Sacred Planet

Sacred Planet is a 2004 documentary film that takes its audience on an unforgettable cinematic journey around the world. This film is directed by Jon Long and narrated by Academy Award winner Robert Redford, featuring native inhabitants from different parts of the world such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Arctic Circle primarily Arapata McKay and Tsaan Ciqae. The film entices to its audiences to look at the world from a sublime perspective that is often overlooked in a rapidly industrialized world.

The movie begins by establishing its deep connection with nature innocently and reverently. It sets out to expose viewers to regions on the planet they might otherwise likely never see. Pursuing its mission, the narrative explains the significance of preserving traditional ways of life, emphasizing the importance of harmony between humans and the natural world. The engaging voice of Robert Redford guides the audience through this enlightening mission with his characteristic calm and authoritative voice.

Sacred Planet provides an intimate examination of a wide spectrum of cultures all over the world. We see the tribesmen of Africa, the North American aboriginals, the inhabitants of the lush forests of the Samoan Islands, the tribes of the South American rainforests, the native folks of the Arctic circle, and more. We learn about their traditional ways of life that have achieved a fine equilibrium with the environment around them. In this exploration, the audience gains appreciation for the simple yet profound wisdom that these cultures offer.

The audience is shown the tranquil and untouched beauty of the wilderness, drawing stark contrasts with the modern urban jungle many of us tread daily. It's not a call to trade our skyscrapers for trees and abandon civilization but a humble reminder to listen to the silent whispers of nature that we've drowned out with industrial noise. The film explores how these tribal cultures have maintained this balance and encourages the audience to perceive nature not as a resource to conquer but as a partner to cultivate a symbiotic relationship.

The featured individuals are mostly indigenous people who are the reminiscent protectors of these sacred traditions and habitats. Arapata McKay, known for his Maori heritage from New Zealand, provides various insights into his culture's perspectives of the natural world. He gives a meaningful understanding of the sacredness of their traditions and customs passed down through generations. Moreover, Tsaan Ciqae shares his experiences from an ice-clad world of the North, giving us a peek into the Inuit culture's conversations with nature around them.

Cinematographically, this film is breathtaking. The viewer is treated with an amazingly detailed journey through some of the farthest corners of the known world. The images portray shockingly beautiful landscapes, capturing the natural diversity and vibrancy of unspoiled habitats. Every scene maximizes the visual field's potential, taking advantage of the vast and colorful palette Earth offers with its various terrains, life forms and celestial bodies.

The film’s message is loud and clear: a call to humanity to turn towards our roots and reconnect with nature. It paints a holistic picture of the Earth, not the segmented reality we often perceive with demarcated boundaries. It enlightens the audience about how global problems are coherent and require global cooperation for resolution, and ultimately, it urges us to appreciate the reverberating rhythm of Earth that harmonizes every creature as one big family.

Equally significant is the film's score. The soundtrack perfectly complements the beautiful scenery with harmoniously blended natural sounds and cultural rhythms, allowing the viewers to immerse in an experience beyond mere visual aesthetic.

Sacred Planet brings to the silver screen the somewhat alien concept of living cohesively with nature to the modern individual who is often boxed in the concrete boundaries of civilized life. This mesmerizing film shines a light on the wisdom of indigenous people, their approach towards life and our shared world, encouraging a deeper respect and re-connection with the environment and our planet. After watching the film, you might find yourself with a subtle shift in perspective - one that truly recognizes and respects our glorious home —our Sacred Planet.