philip-00197 Reviews

Stasi FC (2023)

Excellent weaving...

[8/10 · 18 March 2024]

Using football as a reference point to understand the evil ongoings behind the iron curtain is an excellent approach. Systematic corruption can be "a hard thing to wrap your head around". By looking into the lives of footballers and behind-scene ongoings in sports organisations - the systematic oppression of citizens becomes relatively easy to comprehend.

One could argue that "the football aspect" is somewhat light weight and that other groups with other occupations were in a far worse situation, but that may be missing the point. Stasi FC shows the reach and extent of a controlling state - rather than those worst affected.

Stasi FC is also commendably short, it packs a pretty big punch over one episode - thus avoiding the irritating habit of late, the one where most documentaries are stretched out way too far.

This is not a "must see" but Stasi FC offers a compelling glimpse into times, one wishes were, of the past.

Automobilen: Det Övergivna Skatemonumentet (2024 TV Movie)

Right out of the skate park...

[15 March 2024]

There has been a boom in the documentary format of recent. Sadly, as often with massively increased output, quality has been an issue. Not only has quality suffered but, probably due to pressure from the streaming corporations, "information density". "Stuff" that either should have been scrapped at the drawing board or, at the very least, confined to one brief episode - is stretched way beyond the point of boredom.

Automobilen stands out like an oasis in the current documentary wasteland and hits the documentary sweetspot. It covers a genuinely interesting topic at the required pace.

WHAT is of historical interest and WHO decides what constitutes our cultural heritage? Automobilen argues the "historical value" of an old skate park - and does so very well. It also, subtly, raises the question on a grander scale - the "what and who". And with that comes an itch; is it only the grand and pompous that is protected by default, are those in charge blind to the more subtle parts of our cultural heritage - and if so, is there more stuff we need to champion for their survival?

Automobilen is a tasty morsel, well and truly worth watching.

Peter Mangs - en seriemördares hemlighet (2024– )

A growing problem...

[2/10 · 4 March 2024]

There is a trend of recent - one of some bewilderment that; raises some concern for the "documentary format" in general and is, to say the least, irritating.

Apparently it is OK to: Have some crackpot idea that needs validating. Trying to confirm this theory and when there is no proof that any of it has any validity whatsoever - go ahead and make a documentary anyhow. Not only that but then drag it out over several episodes while leading on that there is some kind of reveal coming up.

There is apparently a "mad man" at work here and, judging by what this documentary presents,it is not obvious who it is. This is a train wreck of a documentary - at least with regard to the topic is supposedly covering. If you, on the off chance, are interested of a glimpse into the mind of its maker, John Mork, you may consider this a treat.

Einstein and the Bomb (2024)

Nonsensical

[20 February 2024]

Virtually nothing to see. This whole production is a paradox. If you know "anything" about Einstein there is nothing to pick up, if you don't - there are far better better offerings with regard to understanding the Great Mind. As other viewers have eloquently stated; it is a mind blowingly poor production - one that, maybe, found it's roots in a board room rather than in a passion for the great man.

The whole escapade can, pretty much be summarised in a couple of sentences... Einstein presented the physics that, amoung other "things" proved the link between matter and energy. In so doing he facilitated the development of the nuclear bomb. Einstein had mixed feelings with regard to this achievement. His desire to put an end to Nazi-Germany by beating them in the race for nuclear capability won "the internal battle" over his pacifist ideology.

Later in life, especially when it turned out that Germany lost the war "anyhow" and the acquired nuclear capacity was used on a large civilian Japanese population... he felt guilty.

That, in essence, is what is covered In Einstein and the Bomb - and it is done so pretty poorly.

Building the Ultimate (2020– )

Avoid

[1/10 · 13 November 2023]

One of the porest documentary series made to date - if indeed it is a documentary. Most likely this is an infomercial in disguise - and if it is, it has most definitely overstepped ALL the criteria of ethical journalism.

