Dream Big: Engineering Our World

Don't expect any real engineering information in this. This is a non technical film promoting engineering as a vocation to those who may never have considered it, and for this it probably does the job adequately.

This film is really informational and the camera shots are amazing. The only drawback is that it gets a bit boring after a while. There is so much information that isn't all that interesting. This documentary would really appeal to those interested in architecture and engineering.

The film reveals stories about different engineers who all want to make the world a better place. They create buildings that won't collapse in earthquakes and build bridges across rivers so people can get to school. It shows that engineering is an occupation that can really impact the world and make it a safer place.

Jeff Bridges, as narrator of the film, has the sort of deep voice that suits the documentary. Some of the information seems a bit random and doesn't enhance the story. The best parts for me are when they tell the back stories of peoples' lives and how difficult they are. After the engineers help them, I love seeing them so happy and having easier lives. Those are things that inspire people to want to become engineers.

I have to say, the camera shots and angles are truly amazing. They capture massive cities and buildings beautifully. There is obviously lots of effort that went into editing this film and adding suitable background music. These all really help the viewer picture engineering as an art, that is very helpful. They show majestic buildings that glow at night, roller coasters that give so much happiness and thrills, and bridges that help you access high areas and look down at the scenery or up at the beautiful stars.

My favorite scene is definitely the story about the engineers building a bridge across a river so kids could get to their school. Before the bridge, they literally risked their lives getting to school. Many people have drowned in the river, but they crossed it everyday in order to get an education. After the bridge is built everyone, including the children, is extremely excited and relieved. They are dancing, playing music and getting to school without risking their lives or getting wet. The bridge changed their lives.

The moral of this film is that engineering is a profession that helps people. This film shows that engineering is interesting and rewarding. However, I did find parts of it a bit boring, with the exhaustive information. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages of 11 to 18, as well as adults. If you are interested in engineering, you will definitely enjoy this documentary. It is available now on DVD so check it out.

Reviewed by Jolleen M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more reviews by youth, visit kidsfirst dot org.

The title makes you think you're going to see the biggest engineering structures created and that's what I expected to see and you can't avoid to feel very disappointed with the minor projects, unwanted personal stories and amazing but very few sceneries of actual structures standing in place right now. Very disappointing

I found this on DVD from my local library. It was made as an IMAX film so the sound and video are first rate.

Jeff Bridges narrates. It features a few engineers, and a team of high school students, using engineering principles to solve big problems. Like buildings that won't crumble in an earthquake, tall buildings that withstand typhoon winds, a bridge over a dangerous remote river so students can get to school, a canal system in Scotland, an underwater robot competition. It also has a good focus on opportunities for girls and ladies to get into engineering.

Overall a very satisfying and informative presentation. I don't get why there are a few very negative reviews here.

The 8/10 review by Jollen has a comprehensive review of the programme and I recommend reading this too.

I have though rated this 6 based on the information (4) and the scenery (2). The programme is 42 minutes long but doesn't actually start until 5 minutes in. Jeff Bridges is not a great narrator, his voice isn't overly clear and I had to listen intently.

All the segments are led by female engineers, which must have been the intention. This aside, there is some interesting information and encouragement to become an engineer, the latter again no doubt the reason for the programme. I did find the programme engaging overall.

The less positive: The second segment, which is based in Africa, has an African style song. This song is used in each successive segment and no longer fits with the style of what we are being shown. Some of the segments should be longer or should not be included at all. We are shown the Great Wall of China but more time is given to what it looks like than to how it was made or remains standing. The last segment is on a new San Fransisco transport hub, saying it is going to be greener and more efficient, but no further detail is given. There is a lot of time wasted on unnecessary scenic views (based on the programme's intent) and unnecessary graphics.