'Patagonia: Earth's Secret Paradise' (2015)
Opening thoughts: 2015's 'Patagonia: Earth's Secret Paradise' immediately appealed to me prior to watching. Absolutely love nature documentaries (have done ever since seeing David Attenborough's groundbreaking work for the first time when they first aired) and it is always wonderful seeing the absolutely wondrous Patagonia, which has always been explored beautifully, which has always fascinated and visually captivated. Not to mention its beautifully varied wildlife, familiar and not so familiar.
As to be hoped this three episode documentary is absolutely wonderful and lived up to high expectations. It may not be one of the best documentaries ever made, but it was great to see a documentary that focused specifically on Patagonia, its landscapes, its inhabitants and the adversity faced when it can usually be seen as part of an episode of a 3 plus part documentary series. It does do a great job in this respect and when it comes to documentaries on Patagonia it's a must.
Bad things:My only issue is the length, as it does feel too short like many of the recently seen documentaries. With a lot of content, this could very comfortably have been an episode or two more perhaps which would have given the viewer more time to take in the information and also learn more.
Good things: Otherwise, this is fabulous. It looks absolutely great for one thing, with both beautiful,varied and unforgiving scenery and especially the photography that leaves one in awe at its best. There is though more to it than cute animals and plants in beautiful environments, one is reminded without being preached at that there are daily challenges. Did appreciate that the human scenes were kept at minimum.
Expectedly there is some messaging, but it is as relevant today as it was back then, so it is hardly outdated. It also makes its point quite powerfully and thoughtfully, was very worried about it being preachy but there are documentaries that are a million times worse at that. The music, with an accessible style, is relaxing in some parts while having some edge in other parts.
The inhabitants are a great mix of adorable, formidable and exotic and their behaviors and ways to survive are relatable, surprising and inspiring.
When it comes to the information, it is very educational and the narration entertains and informs without preachiness or being gimmicky, any familiar content is approached freshly, and in a way that will captivate and never disturb kids while not being cookie cutter. Maybe it have been delved into more. The narration delivery is very gentle and authoritative with no sugar or melodrama.
Concluding thoughts: Overall, wonderful.
9/10.