It took a while, a couple of episodes, for this reviewer to realise "things were not adding up". There is a "forced amount" of praising the presented companies - that should have been an early warning signal. But that could have been chalked up to simply being poor journalism. Then the "technical data" began to blur, that's a pretty big giveaway for something aspiring to be a documentary. The focusing on how great the company behind a product is - rather than wherein the greatness lies is a bit blatant.

Then came the over-rhetoric and exaggerations. As an example, In the "train episode", we are told that AGV is "the world's fastest means of transport" and that Italian italo is "the world's foremost train" . Note, If you will, the choice of wording - it's deceptive.

Why this particular kind of con artistry isn't banned is baffling - apparently it's ok to not only steal people's time - but also stuff their minds with false information. This is one of the most obvious "don't see". If you have any interest in any of the presented topics you are way off spending time finding something that actually is a documentary covering the subject.

Fiktiv granskning - En grävande historia (2022)

Wow...

[2/10 · 21 October 2023]

"Lost for words" initially appeared to be a suitable description - but that would have been a paradox. Most of us have seen negative reviews, full of vitriol, that seem to have been written in affect or even anger. Never really understood why until Fiktiv Granskning appeared on the silver screen. Then, suddenly, the irrational became rational.

All of those "I wish I could have my time back" suddenly made sense. As did those "this is the worst film I have ever seen". It's ugly, poorly structured, criticism. But this is, on a personal basis, such a time when a film is so bad that; the ability to skilfully structure any form of criticism becomes an overwhelming task. All the "where to begins" become a inaccessible rambling.

So in short; this is, arguably, one of the worst films ever made. The "second star" is based on there not being any malice or, indeed, any harm done... other than the wasted time.

Allt för Sverige (2011– )

Feel Good

[10/10 · 1 October 2023]

Without any Swedish ancestry - I still believe Allt for Sverige (AFS) to be television excellence. The format is nothing short of genius. It is a docu-soap that manages to avoid, almost, all the "nastyties" normally associated with the genre. In fact; whereas most docu-soaps focus on raising conflicts between the contestants, AFS is committed to draw out the best in people and only rarely loses its focus on positivity.

Allt for Sverige is centred around patriotism - not nationalism. The definition between the two has becomes blurred of late, so some explanation may be in order: Patriotism is founded on pride of place, pride of where you live. Patriotism does NOT exclude the possibility for others to be equally patriotic about another "culture, town, country or region" - nor does it exclude others from joining in.

So there you have it. AFS is a show that is intended to, not only make Swedes proud of their country but also to, invite others to feel welcome and "at home" in her culture and surroundings. Achieving the objective requires some, pretty blatant, bragging about Sweden as a whole... and that's fine.

A more harsh review may claim that: AFS is a feel good docu-soap that is grossly over-rhetorical. It may firther argue that there are no holds barred in creating the make believe; "everything in Sweden is utopian".

But that would be missing the point. AFS is, like any other show in the format, "rigged for effect". The difference here being that it is not "conflict" it is rigged to create. You are more likely to end up with a warm fuzzy feeling and, maybe, a more positive outlook on the world in general and Sweden in particular - and, surely, that has one up on irritation frustration and anger.

Of course it's a must see. Who doesn't need to see the world from a lighter more positive perspective - even if it is partly a fantasy?

Mapplethorpe (2018)

Painting by Numbers

[16 September 2023]

Maybe, maybe Mapplethorpe was as simple and one dimensional as Timoner would have us believe - but somehow that doesn't feel very probable. If you exclude Script and Direction Mapplethorpe is, arguably good work. But that's a big "if".

The feeling is that; there were so many "musts" to cram in that they inhibited character development and the potential of a complex, yet natural, flow. What we are left with is a cineastic version of "Painting by numbers" - a version with not many nuances on the palette.

The lack of nuance is apparent throughout, ranging from; how Mapplethorpe conceptualised his work and how it was executed, to a rather stereotype visualisation of "what gay people are like" - with plenty of other generalisations in between.

