The Living Sea

The Living Sea is a movie that can make you understand how we fit with the ocean ecosystem. I like the underwater scenery the best, because it almost feel you are swimming with the fishes. I saw this movie in Hawaii in 1997 at Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu. It was a nice companion piece to my travel on the island.

Meryl Streep narrates the sweeping visual that emphasizes the value of our world's oceans, and how they and the life thriving within depends on us to maintain their majesty. Through research, casual observance, reverence and daily life we are shown how the oceans are interconnected, and that life can be found in even the darkest corners of the sea.

I first saw this IMAX film 13 years ago in the Denver Museum of History and Science, and was floored by how beautifully filmed it was. And the film is well paired with songs from Sting, especially the song 'Fragile'.

As a documentary 'The Living Sea' is sort of a mess, throwing as much in forty minutes as it can, but it contains images of rare beauty, some useful information and a great soundtrack.

Narrated by Meryl Streep we learn some things about the sea under the surface and about the sea above the surface. Although these things both have their influence on each other the film rushes so much we never really learn why. We see some jelly fish, some surfers, some whales, the islands of Hawaii, the islands of Palau with its own narrator, a research center in Maine, some other creatures, a rescue boat.

Yes, I have to admit that every small episode is entertaining or at least beautiful to look at, but from a documentary, even a forty minute IMAX production, you expect a little bit more. The soundtrack from Sting is a nice bonus that makes 'The Living Sea' both easy on the eyes as on the ears.

A fascinating look at how the oceans of the world impact the Earth. Facts like "70% of the Earth's oxygen comes from ocean plants." Great soundtrack from sting that compliments the film and each story. While not as impressive watching it at home as it is in an IMAX theater, it is still well worth a look at.

This IMAX film is a breathtaking look at the workings of the world's oceans and its inhabitants. Magnificent cinematography makes this film an awesome sight on the giant screen. The magic is lost on video, however. But it is nevertheless an informative and beautifully filmed documentary. Also check out the great soft jazz/new age/pop soundtrack by Sting.