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Hyena
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.
Loved all three of the previous three instalments equally, and loved this final instalment too. Of the four, it's probably my least favourite. And of course not because of it being bad (it's still wonderful actually in my view), but because the previous three episodes had more interesting and familiar subjects and it's easier making the lives and adversity of pumas, elephants and cheetahs more investable and accessible with them having more complex lives perhaps. "Hyena" deserves major props though for managing to make very under-explored animals interesting and educational and is wonderful in its own way.
First and foremost, "Hyena" 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 hyenas are as menacing and dangerous as ought, though the episode does well to show less dangerous sides to them too which showed that there is more to hyenas than what is usually portrayed (where they are often seen as predators). Did like seeing the more maternal side come out.
"Hyenas" does boast memorable moments, with one particularly uncompromising part where hyenas are seen gnawing at their kills (gruesome). Anything with muddy pools is never an easy watch either. Best of all is the whole Liuwa Plain National Park sequence, where the power dynamic between a clan is explored and fascinatingly as well (had never seen that before so that was an education for me). 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.
In conclusion, wonderful end to a series that is every bit as wondrous as the first. 10/10.
Loved all three of the previous three instalments equally, and loved this final instalment too. Of the four, it's probably my least favourite. And of course not because of it being bad (it's still wonderful actually in my view), but because the previous three episodes had more interesting and familiar subjects and it's easier making the lives and adversity of pumas, elephants and cheetahs more investable and accessible with them having more complex lives perhaps. "Hyena" deserves major props though for managing to make very under-explored animals interesting and educational and is wonderful in its own way.
First and foremost, "Hyena" 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 hyenas are as menacing and dangerous as ought, though the episode does well to show less dangerous sides to them too which showed that there is more to hyenas than what is usually portrayed (where they are often seen as predators). Did like seeing the more maternal side come out.
"Hyenas" does boast memorable moments, with one particularly uncompromising part where hyenas are seen gnawing at their kills (gruesome). Anything with muddy pools is never an easy watch either. Best of all is the whole Liuwa Plain National Park sequence, where the power dynamic between a clan is explored and fascinatingly as well (had never seen that before so that was an education for me). 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.
In conclusion, wonderful end to a series that is every bit as wondrous as the first. 10/10.
helpful•81
- TheLittleSongbird
- Mar 15, 2023
Details
- Runtime57 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 16:9 HD
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