It's a shame, the subject should have a stunning array of complexities to showcase - the relationship with Patti Smith for one. Hopefully someone more "finely tuned" will make a more tantalising attempt at some stage.

Cyborg Society (2023)

Inspiring and daunting.

[5 September 2023]

Probably just about as "spot on" as possible at this stage of the game.

Cyborg Society (CS), as a project, had seemingly many potholes to stumble into - the end result avoided enough of them to become a fascinating documentary. In difference to many before it, CS manages to escape the, dry, Q&A approach. Instead it uses the 59 minute running time to start weaving a fabric representing the emotional ride we are embarking on.

To a large extent; letting Ameca, a bona fide cyborg, be part of the discussion - rather than part of the topic discussed - is instrumental in the; stirring of emotions and generating of opinions. It's crafty weaving. By edging it/her/him, more and more, into the discussion a sense of familiarity starts creeping in and with that come the seeds of empathy... alongside those of fear.

CS may not answer any of "the big questions" associated with AI, but it does have the ability to "fast forward feelings" on the subject. Which of the many aspects that make the most profound impression is likely vary between viewers, but many are likely to feel; one step closer to the topic.

Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones (2023)

Over-wrapping

[2 September 2023]

This is what happens when good intentions get distracted by a large ego. Facts are bundled together after which subjective conclusions are stretched way too far - all while falsely implying "a scientific seal of approval".

It's a shame. If kept on the "rhetorical straight and narrow" - "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" - would have presented some interesting hypotheses alongside the possibility to believe there is a viable way forward, "believe" being the operative word. Dan Buettner's use of over-rhetoric throughout, likely, undermines most critical viewers ability to engage in his theories.

NetFlix' initial disclaimer "The following series is designed to entertain and inform - not to provide medical or health advice." is foreboding of what is about to follow. That sentence, pretty much indicates "the issues with this series"; it presents beliefs in a way that deceptively resemble facts. Beliefs are fine, if you want to adhere to them - but that should be by free choice not by implying factuality. If the disclaimer didn't give it away, the introduction provides further hints; "They all follow roughly the exact same formula".

The use of "roughly" and "exactly" as descriptive in the same sentence is fine example of what unfolds as a whole - blurryness. The "trick" that is being pulled is by means of an "old and proven recipe"; put forth a mulitude of facts, draw some uncorroborated conclusion and then wrap them up together, and present them as "sort of scientific".

Dan Buettner appears earnest in his beliefs - his attempts to package said beliefs in "an air of science" less so. He definitely comes across more as a preacher than a scientist. The frequently used over rhetoric doesn't naturally peg him in any part of the scientific community.

It's a shame... the subject being addressed is, arguably, important and the effort put in seemingly great. Much good work (and some bad) is done on a belief basis - it's a shame Buttner doesn't show it for what it is.

David Bowie: Finding Fame (2019 TV Movie)

Documentary Excellence

[2 May 2023]

Arguably one of the best documentaries, on any subject, ever.

Rarely has there been an opportunity to enjoy journalistic work dig so deep and so unbiased. Completely mind blowing. No sensationalism, no flirting with the audience - just pure journalistic excellence. Francis Whateley I commend you; you are a scholar, a gentleman and an extraordinarily rare creature - a true journalist.

David Bowie: Finding Fame delves deep and shows much. It does so and presents, in earnest, what it finds. There is so "seducing the masses", no bias and no pointing of fingers. It is a delicacy of a documentary not only when it comes to documenting David Bowie's early career - but, also, in how any documentary should approach any subjec.

Looking next to the obvious and putting great effort in depicting the subtle truth restores faith in the documentary format.

The Diplomat (II) (2023– )

Not a homerun but...

[22 April 2023]

...for the first time, in a long while, NetFlix shows that they have some sort of ability to deliver an "intelligent series" with both engaging qualitiies and complexity.

