The Sea Around Us

The Sea Around Us film is based on the environmentalist Rachel Carson's book. The film is part of Warner Bros Studios Archive collection. When I ordered a DVD copy, I had to submit a request for a legal copy. I had high expectation of a good film. The film rather left me flat, slightly edgy yet appreciative of the natural world.

Basically, the film showed the discoveries and interconnections between human and our sea. This is the original reel for future shows based on the ocean. The camera documented dives, ships, natural phenomenon with earth, fire, water, and air, and numerous marine organisms from sea anemones to sharks. The sights and sounds were prominently innovative due to the time period when the film was released. The fascination of seeing the underwater world and its effects on land would be exciting, in return, causes a drawn interest of the general audiences from all over the world. This effect made established institutions, both private and public for humans to see colors of scales to the behavioral actions of sea creatures.

The approach of the film showed how wonderful, fragile, and sacred of Mother Ocean from its vast coverage on earth to how it provides support for our existence. I felt that the film went beyond on a extreme measure to portray this thought. It gave me a raw, salty aftertaste as I was slightly condemn of my sin in a religious ceremony based on the sermon "O Thee Ocean Save Me, I have sinned against your purity". Let's say that ocean is both a God and the devil. Or we are represented in that fashion. I come from a standpoint of scientific research, many university press books, and many views of research journals. I rather enjoy Carson's books with the detailed descriptions of interrelated ecosystems and the science. I think if I watched the film without seeing other resources; my opinion would differ.

I recommend the film for studying based the history of oceanic documentaries and general viewing of audiences. I will watch the film again and take on another angle. I believe that documentaries can be shown in different views as fictional stories are retold in a new view. My curiosity arise and wonder on what other films that I appraise for documenting ocean life. I am desensitized and corrupted due to the nature of other films and lectures with animated professors.

At the same time, I would like to visit an aquarium in the near future as I am fond of the interactions of marine life at my expense as a human who cannot live underwater without destroying natural habitat and oxygen. Aye, there's the rub. One shall snorkel, surf, and swim where the ocean water and marine life meets at my mercy. Therefore, the Mother Ocean is powerful yet deadly to my own life at the end.