Journey of the Universe (2011) Reviews

• challenges one to think and engenders awe

  demaria-richard62012-07-25

  Journey of the Universe is worth every minute one spends watching it. In fact, one can't just watch it; it challenges you to imagine, to think. If there is any criticism, it is that it is too rich with ideas for a film approximately one hour long. It presents so many ways, hermeneutics, of viewing the history of the universe that a single viewing was not sufficient. Fortunately, the invitation to learn and think did not detract from the over-all feeling of humility, awe and love that the film engendered in this viewer. The final question put to us by Brian Swimme remains long after the film ends: knowing what we know now, how can we use the energies of the universe within us to recreate the face of the earth.

• Winner of a 2012 Regional Emmy for Best Documentary.

  Slapshotnyc2012-07-12

  A film of rare beauty and eloquence illuminating the sheer wonder of our existence, Journey of the Universe transports the viewer from the moment of the Big Bang through our own evolving planetary dance of life and ecosystem. Through beautiful location shots, stunning cinematography, and sophisticated graphics and effects one is left with the very real sense of our fragility as a species, and our delicate relationship with our planet. The most up-to-date scientific findings are presented in molecular biology, astrophysics and other areas to propose that we are blessed by our existence here and should with pious and humble respect accept our obligation to protect the delicate balance of life on our planet. One comes away with a realization that for us to exist here as we do required an infinite number of precise coincidences, more than possible by mere chance. Journey of the Universe fills one with the wonder that is life.

• Agree with previous review - secular to a fault

  dodsoul2016-03-22

  Full disclosure, I happen to be a religious person who enjoys the study of science at every level. I don't see the areas of religion as necessarily opposed to scientific endeavors & often find them to be complementary - at least in my own world view. That being said, in this film - upon arriving at perhaps the biggest mystery we've ever contemplated - the origins of life itself... it landed with a thud. While I certainly didn't expect anything along the lines of a Sunday school class; or frankly anything more than an ever so subtle whisper about what 'some' people may think about the origins of life... this film basically went only so far as to state that on the matter of how life developed on this planet, while not definitely settled, is certainly believed by those in credible circles to have originated from some sort of 'self organizing' aspect of material in general.... that it's in the very nature of stuff to just spring to life as per inevitable... and that there's how it happened - aaaaaanywho,onto the many marvels of this life thing.... Ever read a story to a child while you're in a hurry & have them pipe up and indignantly profess that you 'skipped a page'? Yeah... that's kind of how I felt...

• Excellent in imagery and language, Journey of the Universe (2011) inspires young and old alike.

  gmengle2012-08-14

  This film is excellent. Finally, a work to honor science,earth, art and humanity in a spectacular array of visual imagery and imaginative language to inspire all ages. Academic and entertaining, historic and contemporary, our journey is described and detailed in a beautiful series of images and words to inform and delight. I watched this film with my five year old granddaughter, Anneliese, and we both loved the story from beginning to end. Whether you know a lot about the universe, or just enjoy looking at the stars in wonder, this film will inspire you to seek more, look more and want to understand more about our earth, our solar system, and the universe unfolding.

• A Singular Film

  imogenedrummond2012-07-25

  Journey of the Universe is a singular film about the mysterious beauty and interconnectedness of the universe. It is exquisite, important and mind-expanding! I've seen this stunning film—about cosmic, earth and human transformation—three times thus far. Each time I learn something previously unknown to me, and am uplifted anew. The richness of material corresponds well with the stunning photography. The intense amount of information for such an expansive subject allows for, and invites, repeated viewings—and investigating the subject matter more deeply. Ultimately, this extraordinary film informs, uplifts and inspires me to live more deeply in relationship with the cosmos.