Chasing Coral Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Some underwater plant rocks get sunburned, and a bunch of scuba divers get really sad about it.

🍿 Chasing Coral: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Mystery of Vanishing Coral

The documentary begins by highlighting the alarming rate at which coral reefs worldwide are disappearing. Divers, photographers, and scientists embark on a mission to uncover the reasons behind this unprecedented decline. They face initial setbacks with unreliable equipment, but their determination remains strong.

Documenting Coral Bleaching

The team sets out to document the coral bleaching process using time-lapse photography. They encounter numerous technical challenges, including camera malfunctions and unpredictable weather conditions. Despite the difficulties, they capture compelling visual evidence of the coral’s rapid deterioration.

The Science Behind the Bleaching

Experts explain the science behind coral bleaching, linking it directly to rising ocean temperatures caused by climate change. The increased temperatures cause coral to expel the algae that live within their tissues, leading to starvation and eventual death. The film emphasizes the critical role coral reefs play in supporting marine ecosystems.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Andrew Ackerman (Andrew Ackerman): A dedicated photographer striving to capture the coral bleaching events and raise awareness.
• Zackery Rago (Zackery Rago): A passionate ‘coral nerd’ and scientist committed to understanding and saving coral reefs.
• Ruth Gates (Ruth Gates): A scientific advisor who is working with the team of divers and photographers to document the coral bleaching events.
• Jeff Orlowski (Jeff Orlowski): The director of Chasing Coral, embarking on a quest to document how global warming affects the coral reefs around the world.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Andrew Ackerman: “They say it’s one of the rarest events in nature happening and everyone’s just oblivious to it. And you can’t blame them for it, it’s just almost typical of all of humanity.” – Ackerman reflects on the disconnect between the magnitude of coral bleaching events and the general public’s awareness.
• Zackery Rago: “It’s like watching a forest fire underwater.” – Rago describes the visual impact and emotional experience of witnessing widespread coral bleaching.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Chasing Coral Reviews

Personal Review

As a documentary, ‘Chasing Coral’ hit me hard. The before-and-after shots were heartbreaking, and I found myself genuinely rooting for Zack Rago. It made me think about my own impact and how I could be more mindful of the environment.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Environmental activists”
  • “Science enthusiasts”
  • “Anyone interested in marine biology”
  • “Documentary lovers”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Imagery of dying coral”
  • “Discussion of climate change and its impacts”
  • “May be emotionally distressing for some viewers”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “A visually stunning and emotionally resonant documentary that effectively communicates the urgency of coral reef conservation. It’s a powerful call to action wrapped in breathtaking underwater cinematography.
• Variety: “Chasing Coral is important because its plea is urgent, impassioned, and impossible to ignore. Jeff Orlowski brings technical finesse and storytelling prowess to this environmental disaster.

Audience Reactions

The film’s stunning underwater visuals left viewers in awe of the coral reefs’ beauty.: Most viewers praised the film for its emotional impact and its ability to raise awareness.

Many viewers found the film eye-opening, describing it as a must-watch for everyone.: Appreciation of the documentary’s ability to educate audiences about the impacts of climate change on ocean life.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and informative documentary that serves as a powerful wake-up call about the devastating impact of climate change on coral reefs.

Awards

1. Sundance Film Festival (Audience Award: U.S. Documentary)- 2017
2. Primetime Emmy Award (Outstanding Cinematography for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The filmmakers faced numerous technical challenges, including camera equipment malfunctions due to the harsh underwater environment, and the unpredictable nature of coral bleaching events, which are difficult to anticipate and capture.”
• “The film team developed custom-built time-lapse camera systems to document the coral bleaching process over extended periods, a key innovation for capturing the dramatic changes.”
• “Chasing Coral’s director, Jeff Orlowski, previously directed ‘Chasing Ice’, another environmental documentary that used time-lapse photography to document the rapid melting of glaciers.”

🖥️ How to Watch Chasing Coral?

Chasing Coral is available for streaming on Netflix. You may also be able to find it for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Chasing Coral, you might like these similar films:

• An Inconvenient Truth (2006): Both documentaries address the urgent issue of climate change and its devastating effects on the planet.
• Oceans (2009): Captures the beauty and fragility of marine life while highlighting the environmental threats they face.
• My Octopus Teacher (2020): Explores the beauty and complexity of the ocean through a personal connection with marine life, fostering empathy and awareness.

🛒 Chasing Coral Related Products

• The World Atlas of Coral Reefs: A detailed guide to the world’s coral reefs, including information on their ecology, threats, and conservation efforts. Perfect for diving enthusiats and science lovers.
• LEGO Ideas Globe 21332: Recreate the earth we live in using lego blocks. The earth houses the underwater ecosystem the movie features.
• Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope: Allows children to learn about marine biology.
• Ocean Life Temporary Tattoos: The tattoos include some of the world’s beautiful marine animals. A fun reminder of what we need to protect.

🎧 Soundtrack

Chasing Coral features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Tell Me How Long” – performed by Kristen Bell

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

“CHASING CORAL” captures very rare coral fluorescing event

Woah, check out this incredible footage of coral fluorescing! It’s beautiful but also a sign of danger for the coral reefs. It’s a MUST WATCH to fully understand the impact of coral bleaching.

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