Ocean Souls
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Ocean Souls
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Ocean Souls is a documentary that looks at the lives of cetaceans, such as whales and dolphins, and their likeness to humans. It's an English-language film with occasional subtitles. Language includes the slang word "poo," as well as references that include a child's terminal illness, death, mourning, and grieving. There's an image of a dead whale and discussions about the killing of whales, carving of bones from murdered animals, calves dying, and ocean life suffering from human abuse. There are references to courting and mating by marine life species, and ocean animals undergoing menopause. Positive messages are the benefits of family bonds and friendships and caring for others in need.
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What's the Story?
OCEAN SOULS is about the common behavior that exists between cetaceans and people. Along with a team of more than 100 filmmakers, a diverse group of experts share their knowledge about the resemblance of emotions, intelligence, language, and much more among humans and these sea life species. The film also explores how the environmental intrusion of the billion-dollar commercial hunting industry may impact marine life.
Is It Any Good?
This documentary makes its mark as exceptional marine life filmmaking by director Philip Hamilton. The vision of shared anecdotes in Ocean Souls brings to the surface the connection between people and their so-called "underwater relatives" known as cetaceans. "Dolphins and whales are the cousins of human beings," says Ryuzo Shinomiya, a Japanese free-diving champion who recalls one encounter where "I moved closer to the whale and looked into her eye and she looked back at me. No fear or resentment."
For Miguel Bottazzi, an Argentenian environmentalist and whale watcher operator, there were the wishes of a terminally ill 12-year-old boy. "We were lucky to find a very social young whale," says Bottazzi. "It approached the boat slowly. The whale was exhaling into the kid's face, getting him wet. The kid was laughing, totally absorbed." Adds Sylvia Earle, an American oceanographer at National Geographic Explorer, USA, about the communication between dolphins and whales, "Can we tune in and figure out what it means and maybe get a conversation going? It's a wonderful dream. I hope it comes true." Definitely a subject worthy of possible discussion by kids, teens, and adults.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the perseverance and teamwork of cetaceans in Ocean Souls. Why are they important character strengths?
Why may it be significant for cetaceans to depend on each another, as well as help others? How does their sound serve as a form of communication?
In what ways have changes in the ocean impacted marine life? What possible steps can be taken to preserve the environment and its ecosystem?
What does the film's title mean to you? Would you have chosen another name? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: December 17, 2021
- Cast: Miguel Bottazzi, Sylvia Earle, Ryuzo Shinomiya
- Director: Philip Hamilton
- Studios: Ocean Souls Films, Wildlife Media
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Ocean Creatures, Science and Nature, Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Communication, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 58 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: January 23, 2023
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