Watch The Living Sea

The Living Sea is a visually striking and informative documentary film from 1995. The movie sets out to explore and celebrate the wonders of Earth's oceans, diving into the immense diversity of life forms inhabiting the underwater world and examining the many ways in which ocean currents, tides, and weather patterns shape our planet.

Narrated by Meryl Streep, The Living Sea takes viewers on an enchanting journey through the vast, mysterious, and often perilous realm of the sea. Utilizing stunning underwater photography and computer graphics, the film captures some of the most awe-inspiring sights and sounds found in the world's oceans, from the crystal-clear waters off the Bahamas to the kelp forests of the Pacific Northwest.

The movie's first half features interviews with scientists, oceanographers, and marine biologists who offer insights into the fragility and complexity of ocean ecosystems. The film explains how the ocean functions as a "living machine", with interconnected systems of plants, animals, and microorganisms working together to keep the ocean and its inhabitants healthy and thriving.

The film showcases the beauty and majesty of sea creatures like dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and jellyfish, while also taking a closer look at some of the smaller, less familiar organisms that call the ocean home, such as plankton, seahorses, and giant clams. The Living Sea also explores the dynamic interaction between different species, showcasing the symbiotic relationships forged between hunter and prey, predator and protector.

The second half of the movie offers a more personal perspective on the ocean, as we follow underwater explorer Steven K. Katona on his quest to discover and study the habits of the giant jellyfish, a creature whose staggering size and mysterious nature have long fascinated scientists and beach-goers alike.

Through Katona's journey, we gain a greater appreciation for the enormity and complexity of the ocean's wildlife and the various ecosystems that interconnect them. We also witness the fragility of these systems and the risks they face from human activity, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change.

The Living Sea concludes with a call to action, urging viewers to do their part to preserve and protect the ocean's magnificent beauty for future generations.

Overall, The Living Sea is a breathtaking and informative exploration of one of the planet's least understood and most awe-inspiring realms. With its striking visuals and expertly crafted narrative, the film offers a glimpse into a world few of us will ever see firsthand and inspires us to take greater responsibility for protecting one of Earth's most valuable resources.

The Living Sea is a 1995 documentary with a runtime of 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.