It isn’t every day that a former President of the United States narrates a wildlife documentary series, especially given that the dominant force within the genre is Sir David Attenborough. It was a surprise when I opened Netflix one day and sae Barack Obama’s face on a banner for a new documentary that focuses on great national parks around the world, highlighting the wildlife within (which was released a year ago – where did the time go?). Obama’s charismatic narration elevates the series’ appeal, with this smooth voice and without the usual over-dramatisation you tend to find in programs made for the American audience. Starting with a very personal journey, Obama begins in Hawaii before taking us on a journey around the world to meet a wide range of amazing species – some of which have only been filmed for the first time in Our Great National Parks. Now that is something that I can really get behind! If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know that I’m not a fan of wildlife filmmakers recycling the same old story time and time again. Hats off to Wild Space Productions (and their partners) for delivering this new content!
The documentary sheds light on the incredible biodiversity within the national parks that are featured across the five episodes. Obama emphasises how these protected areas act as vital sanctuaries for numerous plant and animal species, some of which are endangered. The audience will appreciate the comprehensive overview of the efforts undertaken to conserve these species and the challenges faced in maintaining their delicate habitats. While celebrating the grandeur of these national parks, the documentary does not shy away from addressing the challenges posed by human impacts. Although something else that it does well, is to demonstrate how humans and nature can coexist with one another. Obama sheds light on issues such as habitat fragmentation and pollution, while highlighting ongoing conservation efforts and emphasising the importance of responsible practices to ensure these natural wonders (and the wildlife within) are preserved for future generations.
Throughout the film, Obama’s heartfelt narration fosters an emotional connection between the audience and the national parks. His personal anecdotes and reflections on the significance of these places to the the people of the world evoke a sense of pride, respect, and love for the natural heritage of the nation. You can definitely hear that same level of delivery he was known for as President throughout, it is very soothing and with the score, further strengthens that emotional connection between the wildlife being shown on screen, and the audience. Each frame is carefully crafted to showcase the grandeur of the national parks, capturing the play of light and shadows across vast landscapes, the vibrant colours of diverse flora, and the majesty of wildlife in their natural habitats. The use of aerial shots adds a sense of scale and wonder, making the viewers feel like they are part of the unfolding story. However, the filmography isn’t prioritised in favour of the information being delivered, with everything being fairly balanced.
Our Great National Parks surprised me, it is what I feel nature documentaries should be like, instead of the double-jeopardy filled programs we’ve been used to, which showcase cinematography as much as they do the species they are trying to highlight. Our Great National Parks is a balanced and well produced series that highlights perfectly the value of national parks, explains why they’re important, and what can be done to help increase their positive impact.
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