Absolutely adored the first 'Dynasties' series in every way. It was one of the clear television highlights of 2018 for me and a more than worthy example of why David Attenborough is incomparable when it comes to nature documentaries and documentaries in general. When hearing that there was a second series, this reviewer was absolutely over the moon and there was no way it was going to be missed. Had no doubt it would be as great and hopefully even on the same level as the first series.
Of the four animal species explored in 'Dynasties II', the most familiar one to me is the cheetah, with it being the only one of the four seen as an attraction at my local zoo (a consistent highlight too). This did risk being too much reinforcing of old information, but that was not the case at all with "Cheetah". Have always kept hearing and seeing something new about cheetahs, even when frequently covered in nature documentaries, and "Cheetah" educated me every bit as much as the previous two instalments and is every bit as brilliant for the same reasons.
First and foremost, "Cheetah" looks amazing. Not as much as "Puma", but still amazing. The scenery is jaw dropping in its beauty, but it is more than just beautiful scenery though, a lot of it is quite unforgiving too. The scenery is complemented by photography of quite cinematic quality, not just a feast for the eyes but it is also expansive and intimate in equal measure. The music fits well and has a grandeur without being melodramatic.
Expectedly, the narration is very thought-provoking and never rambling, cutesy or speculative. The cheetahs are a mix of adorable, inspirational and at times dangerous when needed, really identified with them when in family life and rooted for them in their adversity. Any former scenes are as tender and cute as those in "Puma" and "Elephant" and any latter scenes pull no punches without being traumatising.
It didn't feel like one episode, it felt like an individual story with the elephants being very diverse and relatable in their ways of living and adversity. No problem whatsoever with their portrayal, certainly never one-sided but instead complex and uncompromising, while the landscapes have more than them than looking glorious and nothing feels sugar-coated or over-humanised.
Much information is covered but felt properly explored and not rushed or disjointed, and the facts educate and illuminate while not being compromised for the emotionally complex storytelling. Attenborough's distinctive and unequalled narrative delivery is sincere, enthusiastic as well as understated. One can listen to him for a long time and not tire of him, no other nature/wildlife documentary narrator/presenter has made me feel this way. The behind the scenes footage fascinates and also leaves emotional impact at how inspirational the crew are.
Overall, another wonderful instalment. 10/10.
Of the four animal species explored in 'Dynasties II', the most familiar one to me is the cheetah, with it being the only one of the four seen as an attraction at my local zoo (a consistent highlight too). This did risk being too much reinforcing of old information, but that was not the case at all with "Cheetah". Have always kept hearing and seeing something new about cheetahs, even when frequently covered in nature documentaries, and "Cheetah" educated me every bit as much as the previous two instalments and is every bit as brilliant for the same reasons.
First and foremost, "Cheetah" looks amazing. Not as much as "Puma", but still amazing. The scenery is jaw dropping in its beauty, but it is more than just beautiful scenery though, a lot of it is quite unforgiving too. The scenery is complemented by photography of quite cinematic quality, not just a feast for the eyes but it is also expansive and intimate in equal measure. The music fits well and has a grandeur without being melodramatic.
Expectedly, the narration is very thought-provoking and never rambling, cutesy or speculative. The cheetahs are a mix of adorable, inspirational and at times dangerous when needed, really identified with them when in family life and rooted for them in their adversity. Any former scenes are as tender and cute as those in "Puma" and "Elephant" and any latter scenes pull no punches without being traumatising.
It didn't feel like one episode, it felt like an individual story with the elephants being very diverse and relatable in their ways of living and adversity. No problem whatsoever with their portrayal, certainly never one-sided but instead complex and uncompromising, while the landscapes have more than them than looking glorious and nothing feels sugar-coated or over-humanised.
Much information is covered but felt properly explored and not rushed or disjointed, and the facts educate and illuminate while not being compromised for the emotionally complex storytelling. Attenborough's distinctive and unequalled narrative delivery is sincere, enthusiastic as well as understated. One can listen to him for a long time and not tire of him, no other nature/wildlife documentary narrator/presenter has made me feel this way. The behind the scenes footage fascinates and also leaves emotional impact at how inspirational the crew are.
Overall, another wonderful instalment. 10/10.
