankind's impact upon them. They shaped the culture, provided the raw materials of industry, set challenges for the sporty, or simply made a nice place for a holiday. Every breathtaking shot across the five episodes should leave you wanting to drive up to the mountains by the end credits. We are also reminded that mountains are far more fragile ecosystems than they may appear, and we are having a very definite impact not only upon them, but upon the other various forms of life that call them home. Jones is an excellent host for the series, enthusiastic enough to grab your attention, fit enough to reach every summit, and strikes just the right balance in between levity and preachiness so that you take him seriously but don't feel you're being lectured to. If I had to niggle it would only be to say that it was all too short, and that there are plenty of more notable vistas to explore. I suppose you have to draw the line somewhere. Put this on the biggest screen in the house, and let 'Mountain' take you on a magnificent journey.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
