A Relaxing Spectacle of Beauty and Nature

Oceans is a beautifully photographed film, a cinematic delight for sure, particularly for those fond of whales.  Oceans is directed by Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud and narrated by Pierce Brosnan.

Opening on Earth Day, April 22nd, the film has a similar theme to Disney’s Earth that opened last year at the same time. Mainly, you’ll see a variety of sea creatures and other species that live near the ocean.

First and foremost, the underwater photography is breathtaking and spectacular.  Certainly technological advances have improved the underwater photography and the advances are amazing! The images are sharp, the colors vivid and the clarity is spectacular.  The cameras capture the moments as if they are a part of the landscape, which adds to the feeling of actually being undersea.

Another enjoyable aspect of the film is the feeling of serenity that is generated by the musical score alongside the beauty and grace of the underwater sea environment.  The coral reefs, spider crabs, exotic colorful fish, eels, whales, bottle-nose dolphins, octopus, sea turtles, manta rays and sharks are the stars that shine brightly against the majestic deep blue backdrop.

Oceans beginning starts off the coast of Africa where we view sea gulls diving for they daily food. We also view a Humpback whale bubble-feeding which is a performance in its own right.

Cameras glide through the water chasing an image that appears to be a bright orange silk scarf. Instead, the scarf begins to move and sash-shay through the water as if it owned the sea. The image is that of the graceful Blanket Octopus. Yes, we are introduced to new sea species as well, another treat of Oceans.

Sea turtles hatch on land and then scurry to the sea. If they hatch in the evening, then no problem. If they hatch during the day, they have a 1 in 1000 chance of survival. The footage of the daytime hatch teaches all in a few minutes why this is a major problem as sea gulls devour the newborns as quickly as they begin racing toward the sea.

Near the end of the film, we venture to the arctic regions where polar bears roam and the mystical ‘unicorn of the sea’ - the narwhal whale, reside. Playful Beluga whales and walruses are also shown in the ice zone. Again, a sense of wonder and feeling of awe are the reaction to these sequences.

We are also subjected the the vast and ever-enlarging problem of ocean litter and waste. Human indifference is said to be the culprit. Although an alarm in the film rings loud and clear that this is the oceans greatest threat. If we are to continue to enjoy the beauty and grace of the sea, which covers over half of our world, then we should pay more attention to the bell ringers as our ocean as we know it is in trouble.

A disappointing factor is the lack of story and in-depth information that was ever so present in last year’s Earth Day film, Disney Earth. Many times I wondered, where in the world these sea creatures lived? In the Arctic? In the Pacific? The script is too vague at times.

The life-and-death dramas, moments of playfulness and tenderness that create a sense of wonder are the highlights in Oceans alongside the magnificent photography.

Sarah Adamson © May2010