Antarctic Mission Brief Overview
The crew of the very large research sail ship, the Sedna IV, is heading for the Southern waters, in order to study some of the changes to the local wildlife, as well as some of the iceberg formations located nearby. In an attempt to understand how the warming water currents are changing the food chain, the Canadian researchers onboard ship study the dwindling abundance of "krill", a variety of plankton.
Krill is a vital source of nourishment for seals, penguins, and other animals of the freezing waters. As years go by, the researchers are able to discern (through a process of tagging specimens with innocuous mini radio transmitters) which types of penguins are going further and further away from their breeding grounds, in order to forage for krill, while competing for an ever emptier cupboard, so to speak.
Throughout the feature's three episodes, the Sedna IV crew encounters other scientist groups, spread over different regions of interest within the Antarctic Circle. British, American, even Swedish teams often interact, sharing their findings and leading each other to the same conclusion: the Earth is warming up, and many species of animals indigenous to the Antarctic are slowly dissapearing as a result.
Antarctic Mission Overall Analysis
A worthwhile documentary that has been financed by the Quebec and Canadian government, as well as sponsored by the National Film Board and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Antarctic Mission is very easily at par with some of its American produced cousins, on shows such as National Geographic and Nova. Narrated by the popular scientist David Suzuki (in the English version), the feature is given credence by its detailed approach to the various species, amazing photography, and user-friendly pace.
In many ways, Antarctic Mission plays out like An Inconvenient Truth, by way of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. Each scientist interviewed through the course of the feature realizes with alarming shock how the precious life before them is endangered, while doing their best to produce worthwhile studies to bring to the scientific community. The ensuing result is a satisfying voyage, following a team of researchers in search of answers, as they too brave the harsh conditions imposed upon them, by the unforgiving Antarctic climate.
This documentary is recommended for fans of the BBC series Planet Earth, as both features share similarities in their objective approach to the world around us. Truly an educational experience, from a talented group of Canadian/Quebec filmmakers.
8.5 out of 10, for top notch content, and educational value worthy of high school level learning.
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