Big World In a Small Garden
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Big World In a Small Garden
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Big World In a Small Garden is a docuseries that highlights the intricate goings on in a wildlife photographer's backyard. Since insect behavior is the focus, there are some scenes of fighting and mating scientific observation. Getting this close to insects could be a little creepy to anyone sensitive to seeing a wolf spider mother carrying a multitude of spider babies on her back. But the lively and informative footage keeps the vibe light.
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What's the Story?
In BIG WORLD IN A SMALL GARDEN, wildlife photographer and filmmaker Martin Dohrn explores the behavior of insects in his urban backyard. With the help of his "Frankencam," made up of an "unholy alliance of other cameras" fused together, Dohrn is able to peek between the blades of grass to see all the drama happening in the insect world. With a lively soundscape of city noises streaming in the background, the viewer is reminded that life continues to thrive all around us. We just need to be curious enough to explore it.
Is It Any Good?
Brimming with interesting discoveries of insect behavior, this backyard documentary inspires the curious mind. Big World in a Small Garden uses technology as a tool to explore the delicate and intricate dramas that unfold all around us. Martin Dohrn plays the philosopher when he uses cameras to slow down life, as if to teach the viewer the importance of slowing down to enjoy the beauty found in even the most humble urban garden.
There's humor to the show as well, such as male bees who have fluffed themselves up for good viewing and are constantly rejected by female bees. Dohrn says there is drama in his London garden "every bit as exciting as anything you'd see on the plains of Africa." After spending time looking through his camera's point of view, it's hard to disagree.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Familes can talk about how Big World In a Small Garden inspires curiosity. How many new experiences do you have every day?
The filmmaker in this show talks about being able to see insect life better when you slow it down. What would you do if you had a camera that could slow down time?
Sirens and car alarms can be heard in the background while this show is being filmed. How can you be creative and inspired even when life is going on all around you?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 1, 2016
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Bugs, Science and Nature
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: June 30, 2021
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