REVIEW: ‘Cuba’s Wild Revolution’ from ‘Nature’ on PBS
Image courtesy of PBS / Provided by official site.
Often when TV documentaries discuss the island nation of Cuba, the focus remains on Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, revolution, politics and the country’s tenuous relationship with the United States. Although there is certainly a place for tracking the human history of this unique corner of the world, something should be said about the island’s unique natural beauty — everything from its endemic wildlife to its breathtaking tropical environments.
Thankfully PBS and its popular Nature program are on the case. Earlier this year they broadcast Cuba’s Wild Revolution, and that TV special is now available on DVD.
In the hour-long program, narrator Olga Merediz details the natural wonders of Cuba, focusing on rock iguanas, the surrounding ocean and the Edenic environs of the jungles, with waterfalls aplenty and tucked-away paradises around every corner. The footage, as to be expected, is top quality, and the narration is thoughtful and engaging, drawing the viewer into the folds of this shockingly beautiful environmental world.
The historic state of politics and notions of revolution are largely left out of the documentary. Instead the focus remains on the animals and the lush greenery; however, this island’s unique past is ever-present, evidenced by the usual shots of 1950s cars and crumbling facades in Old Havana. However, these visual references are mere transitions to the creatures in the trees, on the sand and along the island’s coral reefs.
Cuba’s Wild Revolution is a stirring hour of television, one that provides environmental context to a part of the world that audience members may think they know, but likely they have no idea. These secret wonders are just waiting to be found.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Cuba’s Wild Revolution, a program from Nature on PBS, is now available on DVD. Narrated by Olga Merediz. Directed by John Murray. Click here for more information.
