Mankind: The Story of All of Us

Mankind: The Story of All of Us is a captivating, 12-part mini-series that aired on History Channel in 2012. Known for its sweeping scale and ambitious thrust, this program aims to weave together the broad tapestry of human history from its early beginnings to the present day. The series combines dramatic reenactments, CGI animations, expert commentary, and breathtaking location shooting that transports you to various epochs and places in human history.

The series charts human history from the perspective of six distinct milestone moments that radically and indelibly changed the world. Spanning millions of years, the program starts from when our very first early human ancestors lit the first fire, through to the 21st-century men and women who continue to reshape our world.

Each episode, typically an hour long, tells the story of a different era in our past, meticulously piecing together pivotal moments that helped shape our destiny. These times range from prehistoric events to the dawn of civilization, the birth of empires, the age of discovery, industrial revolution and modern times.

Presented from a global perspective, Mankind: The Story of All of Us traverses across the continents, integrating ground-breaking reconstructions of critical events, such as the construction of the pyramids, the fall of the Roman Empire, and the discovery of America. In a bid to highlight the interconnectedness of human history, the series shows how the cultures of the east influenced the west long before modern communication and how ancient African civilizations had an impact on societies that came much later.

Mankind: The Story of All of Us incorporates a balanced blend of expert insights mingled with spectacular dramatic reenactments. Scholars from various fields, including historians, archaeologists, and anthropologists, lend their insights to provide depth and nuance, while the dramatized sequences - replete with vivid sets, costuming, and makeup bring the stripped-back facts to life.

Over the course of the series, the show also illustrates innovations that allowed humans to progress leaps and bounds like the creation of iron, the development of written language, the invention of the wheel, and the birth of agriculture. The series explores how these inventions fundamentally changed the human experience, allowing societies to grow and cultures to flourish.

Not just a litany of facts, Mankind: The Story of All of Us deeply personalizes human history, tying it to individuals' lives, their choices, and the impacts these choices made on collective history. It expertly humanizes our collective past, linking us to men and women who lived thousands of years ago. It reminds us that we all are part of the continuing story of mankind.

Unlike many other documentary series, Mankind: The Story of All of Us takes a holistic view of history, shedding light not just on the powerful and influential, but on the everyday people whose lives and labors formed the backbone of society. Also, the series doesn't shy away from showing the adversities faced by mankind and how these challenges were often catalysts for change and development - be it fight against diseases, brutal wars, disasters, and struggle for power.

Visually, this series is a treat. From the vast landscapes of ancient Africa, the grand architectures of Rome, to the towering skyscrapers of contemporary times each episode paints a vivid picture of its respective era. The cinematography is lush, the dramatic sequences are impressively directed, and the animation sequences are smoothly integrated.

The series has an engaging narration by actor Josh Brolin, which serves as a consistent strand to bind the episodes together. His compelling and accessible narration makes complex historical events comprehensible without dumbing down the content.

To summarize, Mankind: The Story of All of Us is a vibrant fusion of technology, performances, and knowledge. It goes beyond the typical history lesson and captures the spirit of our shared past in an accessible and engaging manner. The series is recommended for the history buff and the curious viewer alike, combining edutainment with high-flying dramatic moments that make history feel immediate, relevant, and alive. This series can serve as a launching pad for those wishing to delve into various aspects of human history in a visually stunning, comprehensive, and captivating viewing experience.