At any local Mosque, the topic of movies in general can often lead to a sour conversation with an uncle, unconvinced that any genre can be a suitable form of entertainment. But now you can offer a valid rebuttal, referring to the 2005 film Deep Blue. A film from the directors Alastair Fothergill and Andy Byat, Deep Blue explores the mysteries of the ocean to a remarkable depth. The film sums up their multiple years of meander about the ocean for the BBC series, The Blue Planet. A spectacular view of Allah (S.W.T.)’s creation, Deep Blue often leads the viewer to forget that what they are seeing exists on this planet, and not any other.
Deep Blue provides the viewer with the opportunity to make proximate analysis of more commonly known marine species, as well as others that seem like alien beings of science fiction. The shear beauty and wonder of the ocean’s depths are so visually appealing that the film would be best seen on the big screen to truly appreciate it. A mere television screen or computer monitor simply does not do it justice.
Though fancied for its visual aspect, Deep Blue does lack a more enticing commentary, and its tendency to allot too much camera time to certain species and natural visual effects is a pitfall many documentaries fall into. Also, at times the directors get carried away with an over dramatic sound track.
With that in mind, the movie still does the job in terms of being a halal source of entertainment, receiving a Yahoo! Rating of B-, a 7.3/10 on the Internet Movie Database, and an average New York Times reader rating of 4.5/5.0.
Deep Blue is expected to meet the approval of uncles everywhere. However, if you do find yourself with a rather tenacious uncle, you may want to mention the quote from the Deep Blue movie trailer which points out the fact that “eighty percent of life lives in the Ocean, yet more people have walked on the Moon than have seen the Ocean’s deepest floor…until now”. Such a correlation is captivating to a Muslim of any age, when reminded by Allah (S.W.T.) of the significance of the circumambient creation. Most notably in Surah 51, verse 20; “On the Earth are signs for those of assured faith”. Take for example a scene from early in the movie. Truly it is an amazing embodiment of the word “unity” to see thousands of fish form a seemingly single body in the ocean. Even more amazing is the reaction of this unified body when found to be prey simultaneously to albatross, dolphins, sharks, and a whale. It seems gallant that the fish do not swim away, but conversely, disperse only momentarily under a direct advance of one of the noted chasers, then immediately regroup once again to a single body. This is one amongst many of the reminders of Allah (S.W.T.) that he has placed in his creation. Truly in them are signs for those who reflect.