Sure... The Diplomat opens itsel to the usual barrage of criticism; this is not how diplomacy works and, from there, it is possible to unleash an array of "stuff" that wouldn't be so in the real world. This is, however, fiction and rightfully makes no excuses for using the "fictionally granted" creative license.

The Diplomat IS a skilfully crafted intellectual thriller - slightly reminiscent of watching others play a game of chess. Just as a game of chess doesn't factually correctly depict an actual war, The Diplomat doesn't show us the diplomatic ongoings behind the scenes. But it does show us what some of the mind games may feel like - and that's pretty rewarding.

This is not excellence but it is certainly watch-worthy, especially when considering the meagre supply of intellectually challenging dramas in recent times.

Exhibition On Screen: Pissarro: Father of Impressionism (2022)

The art of documentary filmmaking perfected.

[10/10 · 15 April 2023]

This is a documentary covering art, Impressionism, but by a stroke of genius - it is in itself a work of impressionistic art. By gently "touching" all relevant points around Pissarro - Bickerstaff does exactly what the impressionists did so skilfully; gives away just enough for the viewer to get the impression of the great man. It would be a fair assumption that this is no coincidence.

History is always open to interpretation and some may argue that someone other, than Pissarro, is "The Father of Impressionism" but that has little to no baring on the quality of this work.

Sometimes... you get the feeling that you may have dished out that tenth star a bit too flippantly. Bickerstaff's presentation of Pissarro, and indeed Impressionism as a whole, not only hits the documentary sweet spot, he hits it right out of the park. He creates a sense of loss, a loss of that eleventh star to hand out on rare occasions.

For anyone remotely interested in Impressionism - this is a "must see".

Million Dollar Pigeons (2022)

Oh yes...

[8/10 · 3 April 2023]

Million Dollar Pigeons is not only what it says on the box - it's contents are well blended and cover, just about, every aspect a novice on the subject may require. We are provided; a glimpse into the "sport", the different motivations that drives the various practitioners and behind the scene footage of various profiteers.

On the whole Fitzgerald has hit the documentary sweet spot; in a neat little package he has managed to convey a feeling for what his subject "is all about". If all documentaries were this well structured there would be a lot to learn in a short space of time.

Even the dramaturgy is pretty decent - arguably "anything pigeon" couldn't have been made any more exciting or interesting - especially for someone starting out with no knowledge and little interest in the subject.

True History of the Kelly Gang (2019)

THANKS FOR SCROLLING THIS FAR DOWN THE REVIEW LIST.

[9/10 · 1 April 2023]

Writing reviews on films that already have hundreds written about them is, usually, a pointless and futile endeavour. There is, however, a feeling that, when it comes to The Kelly Gang, a fair amount of confusion with regard to the quality of this work.

The whole point of IMDb is to, or at least is supposed to, be democratic in the sense; everybody has "one say" and everybody has a right to their opinion. The much too commonly used "don't listen to the negative/positive reviews" is not only a paradox, it is also counterproductive and against the whole IMDb concept.

There is however an inherent problem with the, simple, presentation of an average score for a film. Without the knowledge of standard deviation we don't know if "a 6,5" is "a load of fives and sixes" or "a load of ones, twos, nines and tens". This shortcoming becomes particularly obvious when it comes to The Kelly Gang.

The film, obviously and apparently, has stirred up a lot of negative; emotions and opinions - all valid if written in earnest. So for once the, usually presumptuous statement, "you will eather love it or hate it" may come into play here.

So what to recommend? This is arguably absolute top tier moviemaking and quite a few viewers are likely to appreciate it as such. It is apparently, also arguably, offensive rubbish. Being a firm believer of the former and not quite understanding the latter - the recommendation is that this is a "must see".

Not wanting to dish out poor advice, the recommendation will come with a caveat; if you are not happy with what you are seeing after 20 minutes - stop watching - there is no point getting upset over a fictional movie, or even wasting your time. You not only have a right to your opinion - it is appreciated and exactly what IMDb is supposed to convey.

