The Water Network of the Earth is a very interesting documentary. Although it tells the story of the water conservancy system in Taoyuan, Taiwan, it also introduces the local history and the gods they worship. What's more interesting is that the water conservancy system provides a link for communication and integration between villages.
The documentary mainly focuses on the unique geographical and historical characteristics of the Taoyuan area, where the water conservancy system is different from other places, particularly in how people use the water to cultivate ponds. In addition, it addresses the long-term integration and history between different villages.
The production is excellent. The narrative of the documentary is in chronological and location order, from the beginning of the transformation of the terrain thousands of years ago to the development of the water conservancy system by the people today. I really like the use of humans in this film, especially when people are sweeping tombs, which are very close to people's lives; I like how it portrays people at eye level instead of from high above them. Although the documentary is about nature, these shots make the humans more prominent, showing the coexistence of nature, gods and people. The people range from professors to ordinary citizens. This allows the audience to see the water conservancy system from different perspectives. For example, environmentalists discuss how to protect water resources in a specific way. Historians talk about why the local canal began and how people in each village communicated with each other because of the canal beginning hundreds of years ago. Another thing I like is that their temples are shown, because worshiping gods is another important part of the daily life of the locals. The background music is very comfortable and melodious. My favorite part is the scene where people talk about where they think they are from. Each group of people has a different idea of their origins. For example, some people think they are Hakka people, and some people think they are from other tribes. In the end, they all believe they are indigenous people. It's a very interesting cultural fusion, and it's closely related to water conservancy projects.
The film's message is about the importance of water and its use in Taoyuan, Taiwan and its effects culturally as well as historically on the indigenous people who live there.
I give The Water Network of the Earth 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Xiangxi K., KIDS FIRST!
The Water Network of the Earth is a very interesting documentary. Although it tells the story of the water conservancy system in Taoyuan, Taiwan, it also introduces the local history and the gods they worship. What's more interesting is that the water conservancy system provides a link for communication and integration between villages.
The documentary mainly focuses on the unique geographical and historical characteristics of the Taoyuan area, where the water conservancy system is different from other places, particularly in how people use the water to cultivate ponds. In addition, it addresses the long-term integration and history between different villages.
The production is excellent. The narrative of the documentary is in chronological and location order, from the beginning of the transformation of the terrain thousands of years ago to the development of the water conservancy system by the people today. I really like the use of humans in this film, especially when people are sweeping tombs, which are very close to people's lives; I like how it portrays people at eye level instead of from high above them. Although the documentary is about nature, these shots make the humans more prominent, showing the coexistence of nature, gods and people. The people range from professors to ordinary citizens. This allows the audience to see the water conservancy system from different perspectives. For example, environmentalists discuss how to protect water resources in a specific way. Historians talk about why the local canal began and how people in each village communicated with each other because of the canal beginning hundreds of years ago. Another thing I like is that their temples are shown, because worshiping gods is another important part of the daily life of the locals. The background music is very comfortable and melodious. My favorite part is the scene where people talk about where they think they are from. Each group of people has a different idea of their origins. For example, some people think they are Hakka people, and some people think they are from other tribes. In the end, they all believe they are indigenous people. It's a very interesting cultural fusion, and it's closely related to water conservancy projects.
The film's message is about the importance of water and its use in Taoyuan, Taiwan and its effects culturally as well as historically on the indigenous people who live there.
I give The Water Network of the Earth 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Xiangxi K., KIDS FIRST!
Taiwan is an island of mountains and valleys. When water flows downhill, the valleys capture it as rivers and streams. However, in the steeper terrain, when it rains heavily and suddenly, the water level often rises in an instant and flows to the sea while the land remains dry. How do the people handle that? The film examines the water systems of Taoyuan, Taiwan where they tackle the issue of water shortage using techniques that their ancestors created -- a network of canals, ponds where artesian springs appear, and other systems. In the past 300 years, the residents here have created a water network that deals with the issues of water shortage and have turned a wasteland into a fertile farmland using water from the faraway mountains.
You
too can become a film critic!
KIDS FIRST! Goes Local:
Submit a review & win!
