First Life 

David Attenborough goes back in time to investigate the origins of life.

Stars:

David Attenborough, Hazel Barton, Jean-Bernard Caron

3 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
David Attenborough	...	Himself - Presenter 2 episodes, 2010

Storyline

David Attenborough goes back in time to investigate the origins of life.

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Plot Keywords:

tv mini series | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

Official BBC site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 November 2010 (UK)

Also Known As:

Az elsõ élet

Company Credits

Production Co:

Atlantic Productions, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Strangest Prehistoric Creatures (2016)

User Reviews

The origin of life

As said many times, David Attenborough is a national treasure. He may apparently dislike the term, but it is hard to not say that about such a great presenter who has contributed significantly to some of the best programmes (of the documentary genre and overall) the BBC has ever aired/produced.

It is really hard picking favourites, let alone a definite favourite, among what Attenborough has done because he has done so many gems, it is the equivalent of trying to choose your favourite ice cream flavour or your favourite operatic role (for examples) and finding you can't pick. 'First Life' is not quite one of my favourites from him, there is a preference for the wildlife-oriented ones and other documentaries of his connect with me more emotionally somewhat. Nonetheless, 'First Life' is still great and in terms of the theme and the questions it raises it is very important. Learnt a lot from it and it is very much important and relevant.

'First Life' is a detailed and honest look at the origin of life and the investigation of the evidence is very thoughtful and comprehensive.

As always with Attenborough, 'First Life' looks great. It is beautifully filmed, done in a completely fluid and natural, sometimes intimate, way and never looking static. The editing is always succinct and smooth.

The music score fits very well, never overly grandiose while never being inappropriate while also being a beautiful score in its own right.

Narration by Attenborough helps significantly. He clearly knows his stuff and knows what to say and how to say it. He delivers it with his usual richness, soft-spoken enthusiasm and sincerity, never talking down to the viewer and keeping them riveted and wanting to know more.

Each of the two parts allows one to care for the information told and is structured and paced beautifully.

Overall, not one of Attenborough's best but incredibly well done and important. 9/10 Bethany Cox