David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

A clear and simple description by the nonagenarian of the catastrophic loss of biodiversity brought about mainly by the destruction of habitat and now the alteration of climate systems. As for the solutions, "all it takes is will" is the constant refrain of all ecologists, but the question lies precisely here: what are the conditions of the production of such will, and how shall they be met? Is the failure to find such will thus far not the result of the destruction of another kind of diversity?

Feels like an important piece of work but it's hard not to think that no matter how well reasoned and evocative it is, it won't be as impactful as it ought to. The documentary uses clever visual conceits to convey the destruction and urgency. Favored the last section where he shows a way we can reverse this. Giving us a bit of futuristic hope is something that's desperately needed. Doom and gloom is certainly just, but can't help but feel only by highlighting the way out, we'll find it.

David Attenborough is a legend in my eyes. His BBC Earth documentaries are phenomenal and I am glad the world has him. I am also happy this documentary was made and it's nicely done. It's a personal but perhaps slightly conventional documentary on climate change and habitat destruction. I suppose it's worth seeing, but I feel it doesn't make as much an impact as other documentaries. But maybe that's because I've seen my fair share of these kind of documentaries. Good, but not outstanding.

Luckily it ends on a hopeful note, otherwise this would be just way too depressing. The music sure is very manupalive, but cause of the severity of the issue I don't mind that. Biggest danger is that this is just preaching to the choir.

audiovisual 100 overall feeling 88 avg 94

David Attenborough: "This is not about saving our planet, it's about saving ourselves. The truth is, with our without us, the natural world will rebuild."

Important movie that should be watched by everyone, especially people unaware of the current despair that humans created on Earth.

I don't take any particular joy in saying that I didn't much care for David Attenborough's "witness statement" documentary, but I can't say that I did. I believe him when he says that over the course of his 93 years on Earth he has witnessed a massive decline in the environment and I believe he is utterly sincere in wanting to spread the message and get people to act. I don't think the practical solutions he offers are at all practical.

It is a scary reminder of what is happening to our world. Absolutely eye-opening. It makes you feel like you should do something about it if you haven't. The footage and the documentation are great, but you wouldn't expect anything less.

A tendency towards being a "Greatest Hits" compilation is somewhat mitigated by Attenborough's first person, down-the-barrel testimony, revealing the still bracing power and passion he can muster as an advocate for climate causes. Disappointing in that we don't get to know much more about the man behind the advocacy and at its best, film feels slightly redundant as Attenborough's advocacy is no stranger to the media limelight from other productions.

Probably the best arguments for the importance of environment protection I have ever heard. Also eye-opening to the power humanity has over its own environment. To top it all, it's shot with beautiful scenery. The only down side is that Attenborough is clearly an idealist and probably loves the wilderness way more than most of us. So we might not be touched by some of his arguments. But even so, a hugely recommended watch for everyone. This picture should be part of compulsory education.

Simply beautiful and necessary

Mesmerizing documentary with a great lesson at the end of it. What a life this man has had, I think he can teach us a lot, and for me he has. Extremely amazing scenes, a must watch for anyone interested in life on earth (which we should all be)

Attenborough does the Attenborough thing, with a clear note of pleading desperation setting in before the perhaps slightly too hopeful ending, and who can blame him. The cynic in me wishes he'd focused more on the impact on humans, since we've all collectively decided nature is best on TV anyway and sure we don't WANT to see walruses plummet to their deaths but what's in it for ME?!? But there's no denying the power of both images and message.

Solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal are small potatoes. We need FUSION power. If we all eat a healthy Whole Food Plant-Based diet, that alone would solve our health crisis and make a decisive improvement on the climate. Why is this not obvious to everyone? People are ignorant, so we need to educate them. For this, David Attenborough is one of the best and most impactful people on this planet. If we keep going like this, all life on this planet will go extinct for millions of years.