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| Image courtesy of Disney Plus |
“The sea, once it casts
its spell, holds one in its net forever.” - Jacques Cousteau
Celebrating 50 years, Earth Day 2020 is a
reminder to appreciate the diversity of our natural world. However, with
trails, parks and beaches closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, our
exploration and experiences are limited to living vicariously through others.
Two recently released sea-life-themed
documentaries streaming on Disney-Plus allow an armchair adventure unlike any
other.
“Dolphin Reef” is the story of a young
bottlenose dolphin named Echo. Narrated by actress Natalie
Portman and directed by Keith
Scholey (of Netflix “Our Planet” fame and The Discovery Channel’s “North
America” series), this is a tale told mainly to present younger viewers a
glimpse into marine life and to give a nod to the health of our oceans. It’s a
classic Disney film, non-animated.
“Diving with Dolphins,” on the other hand, is a
documentary of the filming that made “Dolphin Reef” possible. This is also
directed by Keith Scholey and to be clear, dolphins are only a small piece to
both stories. Many kinds of ocean dwellers are present and they all will
capture your heart.
As the camera moves us over a tranquil expanse
of a glistening sea, the anticipation of what’s ahead builds.
Moments later we’re flying over the water.
Celine Cousteau’s voice breaks in, joining us on our journey. Celine is the
granddaughter of oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, who, if you recall, explored
and shared the mysteries of the sea with us for decades.
“Diving with Dolphins” will have you transfixed
with the abundance of nature found in our oceans. The cinematographers and
scientists show newly-discovered research through humble, yet privileged
excitement.
Cinematographer Didier Noirot has been a diver for over 40 years and is an original member of
Cousteau’s team of explorers. In the film he describes one of the best moments
of his life: “It was a gift from nature to be first row in the theater.”
Diving with giants surrounded by tiny mackerel off
the coast of Hawaii, Noirot and his team film three humpback whales singing and
dancing as gracefully and poetically as ballerinas. While seeming computer-generated and Disney-like -- this is as far from a cartoon as you'll get.
Scientist Angela Ziltener has studied bottlenose dolphins for a decade in the Red Sea. Her dedication depicts a high level of trust and respect. Before showing us the brilliance of these intelligent animals with their sleeping behavior, she comments as the footage pans out over the dolphins, “To understand animals, you actually have to be one of them … that means you are accepted in the group.”
Scientist Angela Ziltener has studied bottlenose dolphins for a decade in the Red Sea. Her dedication depicts a high level of trust and respect. Before showing us the brilliance of these intelligent animals with their sleeping behavior, she comments as the footage pans out over the dolphins, “To understand animals, you actually have to be one of them … that means you are accepted in the group.”
Truer words were never spoken, as the filming
displays breathtaking compliance throughout.
However, not all is beauty and magic.
Representing harsh realities such as death and destruction was important to the
filmmakers as they felt a duty to illuminate the darkness of the underwater
world.
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| Image courtesy of Disney Plus |
A surprising sobering view is of a cave located
in a Malaysian marine reserve. Over the years, multitudes of wayward sea
turtles find themselves trapped. The divers glide through the huge cavern,
floating over the sea floor covered in turtle skeletons, remains preserved. The
area feels tomb-like, peaceful, and full of reverence.
To gain documentary footage the crew filmed some
of the few remaining thriving reef communities. The alarming reality of the
state of coral reefs is this: in the three years it took to make both
films, one-third of the Great Barrier Reef bleached and died.
Interviewed on YouTube by film critic Jeffrey Howard, director Keith Scholey agrees that the health of the reefs plays
a huge role in the survival of marine life. From the tiniest cleaner wrasse
fish who pick parasites off other species to the top of the food chain with
animals such as sharks and orcas -- all are needed for a well-balanced ecosystem.
Scholey says, “Part of the reason for the film is to get people to love coral
reefs and to pull together. Especially the kids, who will be the future for
these environments.”
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| Image courtesy of Disney Plus |
Disneynature’s “Diving with Dolphins” allows us
to explore alongside talented marine biologists and their camera crew.
Spellbound after coming up for air, these fantastical sea creatures will
captivate you with a desire to care about the health of our oceans. This is
truly a magical world.
At a Glance:
Disneynature’s “Diving with Dolphins”
Disneynature’s “Diving with Dolphins”
Starring: Celine Cousteau, narrating the English version
Summary: A behind-the-scenes look at the filming of Disneynature's
"Dolphin Reef," showing the underwater world of marine animals and
coral reefs
Rated: G
Length: 1
hour, 19 minutes
Released:
2020
Where to Find It: Now streaming on Disney Plus
Rating: ****
Links: Natalie Portman
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