By master David Attenborough standards, 'Our Planet' may not be one of his best or most ground-breaking. Only because his best work did break new ground, were so amazing and were so unique. That doesn't matter whatsoever, because 'Our Planet' is still one of the best and most transfixing television programmes so far this year and in the next seven months something would have to be really special to be equal to it or top it.
'Our Planet' was one of my most anticipated programmes upon hearing of it. Am not one for Netflix originals usually but thought to myself with Attenborough's name on it how could it not fail? Fail 'Our Planet' did not. In fact, to me and my sister it was really quite special and in a completely different league to anything Neflix, at their best in goodness knows how long, has done. Was riveted by the images, fascinated by the animals and what was being said and felt a wide gaumt of emotions, from biting nails, shedding tears, being shocked, being inspired, awwing at anything sweet and even being amused.
Was absolutely riveted by the first episode "One Planet". Found the second episode "Frozen Worlds", containing a contender for the series' most controversial scene, to be even better. Maybe not quite as visually stunning as the previous episode (especially that opening underwater scene), but it connected with me a little more emotionally.
Like "One Planet", "Frozen Worlds" looks amazing. The photography is cinematic worthy, with a wider range of techniques rarely seen before, a feast for the eyes and also expansive and intimate. Have not seen scenes with penguins and killer whales this up close in a long time and it made an intense and gut-wrenching situation even more so. The music is grand and atmospheric without being intrusive, with the occasional whimsy in the less emotional sequences where there was a little more levity.
This is not just about animals in beautiful environments being painted in a cute, reassuring and one-sided light. There is a mix of cute and sinister, without being cutesy or too traumatising, most evident with the penguins and killer whales, the latter of which that despite being seen in nature documentaries so many times (including a lot with Attenborough) haven't lost any of their terror. It's also much more than beautiful environments, the environments are striking but they are equally cruel and fragile. It doesn't get more unforgiving than the Arctic. Penguins and killer whales are familiar territory, but the more intimate approach feels different.
"Frozen Worlds" also has one unforgettable sequence that exemplifies what 'Our Planet' is all about. That is the much talked about one with the walruses, that had my heart in my mouth and emotionally shattered me more than any scene seen this year or in a long time. The heavy emphasis on conservation/the environment for the series overall, and re-visited in all the episodes, has been criticised, didn't have a problem with it personally. Didn't feel lectured to, it made me think of the causes, consequences and how to stop it and it is something important to talk about and be addressed.
As one can expect, the narration is very thought-provoking and never rambling or speculative. There are some interesting individual feeling stories here throughout and so many of the species are easy to relate to. A lot of information is covered but felt properly explored and not rushed or disjointed, and the facts educate and illuminate while not being compromised for the emotionally complex storytelling. Once again, Attenborough's distinctive and unequalled narrative delivery, with his unmistakable voice, is sincere, enthusiastic as well as understated. One can listen to him for a long time and not tire of him, no other nature/wildlife documentary narrator/presenter has made me feel this way.
To conclude, even more incredible than the previous episode and is likely to melt the iciest of hearts. 10/10
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