For those of us who enjoy; novel ways of storytelling, a quirky approach, risk taking and pushing the envelope - Justin Kurzel's work is a rare treat, so rare that is borderline excellence.

Uppdrag granskning (II) (2001– )

Sweet and Sour

[22 March 2023]

Rating 1-10 depending on episode.

Swedish, public service, investigative series.

Much of the work is, doubtlessly, extraordinarily fine journalism. But, and it's a big but, at times Uppdrag Granskning veers far from excellence, deep into the taboos of journalism - primarily the one of having a preconception of where the investigation is going to lead. At times it also misses to focus on core issues and delves way to deep into micro analysis and populistic rhetoric.

At its peaks Uppdrag Granskning, arguably, provides Pulitzer worthy material, at its troughs it wouldn't pass one of its own, better, investigations. In so behaving it requires; objective scrutiny from the viewer that itself should, at all times, be providing.

It is a must watch - but it is a must watch critically.

Philosopher of the Sea (2023)

Subtle and charming.

[21 March 2023]

Oh Yes, The Philosopher of the Sea comes together very nicely. It does what few documentaries manage - to find the pacing of what it is trying to tell. In the same way that you would expect a documentary covering F1 to be "fast", a glimpse into Sven Yrvinds life; suits being slow paced. The whole message is one of slowing down, taking in and, yes - being there. It is also a homage to; freedom of mind, freedom of spirit and freedom of action - and of enjoying reasonable demands on life itself. It's not a must see but it certainly is a nice to see and just maybe; it provides a tempting glimpse into enjoying life a little less hectic.

Nytorgsmannen (2022)

Propaganda in disguise as a documentary.

[1/10 · 15 March 2023]

This is a fine exemple of "everything that can go wrong" when journalism is driven by an agenda, a preconception of what is "the truth", rather than driven by a quest to find out the truth.

It early becomes clear that Edblom/Hjalmarsson/Kirvesmäki set out with the notion that they had some sort of scoop in the making, one that they relentlessly tried to turn into reality, despite the fact that there was none to be had.

Their hypothesis was that the police, by not acting earlier, had somehow allowed the antagonist, Nytorgsmannen, to continue his evil deeds. Through the documentary it became blatantly obvious that this was not the case. There was very little evidence for the police to move forward with - and what evidence there was appears to have been dealt with in a professional, relevant, fashion. Despite this they attempted to hammer home their non-existing message.

Sure... with the gift of hindsight or a seriously substantial portion of luck the investigation could have moved forward at a higher pace. But the accusation that it is reasonable to expect a job better than that performed is not only naive - it's against all what good journalism stands for.

Awarding a 1/10 may seem harsh, but Nytorgsmannen does exactly what a documentary shouldn't - takes an incorrect populistic approach and tries to drive it further. It is a don't see - except for those wanting a crash course in poor journalism.

Clean (I) (2022)

A kind human being

[7/10 · 25 February 2023]

"How do I want to be remembered? As a kind human being - nothing more nothing less." Well Sandra, two out of three ain't bad. I'm sure, however, you are remembered for much more.

Clean is a "touch soul" homage and it is so quite proficiently. Documentary puritans may argue that it only tells one side of many issues such as; depression, gender dysphoria, drug addiction and prostitution - but it, very early, becomes clear that Clean hasn't set out to address those issues.

Instead Clean sets out to depict the life and resilience of Sandra Pankhurst - and it does so eloquently. It is at times a sad portrayal but it one full of the essence of life - covering the plight, the setbacks and victories of one person. And it does... portray as a good person.

Clean is, from many aspects, an empathetic documentary - both requiring it from the viewer and visualising it in Sandra. If total objectivity is your prerequisite there is nitpicking to be done. If on the other side you are inspired by "good people" Clean offers an inspired homage.

The Mission (I) (2022)

Eyes wide shut.

