Planetary

Planetary is an intriguing and thought-provoking documentary released in 2015 that encourages viewers to reconsider their relationship with their home, Mother Earth, and alters their understanding of themselves in conjunction with the surrounding universe.

The documentary features an outstanding set of philosophical thinkers, environmentalists, and astronauts, such as Janine Benyus, Ronald Garan, and Joan Halifax. These narrators share their profound experience and knowledge to illuminate the deep connection between all life forms on Earth.

Janine Benyus, a famed biologist and innovation consultant, brings a powerful perspective from a scientific viewpoint. Known for her work on biomimicry, she imparts a biological perspective on how humans could learn from the natural world about sustainability and survival.

Colonel Ronald Garan, a retired NASA astronaut, takes the audience on a transformative journey beyond the Earth's atmosphere. Through his space expeditions, Garan has stared at the Earth from a perspective that very few people have experienced. His insightful cosmic perspective shifts the film from a solely Earthbound view to seeing our planet as a tiny, fragile ball of life hanging in the vast void of space.

The esteemed Zen Buddhist teacher Joan Halifax provides a spiritual and humanistic perspective. By exploring the interconnectedness of everything, she assists in understanding how humans are not external but an integral part of the whole Earthly system.

As the film unfolds, Planetary takes viewers on a breathtaking and panoramic voyage around the Earth, submerging them in the magnificent beauty of diverse landscapes, from bustling megacities to serene natural landscapes. The cinematography almost serves as another narrator in the film, adding a visual depth and emotional weight to the topics discussed. The scenes seem meticulously crafted, each shot urging the viewer to look at our planet with fresh eyes.

The narrative of the film begins with exploring humanity's footprint on the environment. It frames our current ecological crisis as a symptom of a deeper psychological crisis, rooted in our perceived disconnection from the world around us. As the plot advances, we gain a comprehensive understanding of our place in the universe through the perspectives of individuals who've observed Earth from various vantage points – both physical and metaphysical.

Creating an atmosphere of reflection, Planetary presents a shift from the widespread perspective of earth as a resource to be exploited, towards the vision of earth as a system wherein every piece, including humanity, coexists in harmony. It is an exploration of complex themes like interdependence and the shared plight of humanity.

The documentary finds balance between the macro and micro, the outer space and inner space, the cerebral and the emotional. The narrative is intercut with interviews, historical footage, and stunning visuals of life on Earth, presenting a vivid patchwork of the diversity, beauty, and fragility of our planet.

Planetary brilliantly uses a conglomerate of perspectives to illustrate an important idea - that our worldview collectively shapes the world we inhabit. The film presents a critique of our modern, fragmented understanding of the world, proposing a more integrated view that appreciates Earth not just as a backdrop of human activity, but a living entity that we're a part of.

Cemented by a hauntingly beautiful score, Planetary is a documentary that pushes you into introspection. While it doesn't offer direct solutions, it inspires hope that a shift in our collective consciousness could lead to a more sustainable and compassionate world.

In conclusion, Planetary is not just a film; it's an experience, an emotional and intellectual journey that encourages us to transcend our limited perspective of ourselves as separate entities and to recognize our deep connection and shared destiny with all living beings on Earth. It offers an inspiring view of the vast wonder of our universe, presenting a planet that is alive with beauty, diversity, and interconnectedness. Planetary stimulates hope for a collective shift and change in perceptions towards a more harmonious human-planet relationship. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the environment, philosophy, space, or simply the future of humanity.