Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life

I had feelings of awe and chill bumps watching this perfectly explained and easily accessible explanation of Charles Darwin and how his Origins of Life book laid out what we have to come to know as evolution. Spectacular.

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 documentaries there's ever been. Even lesser work, such as 'The Penguin King', is still more than worthwhile.

It is really hard picking favourites, let alone a definite favourite, among what Attenborough has done because he has done so many gems. It is the equivalent of trying to choose your favourite ice cream flavour or your favourite operatic role (for examples) and finding you can't pick. 'Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life' may not be Attenborough at his best, other work of his connects more emotionally with me, but for an understanding of Darwin, his theories and what makes them so interesting and controversial it doesn't get much better and is a must see.

For me it is very hard not reiterating what was said in reviews of Attenborough's previous work because consistently they have exactly the same strengths in quality. While not quite one of Attenborough's most visually beautiful offerings, 'Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life' as to be expected looks great. It is beautifully filmed, done in a completely fluid and natural, sometimes intimate way and there is nothing static about it at all. The editing is smooth and succinct. The music fits well and is memorable.

Using the likes of DNA and fossils to back up what is said, what the viewer is told is constantly fascinating for children and adults alike (when it comes to Attenborough's work the programme is one of the most interesting and perhaps important for a younger viewer), nothing is trivialised, nothing confuses and nothing patronises. There are complex and controversial theories of evolution presented, and done in a way that's easy to understand and plausible while also examining why the theories have the reception they do today and why they were revolutionary. Found myself learning a lot and found that even familiar knowledge was expanded upon.

Attenborough is a huge part of the appeal, of course, and his contribution helps significantly. He is very candid, clearly knowing his stuff and knowing 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.

In summary, not one of Attenborough's finest but still a must see and important if wanting or needing to know more about the subject of evolution. 9/10 Bethany Cox

This documentary is so perfectly done and all about facts, it is one of the most important references for the controversial issue of evolution. It's simply the approach of science to explain evolution to whoever wants to listen.

The producer/narrator being himself, David Attenborough uses very well done graphics and clips of animals from all around the world and narration as perfect as usual. Documentary starts with explaining the religious look at evolution and then explains every major question to the Darwin's "Origin of Species" scientifically.

Being a fourth year biology student; the movie is the summary of a whole year's Evolution class. It definitely is a must see if you are at least honest to yourself enough about learning facts of this highly controversial issue.

I would never think that I would find a David Attenborough program disappointing. For over half a century he has graced our screens, offering us consistently suggestive insights into the way our world works as well as showing us an anima mundi in which every form of life is worth studying in detail.

Then what's actually problematic about DARWIN AND THE TREE OF LIFE? It's certainly not the content; as with most of his work Attenborough has the common touch, a unique ability to render the complex comprehensible and relate the recondite to our daily lives. He is more than able to explain Darwin's unique contribution to our understanding of our world, and how his theories challenged religious dogma in the nineteenth century and continues to do so today.

On the other hand the visual style of the program detracts from its content. Petra Graf and Ian Salvage's photography is far too flashy, favoring dissolves accompanied by rapid cuts in rock video style. Dan Jones's music is both lush and intrusive, the kind of score we might expect from a romantic comedy rather than a documentary. The entire production takes a popcult approach towards its material, quite unlike most Attenborough programs.

It was fun to watch, there are still people who don't believe in evolution, it pisses me off.