Every once in while there is a MUST WATCH film for all, Racing Extinction is one of them.
Looking for a compelling, pulse-quickening yet informative movie? Look no further than the newest environmental documentary “Racing Extinction.” Directed by Louie Psihoyos, who is best-known for his Oscar-winning film “The Cove”, “Racing Extinction” is a skillful production that makes the current mass extinction a heartbreaking reality for its audience.
In order to shine a spotlight on this serious issue, the production team goes around the globe to film problems ranging from illegal wildlife trade to climate change. In addition to presenting scientific evidences of the mass extinction, the film also seeks to connect with its audience on a more personal level with distinct viewpoints from various conservationists. Moreover, rather than depicting different issues in sequence, the camera lens shifts back and forth from one problem to another, giving the film an exciting pace. Both the approach and personality of the film is something rare in conventional documentaries.
The whole film conveys a sense of urgency. The persistent theme is that mass extinction is something that’s happening now and it requires everybody’s attention. However, it’s a documentary that tries to bring hope rather than despair, to motivate instead of to devastate. It’s about a huge crisis. But more importantly, it’s about the positive changes we have made and can still make.
Maybe the most amazing thing about this documentary is that it makes a serious issue more riveting than some imagined dramas. But then maybe, humans have never been able to imagine a disaster as big as the one we made ourselves. Either way, the documentary is never boring, not even for a second.
Even for someone who’s fairly knowledgeable about environmental issues, the alternative use of beautiful and appalling images in the film makes an emotional impact. On the other hand, for those unfamiliar with the issue, this may seem like an information overload. To absorb the volume of information in less than 2 hours isn’t easy, let alone start thinking about actions; but just as the film title “Racing Extinction” itself points out, we haven’t got much time.
Contributed by Nikela Volunteer Sylvia Lin
MORE INFO
“Racing Extinction” is currently showing at limited theaters around the world and will air in the US on Discovery Channel on December 2nd, 2015.
For time and location of public screenings and more info you can visit: http://www.racingextinction.com/the-film/
Or follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racingextinction
Leave a Reply