[29 January 2023]

There is a lot of crafty weaving going on here. Using any normal template for accessing the quality of a documentary - The Mission would seem to fall flat. It's not particularly informative in the normal sense. It is certainly not captivating, in fact "boring" would be a pretty good description. And it's slow, very slow, slow to the point of nothing happening. Then, just as you are reaching for the remote to put you out of your suffering, it may dawn on you: The slow paced nothingness, the feeling of emptiness, may be exactly what Tania Andersson was trying to convey. The placing of god in any traumatic or, as in this case, mundane situation is as obvious for some as it is incomprehensible for others. The crafty weaving has, possibly, made this work accessible from both sides - leaving all opinions validated. Maybe being bored isn't always a waste of time...

Ancient Apocalypse (2022)

About as bad as it gets...

[1/10 · 15 November 2022]

In many ways Ancient Apocalypse shows, in its own micro-cosmos, what is one of our times greatest problems - the attempt to blur the lines between hypothesis and science.

In presenting a hypothesis with all "the bells and whistles" Netflix joins the many that are part of the problem. Media, with their ability to "package a product" have tremendous "placing power" when it comes to planting ideas in peoples heads. With that, one could argue, comes an equal measure of responsibility - a responsibility to be part of the solution.

With a modicum of moral compassing; entities like Netflix could help forward knowledge. Instead they adapt the "tobacco industry approach" and show no concern for how much they damage their customers by presenting sloppy research as facts.

Ancient Apocalypse is grossly over-rhetorical. Statements such as "paradigm changing" are planted throughout - deceptively blended with air of faked objectivity.

Hypothesises are great, all science starts there. For all serious researchers any hypothesis is followed by the arduous, yet necessary, task of proof and the convincing of peers - and only them. Blowing you own trumpet to a broader, less critical, audience before you have made your case is borderline fraudulent.

One can hope that Netflix, some day, will be brought to court and made to pay huge penalties for "spreading disinformation". It will of course, just as it was with the tobacco companies, be too late. Lots of viewers will believe they have knowledge when all they have is; whatever mad idea Netflix has thrust upon them.

Al Pacino - Star wider Willen (2020 TV Movie)

One of the poorer documentaries...of any topic

[3/10 · 9 November 2022]

If you have any interest in Al Pacino chances are you will pick up nothing new, if you don't chances are the stop button will constitute a very tempting proposition.

Lucas Hoffman, somewhat amazingly, manages to make a documentary covering the life of Al Pacino... boring.

There is no new interview with the man himself. Instead Hoffer interviews a few people that have been close to him, all pretty much making the same statements - he fearlessly embraces every roll he takes on and the, soon 80 year old, has mellowed with age . No surprises there then, huh.

The, overwhelming feeling is; if you gave a bunch of drama students an assignment to "go out on the internet" and put together a 50 minute documentary on Al Pacino - they would do a way better job.

Rogue Heroes (2022–2024)

Once again...

[3 November 2022]

...we are joined by "The Historical Society". With the deepest respect for those enlightened by historical knowledge, this is IMDb; a forum for discussions regarding the entertainment value of movies and, yes, when it comes to documentaries - the accuracy historical or otherwise. IMDb also offers formums for Goofs and Trivia in which "attention to detail" are both welcome and appreciated.

There is a valid, relevant and interesting discussion to be had regarding; how far from the truth an "artistic license" allows a production to veer from "the truth" - especially when "real people" are being characterised. The question is though - is the apparent knowledge that filtered cigarettes didn't exist in WW2 grounds for slating an entire series?

SAS, Rogue Heroes is, in all probability, mainly a work of fiction spiced up with a few, amazing, facts. In all probability all the characters, inspired by and presented as "real life people", are grossly misrepresented. If historical accuracy is your primary concern - you will probably experience way more frustration than enjoyment. A frustration anybody, knowledgable about any person/event can feel when a topic is interpreted with "artistic license"...

