How Beer Saved the World

The 2011 documentary, "How Beer Saved the World," is an entertaining and thought-provoking exploration into the unexpected and significant roles that beer has played throughout the course of human history. Directed by Martyn Ives and boasting an enlightened narration by Henry Strozier, the documentary is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a cold brew or is interested in the serendipitous ways science and history can become intertwined.

The film opens with the basic premise that beer and its creation might have been crucial factors in the development of the civilization as we know it. Alongside Strozier, the documentary boasts a rich tapestry of perspectives from noted historians and beer industry experts like anthropologist George Armelagos and beer scientist Charlie Bamforth.

The journey into the past begins with the basic conception of the beer-making process. It is hypothesized that beer might have been discovered accidentally during the agricultural revolution, marking the beginning of its rich and tasty history. Strozier's powerful narration, coupled with the insightful observations from experts like Armelagos and Bamforth, paints a picture of the accidental origins of beer's fermentation process, making this film visually engaging and intellectual stimulating.

The narrative then progresses into exploring some of the pivotal moments in human history wherein beer played a major role. This includes the premise that beer heavily influenced the settlement of humanity into agricultural communities, a far cry from the nomadic lifestyle early humans led. One line of thinking postulates that cultivation might have primarily begun in a bid to produce more beer - a much-needed antidote to the unsafe drinking water of past eras.

There are many extraordinary claims made throughout "How Beer Saved The World." The film posits that beer, with its nutritional properties as well as alcoholic content, served various fundamental roles, from being a crucial dietary staple to a form of currency and even a social catalyst. The documentary also suggests that the thirst for beer stimulated new technologies and intellectual advancements, leading to the invention of the wheel, irrigation, mathematics, and eventually, the written language.

The film integrates a high quality of research and production values, blending humor and storyline with the reliable testimony from a host of academics and experts. Among them, beer scientist Charlie Bamforth and anthropologist George Armelagos, both provide well-informed and impassioned commentary that adds to the film’s credibility.

"How Beer Saved the World" builds an intriguing case, presenting evidence to back its claims, such as the existence of residue of an age-old brew found on pottery shards, the beer recipes discovered inscribed on ancient tablets, and the traces of beer-making in the Pharaohs' time that point towards its indispensability in ancient rituals.

Through engaging interviews and visually-enriching animations, the film gradually weaves a compelling narrative, making it more than worth watching for both beer enthusiasts and amateur historians alike. It doesn't shy away from taking the viewers on a unique ride through history, science, anthropology, and even economics, all through the lens of beer.

In addition to its historical elements, the film also delves into contemporary applications and aspects. It engages with the global brewing industry, the craft beer movement, and the ongoing scientific research exploring the potential health benefits of moderate beer consumption.

Ultimately, "How Beer Saved the World" invites us to question our views on how civilization evolved. It proposes a world where beer, this simple and enjoyable beverage that is often taken for granted, represents more than just a drink to be enjoyed at the end of the day, but a cornerstone of our historical, cultural, and scientific development.

With its mix of scientific theories, historical analysis, and hints of humor throughout, "How Beer Saved the World" brilliantly captures the essence of what makes documentary filmmaking so engaging. More than just a love letter to beer, it's a testament to how one seemingly ordinary object can have extraordinary influence over our history and civilization.