As said many times, David Attenborough is a national treasure. He may apparently dislike the term, but it is hard to not say that about such a great presenter who has contributed significantly to some of the best programmes (of the documentary genre and overall).
While not among his most visually stunning work, like from the 1990s onwards, or one of his most ground-breaking like 'Life on Earth', 'The Miracle of Bali' is a miraculous relatively early effort for David Attenborough. It is a fascinating look at the bright and dark sides of Balinese culture and just as much to see something different to what most viewers of his work know him for. As a big fan of Attenborough and who knew absolutely nothing about Balinese culture, 'The Miracle of Bali' was something of a revelation. Is it among my favourites of Attenborough's work. No, but it worthy of more importance than it gets.
'The Miracle of Bali' captivates and educates, and it was great to see a perceptive and balanced look of Balinese culture, noting the good elements but also the darker ones. There are many memorable images and bits of information, where one learns a lot from what is said and shown of dancing, gamelan orchestras, rituals and possessions.
While not perhaps cinematic, 'The Miracle of Bali' is still beautifully and succinctly filmed with the fabulously atmospheric scenery.
Really liked the diversity of the music and how often it was like a character of its own and part of the culture depicted. The information entertained, educated and transfixed. All the information was clearly written and presented with love and awe of the subject.
Presenting by Attenborough helps significantly. He clearly knows his stuff and knows what to say and how to say it. He delivers it with his usual richness, soft-spoken enthusiasm and sincerity, never talking down to the viewer and keeping them riveted and wanting to know more. As hoped, what we're told is detailed, comprehensive and very honest.
In terms of the facts there was a very good mix of the known ones and the unknown, some facts being familiar to us but others not so, in my case there was more of the latter but that is in no way a bad thing. Attenborough documentaries have always been brilliant at this balance and it's the case here.
All in all, miraculous. 10/10 Bethany Cox