If, on the other hand, you are looking to be entertained by "the spirit of the moment", the audacity, the bravery and at times the borderline madness that was "in the air" when the SAS was elbowing its way from a ghost outfit of rogue heroes into a highly respected official part of the armed forces - this may float your boat.

SAS Rogue Heroes is, however, far from a masterpiece. On the objective scale it's arguably not even high end - but, for this reviewer at leat, it provided a "subjective rush of enjoyment". Being submerged into a world of black and white - with the bad guys, actually, getting a severe pounding delivers satisfaction - albeit somewhat primeval,

N summary; Rogue Heroes is cinematic fast food - the Mitchelin Guide isn't abou to award any stars. But if daredevil Brits and WW2 is your guilty pleasure, you probably will enjoy what's being served up even if it isn't "fine dining".

A Trip to Infinity (2022)

The difference between; scientific approach, hypothesis and science.

[5/10 · 28 September 2022]

"Quite probably" - the only difference between you and the people presenting theories of infinity are that; they have spent more time "thinking about it". You have no answers - neither do they. Are their conclusions, as to why they have no answers, more relevant than your thoughts? Beautifully; yes and no.

They have followed an academic trail of thought and reached, with regard to answering the question, absolutely nowhere. If part of, any one of, those trails lead to an answer - you could argue that they are ahead of you. Thing is though... none of those trails, so far, have lead anywhere. So, therefore; you, by thinking along your own trail of thought, could be ahead of those heading in the wrong direction.

It has all happened before. Generations of "great thinkers" were wrong before Einstein turned up. We are watching, what in all likelihood, is interviews with, what can be compared to; pre-einsteinians discussing what some of the laws of physics may look like.

The work being done by these researchers is commendable and their approach is scientific. Their thoughts have merit as hypotheses, but they remain just that. There is a monumental difference between; scientific approach, hypothesis and science. If the boundaries between them begin to blur, so does the quality of presentation.

A Trip to Infinity arguably ventures into that, slightly messy, borderline - potentially confusing the audience to believe it is science, rather than a hypothesis, that is being presented. Giving a scientific approach the seal of science is a somewhat confusing and deceptive approach.

The choice of wording is sometimes, when it comes to theoretical physics, is a bit unfortunate - it may sound confusingly close to "Physics". There is a "general belief" that a scientist is someone who "knows the truth" in a given field - and not one that has theory. With regard to Theoretical Physics it's in the name - it's theoretical, a theory. The discipline has spearheaded many of the greatest discoveries. The problem arises when it is presented as something it is not.

We are shown a film asking questions for us, providing no answers (as there are none to be had), concluding that "love is greater than infinity, and maybe it would help if we viewed ourselves as cats...

At best "A Trip to Infinity" will inspire some viewer to "go out there" and contribute to our collective awareness. At worst it will cause viewers to question the whole validity of scientific results and draw the conclusion; "Science" doesn't know Jack - so why bother. If everything is guesswork I may as well go for the most popular opinion" - and that maybe worrying.

Great Lighthouses of Ireland (2018)

My word... this is impressive.

[10/10 · 26 September 2022]

Text: Great Lighthouses of Ireland is, arguably, one of the most gripping documentaries ever made. In style it successfully merges three of the great documentary topics: Nature, Engineering and History - highly successful in all. The end result is successful weaving of topics into documentary brilliance.

The whole package is then steeped into the, near mythological, air of a lighthouse keeper. One of the holy grails - the sense of "being there" - is so well deployed that; running up to each episode there is a sense of anticipation, one not dissimilar to the one experienced before embarking on a journey.

As with any documentaries - a modicum of interest or curiosity, with regard to the topic is in all likelihood, a prerequisite for experiencing Frank Delaney's work to the fullest... But who isn't, in some way, fascinated by the life of a lighthouse keeper?

With regard to awarding anything with a 10/10 there should be a lot of "considering the nine". However, The Lighthouses of Ireland offers no chink in its armour - rending "a perfect score" the only reasonable conclusion.