The Galapagos and the animals that inhabit them are truly fascinating and it is wholly understandable as to why they are very commonly covered in documentaries. Also saw 2006's 'Galapagos' as someone who loves documentaries ever since watching classics such as 'Planet Earth' and 'Blue Planet' and who likes Tilda Swinton a lot as an actress. Oh and the premise for the series, with a mix of nature, environmental and humanity, sounded very interesting.
The previous two instalments were very good and nearly excellent, the many good things actually being more than good and it was a shame that a couple of big things brought them down a bit. The concluding episode "Forces of Change" is every bit as very good and is actually the most illuminating information wise of the three. It isn't perfect or ground breaking, but the memorable imagery and moments, stunning production values and educational value are still present.
"Forces of Change" is brought down a little by two things, like the previous two episodes. My main issue is the music. It is over loud and used too much, also not fitting that well with the tone of the series where it was trying to sound more cinematic than needed.
Some of the narration is a bit too cookie cutter and cheesy, especially when it tries to be poetic.
Again though, everything else can't be faulted. Was always stunned throughout by the scenery, which was a mix of beautiful, atmospheric and uncompromising. The photography is out of this world, such vibrant colours that pop out and it's so clear and fluid. The seals sequence is absolutely magical, and so does underwater. Really loved the wonderfully varied animals, whether prey or predator and big or small. The iguanas, seals and boobies are delightful. The boobies sequence is visually striking and amusingly comical.
While the narration writing doesn't always work, Tilda Swinton's delivery was not an issue. It is very soothing and understated, personally didn't think it one note at all. Most of the narration is very informative and thought provoking, even if there was not much that was new the execution didn't feel too been there, done that.
Very good conclusion to a very good documentary series. 8/10.
The previous two instalments were very good and nearly excellent, the many good things actually being more than good and it was a shame that a couple of big things brought them down a bit. The concluding episode "Forces of Change" is every bit as very good and is actually the most illuminating information wise of the three. It isn't perfect or ground breaking, but the memorable imagery and moments, stunning production values and educational value are still present.
"Forces of Change" is brought down a little by two things, like the previous two episodes. My main issue is the music. It is over loud and used too much, also not fitting that well with the tone of the series where it was trying to sound more cinematic than needed.
Some of the narration is a bit too cookie cutter and cheesy, especially when it tries to be poetic.
Again though, everything else can't be faulted. Was always stunned throughout by the scenery, which was a mix of beautiful, atmospheric and uncompromising. The photography is out of this world, such vibrant colours that pop out and it's so clear and fluid. The seals sequence is absolutely magical, and so does underwater. Really loved the wonderfully varied animals, whether prey or predator and big or small. The iguanas, seals and boobies are delightful. The boobies sequence is visually striking and amusingly comical.
While the narration writing doesn't always work, Tilda Swinton's delivery was not an issue. It is very soothing and understated, personally didn't think it one note at all. Most of the narration is very informative and thought provoking, even if there was not much that was new the execution didn't feel too been there, done that.
Very good conclusion to a very good documentary series. 8/10.
