Watch From the Sea to the Land Beyond

From the Sea to the Land Beyond is a 2012 documentary that is directed by Penny Woolcock. The film is a poetic and nostalgic exploration of the relationship between the people of Britain and the sea. The documentary consists entirely of archive footage and is narrated by the sound of the sea, which gives the film a meditative and hypnotic feel.

The film is structured in three parts, each part exploring a different aspect of the relationship between the sea and the people of Britain. The first part is titled 'The Working Coast' and focuses on the people who work on the coastline- the fishermen, the lighthouse keepers, the coastguards, and the lifeboat crews. The footage in this section is often raw and gritty as it depicts the harsh realities of life on the coast. We see fishermen braving rough seas to haul in their catch, coastguards risking their lives to save those stranded at sea, and lighthouse keepers enduring long periods of isolation to ensure that coastal communities are safe.

The second part of the film is titled 'Going to the Seaside'. In this section, the film explores the leisure activities that take place on the coast. We see holidaymakers frolicking in the sea, soaking up the sun on the beach, and enjoying traditional seaside activities such as donkey rides and Punch and Judy shows. The footage in this section is more light-hearted and is accompanied by a playful soundtrack that captures the joy and exuberance of a day at the seaside.

The final part of the film is titled 'Edge of the Land' and is the most contemplative of the three. In this section, the film explores the spiritual and emotional connection that people have with the sea. We see people gazing out to sea lost in their own thoughts, or standing on the coast at sunset, mesmerised by the beauty of the sea. The footage is accompanied by a haunting soundtrack that captures the melancholy and introspective mood of this section.

Throughout the film, there is a sense of loss and nostalgia as the archive footage reminds us of a bygone era. We see old-fashioned bathing suits and picnic baskets, and seaside towns with rows of deckchairs and donkey carts. We also see how the sea has been both a life force and a destructive force throughout history. We see footage of devastating storms and wrecked ships, as well as the heroic efforts of those who risked their lives to save those at sea.

Despite the sense of nostalgia in the film, there is also a sense of hope and resilience. We see communities rebuilding and recovering after natural disasters, and we see the enduring connection that people have with the sea. The film reminds us of the beauty and power of the sea, and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

In conclusion, From the Sea to the Land Beyond is a beautiful and powerful documentary that takes the viewer on a journey through the history and culture of Britain's relationship with the sea. The stunning archive footage and haunting soundtrack create a meditative and contemplative mood, while the narration by the sound of the sea gives the film a poetic and introspective feel. The film is a tribute to the resilience, bravery, and enduring connection between the people of Britain and the sea.

From the Sea to the Land Beyond is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.