A documentary series on life in and adapted to the conditions of the Southern part of the Pacific Ocean, a vast aquatic region with an unequaled number of islands. Both wildlife and human cu... Read allA documentary series on life in and adapted to the conditions of the Southern part of the Pacific Ocean, a vast aquatic region with an unequaled number of islands. Both wildlife and human cultures developed in a unique variety, largely determined by such natural conditions as hug... Read allA documentary series on life in and adapted to the conditions of the Southern part of the Pacific Ocean, a vast aquatic region with an unequaled number of islands. Both wildlife and human cultures developed in a unique variety, largely determined by such natural conditions as huge distances, sea depths, currents and winds.
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination total
Featured reviews
While the didactic approach of Attenborough's "Life"-series is still unsurpassed in its clarity and empathy, there's more than enough informative material gathered to fill six joyous hours.
Be prepared to be stunned by the brilliant use of slow motion.
A technical triumph in all departments!
8 out of 10 killer waves
I wish they had spent more time on the beauty of the South Pacific, its wildlife (minus the gratuitous mating scenes), and on more modern historical events (like notable castaways, World War II battles on the islands, etc.). Frankly watching some primitive, mud-encrusted, would-be savage get beaten with sticks and dance around a fire with plumes on his head is about as interesting and inspiring as watching paint dry. Then again, it makes me thankful that God allowed me to be born in the US, instead of in the jungle of Irian Jaya or on the banks of the Zambezi.
I wanted to watch something serene, educational, and tasteful with my 9 year old daughter. This series does not fit that description.
There are so many great things here in 'South Pacific'. Its premise is dealt with exceptionally in every single episode, the environments, how they're lived in, how the humans adapt to the environments, there are some very interesting topics and important ones handled truly admirably. Also in a way that is illuminating but not preachy (which is a potential danger with anything environmental-themed and a danger often fallen into).
Sure, there could have been a touch more clarity in parts, but there is very little to dislike here.
When it comes to how it's written, 'South Pacific' does just as good a job entertaining and teaching, it's all very sincerely done and it never feels like a sermon. There are things here that are common sense and knowledge but one is taught a huge deal as well.
Benedict Cumberbatch's narration delivery is similarly on the money, very sensitively delivered, engaging and sonorous.
Visually, 'South Pacific' may lack the awe-inspiring, almost cinematic quality of the David Attenborough documentaries. With that being said, it is gorgeously shot, shot in a fluid, graceful and never static way, and is chock-full of strikingly memorable images. In every episode, the scenery and environments are like characters of their own, they're all incredible to look at and have a lot of atmosphere.
Every episode is appropriately scored, never intrusive or too low-key, and the different stories are powerful in a harrowing and poignant way, not to mention very honest and visually striking.
In summary, beautifully made, educational and emotional, basically a winner. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Despite the jumping around and a need for clearer expositions, this series is simply beautiful. The creatures, the waters, and even the people are impossibly exotic and wonderfully amazing. The rolling waves and 'Over the Rainbow' closing credits fill me with a relaxed deserted-tropical-beach joy.
Did you know
- TriviaBenedict Cumberbatch had extreme difficulty pronouncing the word 'penguin' due to his English accent. He admitted to this during an interview on the Graham Norton show.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Expeditionen ins Tierreich: Die Südsee - Das Abenteuer (2009)
- How many seasons does Wild Pacific have?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
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- Also known as
- Planet Earth: South Pacific
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime50 minutes
- Color