Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sea species share human similarities in marine life docu.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ocean Souls
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
OCEAN SOULS is about the common behavior that exists between cetaceans and people. Along with a team of more than 100 filmmakers, a diverse group of experts share their knowledge about the resemblance of emotions, intelligence, language, and much more among humans and these sea life species. The film also explores how the environmental intrusion of the billion-dollar commercial hunting industry may impact marine life.
Is It Any Good?
This documentary makes its mark as exceptional marine life filmmaking by director Philip Hamilton. The vision of shared anecdotes in Ocean Souls brings to the surface the connection between people and their so-called "underwater relatives" known as cetaceans. "Dolphins and whales are the cousins of human beings," says Ryuzo Shinomiya, a Japanese free-diving champion who recalls one encounter where "I moved closer to the whale and looked into her eye and she looked back at me. No fear or resentment."
For Miguel Bottazzi, an Argentenian environmentalist and whale watcher operator, there were the wishes of a terminally ill 12-year-old boy. "We were lucky to find a very social young whale," says Bottazzi. "It approached the boat slowly. The whale was exhaling into the kid's face, getting him wet. The kid was laughing, totally absorbed." Adds Sylvia Earle, an American oceanographer at National Geographic Explorer, USA, about the communication between dolphins and whales, "Can we tune in and figure out what it means and maybe get a conversation going? It's a wonderful dream. I hope it comes true." Definitely a subject worthy of possible discussion by kids, teens, and adults.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the perseverance and teamwork of cetaceans in Ocean Souls. Why are they important character strengths?
Why may it be significant for cetaceans to depend on each another, as well as help others? How does their sound serve as a form of communication?
In what ways have changes in the ocean impacted marine life? What possible steps can be taken to preserve the environment and its ecosystem?
What does the film's title mean to you? Would you have chosen another name? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: December 17, 2021
- Cast: Miguel Bottazzi , Sylvia Earle , Ryuzo Shinomiya
- Director: Philip Hamilton
- Studios: Ocean Souls Films , Wildlife Media
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Ocean Creatures , Science and Nature , Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Communication , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 58 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
What to Watch Next
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate