Living in the Age of Airplanes

Living in the Age of Airplanes, released in 2015, is a riveting and visually stunning documentary that takes its audience on an extraordinary journey into the remarkable world of flight. The film's narration is passionately expressed by the renowned actor Harrison Ford, himself a licensed and passionate aviator, which further enhances the authenticity and passion that this film encapsulates.

The documentary is directed by Brian J. Terwilliger, who is known for the acclaimed aviation documentary One Six Right. Produced by National Geographic Studios, this film extends beyond the typical boundaries of the National Geographic spectrum to deliver a gem that manages to captivate, intrigue, and educate all at the same time.

Story-wise, Living in the Age of Airplanes does not confine itself to retelling the grand history of aviation or focusing only on the engineering marvels that airplanes constitute. Instead, the narrative eloquently explores the broader impact of air travel on the civilization as we know it. The main essence of the film engages in the astonishing facet of how the airplane has revolutionized our world, thereby enabling the interconnectedness and globalization that we, perhaps somewhat obliviously, view as commonplace today.

Throughout the film, audiences are essentially transported across twenty-two countries and all seven continents in a unique visual spectacle, showcasing how the advent of aviation has drastically influenced migration, commerce, technological advancements, and apparently disconnected aspects of our lives. The film's intellectual pursuit of comprehending airplanes' societal impacts is excellently balanced with superbly woven cinematographic experiences that capture the magic and charm of flight over our Earth's breathtaking landscapes.

The film's scoring is another quintessential feature worth mentioning. The original soundtrack by the Academy Award-winning composer James Horner — his last complete film score before his unfortunate passing — echoes the grandeur and the sweeping vision of the documentary, adding an extra layer of thematic union and emotional resonance to the narrative.

Told through a diverse montage, the film features a plethora of stories, events, and perspectives that are seamlessly stitched together into an elaborate narrative. This multi-dimensional approach helps the film resonate with a wide array of audiences, regardless of their background or interest in aviation. The affordances that airplanes offer in terms of leaps in travel time, distances traversed, and the seamless movement of goods and services around the world are profoundly and beautifully highlighted throughout the film.

Yet, Living in the Age of Airplanes does not blind itself to the challenges presented by this technology. It indeed acknowledges, though subtly, the environmental implications and other dramatic transformations that the proliferation of air travel has induced in recent times.

The documentary aims to reignite everyone's awe for the mind-boggling marvel that is flying; something that has become such a routine now that most of us tend to miss its wonder. The film poses thoughtful reflection – 'Imagine the world before the airplane', leading audiences to comprehend and appreciate the profound transformations that aviation has brought about in human civilization.

Moreover, the film presents a fascinating perspective chiefed by Ford's narration that underscores the idea that airplanes, despite their relatively short history (compared to other modes of transportation), have become the axis around which our world revolves, transforming the way we perceive distances, cultures, and even time itself.

Living in the Age of Airplanes is an educational and philosophical tribute to aviation, showcasing not just the "how" behind our modern interconnectivity but also painting a vivid picture of the "why" behind it. Sure to captivate viewers of all ages, it packs an emotional punch by helping the audience rekindle childlike wonder and fascination for the sheer miracle of flight - then to now.

The documentary is a grand poetic voyage that invites its audience to reflect upon the evolution and societal revolution that air travel has prompted, while simultaneously appealing to our inherent fascination with human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of the skies.