Intelligent Trees

Intelligent Trees is an intriguing and enlightening nature documentary directed by Julia Dordel and Guido Tölke and released in 2016. The film star scientists Suzanne Simard and Peter Wohlleben as the main presenters. Their presence is what turns this documentary into an educational masterclass on the intricate life and network of trees that, as the title suggests, are more intelligent than most of us may have ever imagined.

The 45-minute film opens up a whole different perspective on trees and our understanding of the natural world. It presents the extraordinary discoveries of Suzanne Simard, a professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia in Canada, and Peter Wohlleben, a German forester and author well-renowned for his best-selling book "The Hidden Life of Trees".

The film provides a concrete examination of Wohlleben and Simard's key findings, showing how trees can, in essence, communicate, learn and adapt by forming elaborate symbiotic connections with other trees and fungi. Despite being rooted in their positions, trees are portrayed as active participants in their environment.

Wohlleben's part of the movie draws heavily from his firsthand experiences as a forester, enriched with his deep connection to nature. With a storytelling method, he transports the audience into the woods, providing a detailed walk-through narrative of various forest phenomena. Simard, on the other hand, using her primary research data and experiments, interprets fascinating discoveries about tree interaction. Her studies particularly stress the 'Wood Wide Web', a phrase coined due to the resemblances with our human internet.

The film utilizes visually gripping elements to communicate the profound concepts of tree communication and cooperation. Vivid animations coupled with stunning natural shots take the viewer on an awe-inspiring journey into the microcosm of life in a forest. The captivating visual aesthetic complements the narration, but there are moments when the complexities can be hard to decipher. Still, these short-lived moments of confusion don't take away from the overall narrative power and impact of this documentary.

What is remarkable about "Intelligent Trees" is the ability of the film to break down complex scientific theories into understandable content for the general public. The filmmakers have done an excellent job ensuring that the captivating narrative does not get lost in the scientific jargon.

Simard and Wohlleben’s theories challenge our conventional wisdom about trees as solitary individuals, encouraging a new perspective where trees are seen as part of a interconnected and collaborative network. This paradigm shifting perspective encourages viewers to better understand, appreciate, and protect our world’s essential forest ecosystems.

One of the significant takeaways from the film is the implication of this research for sustainable forestry. It opens up conversations about effective forest management and preservation, the grave impacts of deforestation, and the symbiotic relationship between man and nature. It seems to stress that the way we treat our forests has far wide implications for the natural world.

Dordel's creative vision embraces the ethos of the research with a clear focus on the emotional significance of the discoveries. The film draws heavy correlation between human and tree social structures and often tends to blur the line, making it a means of communicating the gravity of the research in a way that's touching and thought-provoking.

At its core, "Intelligent Trees" is an extraordinary intersection of science and spirituality. It opens up newer dimensions of understanding life on earth and poses fundamental questions about our relationship with nature. It's well worth a watch for anyone interested in nature, seeking unheard perspectives, or simply longing for a visual retreat into the tranquil sanctum of the woods.

"Intelligent Trees" is more than a movie; it's an enthralling exploration into the unseen communications, interactions, and intelligences in our natural world. By the end of the film, the audience is left not just with newfound knowledge about trees, but with a profound and moving appreciation for the complexities and marvels of the natural world. So, if you’ve ever wondered whether trees can communicate, watch this film for a brilliant, in-depth and scientific explanation.