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Out of the Cradle
By Monique Jones,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Doc on early humans promotes teamwork, communication.
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Out of the Cradle
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What's the Story?
OUT OF THE CRADLE is a documentary that tracks the extraordinary evolutionary advantages humanity's ancestors had to become the world's dominant species. The history of early humans stems from Africa, where the first divergence from apes occurred, giving rise to the first hominids. Climate changes, tectonic plate shifts, and emotional developments such as compassion, courage, and empathy helped early humans rise from the weakest species to the strongest.
Is It Any Good?
This documentary is a fascinating look at the traits that define humanity and helped the species become the dominant force on the planet. Over a series of three episodes spliced together into a single documentary, Out of the Cradle uses the findings of anthropological experts and 3D reenactments to give viewers an immersive look at humanity's early days. Overall, the documentary gives a favorable, uplifting look at humanity's rise to prominence, focusing on positive traits such as compassion and empathy, communication across human settlements, and transferring ideas -- such as new hunting technologies like axes and spears -- to ensure success of the species. These traits are still with us today, helping us address some of humanity's most pressing issues.
The film quickly highlights how humanity has harmed environments and animal populations. Without addressing the current manmade climate change head-on, the documentary briefly discusses how our decision-making can chart the course for the rest of humanity's story going forward. With the bulk of the focus on humanity's ability to work together to solve problems, Out of the Cradle should leave viewers hopeful that humans will once again lean on their positive attributes to live within nature's means and write the next chapter of humanity on earth.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the factors involved in human evolution. How did compassion, courage, and empathy help early humans outlive other hominid species? How do those attributes help us today?
How did the earliest hominids develop from a fruit-eating species to a meat-eating species?
How does monogamy factor into early hominid evolution?
How have humans' ability to adapt and transform their environments helped our species? How have those same traits hurt other species?
How can humans use the attributes that have given us an evolutionary advantage to live in more harmony with the earth?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 1, 2018
- Network: Max
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: History
- Character Strengths: Communication , Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Empathy , Teamwork
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: June 27, 2021
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