Oceans: A Cinematic Masterpiece Shedding Light on a Sad Reality
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“Oceans” by Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud takes the audience through the vast unseen beauties and wonders hidden deep within the different seas across the world. The film was produced by Disney Nature in April 2010 with the most advanced camera equipment at that time. Perrin was the driving force behind the environmental documentary, Cluzaud being the co-director, and his main goal was to capture the delicacy and elegance of the creatures below the sea while also shedding light on the issue of water pollution. Shown in their natural habitat, we observe a wide variety of species along with their hunting methods, survival techniques, and migration patterns. Through visually alluring high definition footage, the ocean is presented as a fascinating place that is inhabited by creatures that rely on it to survive. We as humans also rely on the ocean for many things. As narrated in the film, “Every breath we take and every drop we drink depends on a healthy ocean.” Perrin brings light to a sad reality, one where the very ocean we rely on is being harmed by negligence and carelessness.
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"Perrin brings light to a sad reality, one where the very ocean we rely on is being harmed by negligence and carelessness."
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This visual masterpiece is meant to make the audience feel a connection to the ocean, whether it be with whimsically impetuous dolphins, adorable baby sea-turtles, or large intelligent whales. We are introduced to innocent live beings being harmed by human’s ignorance and negligence. Being able to see and perceive these things will motivate the audience to take some action. Joe Neumaier said in a daily news article, “However, there's also the personality of the oceans, which the film manages to capture. There's volatility and tranquility here, and the creatures in attendance are a major part of the show, but they're far from the only part.” Perrin brings character to the “Ocean” by exquisitely showing these creatures and their behavior.
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"Perrin brings character to the “Ocean” by exquisitely showing these creatures and their behavior."
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The cinematography in Oceans is astonishing. Many documentaries have been released throughout the years that highlight the same environmental dilemma, but none focus on the grace and power the ocean has. Jhoanna Robledo’s documentary review published on common sense media states, "It inspires audiences to think about their impact on the Earth's waters without clobbering them over the head with the admirable message." This documentary is meant to spread awareness on water pollution, but instead of spending the entirety of the documentary discussing the issue, it shows how our actions are affecting live beings. The director appeals to the audience by providing them with riveting high definition footage. Zac Zemantic from the Connecticut Science Center says, "Oceans will make you question your own environmental impact while you learn about the vast and fragile ecosystem that lies just beneath the waves." Through superlative cinematography, we are shown the diverse exquisite species and the pollution that harms and kills them.
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"Through superlative cinematography, we are shown the diverse exquisite species and the pollution that harms and kills them"
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As the documentary was ending, the narrator says, “Now you’ve met them, now you know them. Not as mere specimens or concepts or lessons. But as living beings who share a fragile planet with us.” We are meant to take a step back and reflect on our actions as human beings and how they affect the ocean. Perrin’s brilliant presentation of the ocean led to the documentary receiving very good ratings. I would recommend this film for anyone regardless of their stance on the environmental crisis and climate change. The cinematography is spectacular and the message behind it is significant. It is important to be informed of the issues being caused by our disregard for the environment, and if you get bored listening to facts or are a visual learner, then I would recommend this documentary for you.
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Click here for the IMBD page for Oceans
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Click here to view the trailer for Oceans
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Works Cited
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“Movie Mondays: Disney Nature Oceans.” Connecticut Science Center, ctsciencecenter.org/blog/movie-monday-disney-nature-oceans/.
Neumaier, Joe. “In Disney's 'Oceans,' Pierce Brosnan Lulls Viewers as Film Captures Water's Personality.” Nydailynews.com, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2019, www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/disney-oceans-pierce-brosnan-lulls-viewers-film-captures-water-personality-article-1.165955.
Perrin, Jacques and Jacques Cluzaud, directors. Oceans. Disney Nature, 2010.
Robledo, S. Jhoanna. “Oceans - Movie Review.” Common Sense Media: Ratings, Reviews, and Advice, Common Sense Media, 21 Apr. 2010, www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/oceans.
