L'odissea

If like me you were just periphically aware of Jaques Cousteau, this movie will you an insight. To the man, to the dreams and to his accomplishments, against all odds and all that. I mean some of the dialog (which may or may not be exaggerated) with film producers is just (comedy) gold. But you can see why they only had profit in their mind and he was out there for a different purpose. Now he was able to move his goals/dreams or make them bigger, by thinking outisde the box (no pun intended).

The movie is in french but there are quite a few scenes that are also in english. The main thing is, we get an insight into how he became who many got to know or read upon later on. Also an "influencer" as some might call him nowadays. An inspiring movie, that tells us to reach for the stars or the bottom of the sea - whichever is closer to your heart!

Jean - Jacques Cousteau was one of heroes of my my childhood. His lovely documentaries, his explanations, his work and passion are source of precious memories. This film changes nothing. Only gives new nuances to the familiary story. The realism is the basic tool for that, as result of a coherent, correct, precise story and admirable performances. The choice and the way of a man and his family. I admire the impecable job of Lambert Wilson. I love the great work of Audrey Tautou. And the inspired cinematography. Short, a necessary film. Impecable crafted.

This is a beautiful, poignant film, which artfully uses a (true) family story to magnify a larger global tragedy, of which we are all a part. The audience of which I was a part, was moved to silence and stillness at the end of the film. I left the movie house changed for the better and in deep introspection.

Unfortunately, the film is only available in French, as far as I know, which limits its exposure. The film provides much food for thought and reflection as well as impressive images of our beautiful and precious world, which we so ashamedly, if without malice, neglect. As you can tell, I highly recommend this film.

Currently at the age of 57, it's fair to say that, hearing the name {Jacques Cousteau}, be it random conversation w others, catching it on the radio or perhaps, seeing him on a TV special or documentary, was as common an occurrence over the decades (before his death), as was waking up, to cartoons every Saturday morning (during that era).

For those unfamiliar w the name & legacy of Jacques Cousteau, this is an important & smart film, especially for those possessing a concentrated interest, in the historical perspective, of such a profound conservationist (so far ahead of his time).

Personal Disclosure: As an individual that does not adopt to the supposition, of anthropomorphic climate-change, it is important to note that, much of Cousteau's efforts, during the last (almost) two-decades of his explorations, were given, to legitimate environmental concerns. And, going forward, he invested his life's work, exposing & educating the world, on the ramifications of unchecked pollution, and subsequently, the needless and/or, haphazard slaughtering, of any species (to the point of extinction).

The Odyssey, did & will continue, to help generations to come, remember the life & legacy of such a special individual (and family).

This film is magical. The cinematography is mesmerizing and the shots under water and in Antarctica are especially powerful. The actors are excellent and the story is made more human by showing Jacques as a man with flaws, not just the celebrated hero the world made him out to be. It is a beautiful art film with an important message about conservation, so don't bother going if you're looking for Fast and the Furious. Worth watching if you aren't!