Racing Extinction
Thoughtful docu has disturbing images, positive messages.
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Racing Extinction
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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 Racing Extinction is a 2015 documentary that takes a look at the threat of mass extinction of half the world's species in upcoming decades, and what can be done about it. Through example and interviews, the documentary shows positive role models -- people from all walks of life who are working to stop the mass slaughter of marine life, and the illegal black-market trade of endangered species. This documentary also offers encouragement and suggestions as to what each of us can do to protect nature, our oceans, and the environment for generations to come. There are some disturbing scenes, including a scene in which a fisherman in Indonesia stabs and kills a manta ray with a machete, drawing blood, and of a finless shark struggling to swim at the bottom of a reef. Scenes of stacks of the animal parts of endangered animal and marine species in black market warehouses. Infrequent profanity includes "s--t," "damn," "crap," and "hell." Overall, the documentary offers a balance between the alarming statistics of what we can expect if we maintain our current course of inaction, and the big and small things we can all do to prevent mass extinction.
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What's the Story?
RACING EXTINCTION takes a sobering look at the mass extinctions that are likely to occur if humanity continues to engage in actions that pollute and degrade our oceans and land. We meet scientists at the Cornell Bioacoustical Library who record the sounds of species on the verge of extinction. We meet many environmental activists from all walks of life who put their lives on the line to stop the black markets in China that illegally sell, among other things, shark fins, as the fishermen who have caught the sharks hack off the fins and leave the sharks to die. The documentary explores the peril facing the planet -- at least half of the world's species are likely to become extinct in the near-future if humanity doesn't change course. While the documentary paints a bleak portrait of what life on Earth may be like, it also offers solutions and encouragement for everyone to "find [your] thing" to help preserve and protect the environment.
Is It Any Good?
This is an excellent documentary that strikes a balance between the horrors that await the planet if humanity continues its present behavior and the work of those working to save the environment. Racing Extinction is a sobering documentary that shows how selfish behavior, economic necessity in poorer regions of the world, and sheer greed are hastening the frightening possibility that over half of the world's species may become extinct in the near-future. It also highlights the fearless work of the environmental activists who are putting their lives on the line in order to stop those who are exploiting and harming endangered species, and how all of us can "find your thing" in order to ensure the planet's survival for future generations.
This documentary strikes an effective balance between alarming statistics and practical solutions. The movie's filmmakers even turn it on themselves -- as they point out, the act of making a movie causes its own fair share of pollution. It's a thoughtful documentary that seamlessly interweaves science, activism, and economic realities. It doesn't sugarcoat what's happening by any stretch, but the biggest takeaway is that we can each do something, big and/or small, to prevent unprecedented (at least for while humanity has been on Earth) environmental catastrophe. It should inspire not just discussion, but also practical action.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about documentaries centered on the environment, such as Racing Extinction. How is this similar to and different from other documentaries you've seen about the environment? What did you learn?
How do the more disturbing images in the movie highlight the dangers many marine and animal species face due to human behavior? What would be lost if these images weren't in the documentary?
What are some of the solutions offered in the documentary? Which ones have the most appeal for you?
What character strengths are on display here?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: September 18, 2015
- Cast: Louie Psihoyos
- Director: Louie Psihoyos
- Studio: Discovery Channel
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, History, Horses and Farm Animals, Ocean Creatures, Science and Nature, Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Courage, Teamwork
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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