Absolutely adored the first 'Dynasties' series in every way. It was one of the clear television highlights of 2018 for me and a more than worthy example of why David Attenborough is incomparable when it comes to nature documentaries and documentaries in general. When hearing that there was a second series, this reviewer was absolutely over the moon and there was no way it was going to be missed. Had no doubt it would be as great and hopefully even on the same level as the first series.
Luckily, to me 'Dynasties II' was every bit as captivating with all four episodes being consistently outstanding for similar reasons to each other. 'Dynasties II' promised a lot and delivered bucket loads, with the gorgeous production values, very informative narration, different sides to familiar subjects, Attenborough's listen to for hours voice, the many complex emotions and powerful scenes all returning. And every bit as fantastically. One of his best? No, but that it is still amazing just goes to show how amazing his best work (which are in general the ground breaking ones, i.e. 'Planet Earth', 'The Blue Planet').
'Dynasties II' looks amazing for starters. The scenery, primarily Zambia, takes the breath away, but it is more than just beautiful scenery. A lot of it is quite unforgiving too, particularly in "Puma". The scenery is complemented by photography of quite cinematic quality, not just a feast for the eyes but it is also expansive and intimate in equal measure, enhancing the impact of the emotional, cute and tense scenes of which in 'Dynasties II' there are many. The music has both grandeur and atmosphere, not intrusive at all and adds a lot more than once.
Expectedly, the narration is very thought-provoking and never rambling, cutesy or speculative. Although the animals themselves (here pumas, elephants, cheetahs and hyenas) are familiar, and the habitats are familiar, the approach that they are explored in feels fresh and sees the animals in a new light, or so that's how it felt. Cheetahs are the most revisited animals in Attenborough's documentaries, and it didn't feel like old information was reinforced.
"Puma" was the most informative though, with them being the least familiar animals of the four. 'Dynasties II' did not feel like four episodes, it felt like four individual stories with animals portrayed as relatable characters (without being too humanised despite the names) and lots of emotions. A lot of credit has to be given in making hyenas interesting and learning a lot about them, which is not easy. Had no problem with the portrayal of the animals, certainly never one-sided but instead complex and uncompromising, while the landscapes have more than them than looking glorious and nothing feels sugar-coated or over-humanised.
Much information is covered but felt properly explored and not rushed or disjointed, and the facts educate and illuminate while not being compromised for the emotionally complex storytelling. While there are cute and tender scenes with the baby elephants, there are chilling the blood scenes too like the showdown with the female rival in "Puma" and the flaking in mud. Once again, Attenborough's distinctive and unequalled narrative delivery is sincere, enthusiastic as well as understated. One can listen to him for a long time and not tire of him, no other nature/wildlife documentary narrator/presenter has made me feel this way. The behind the scenes footage fascinates and also leaves emotional impact at how inspirational the crew are.
Overall, absolutely fantastic. 10/10.
