Secrets of the Whales

John Freeburn

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Enjoying every episode so far of this most excellent documentary. Others have covered it's high quality. I'll just add a couple of quibbles which didn't affect my score.
1- Sigourney's narration grew old. Way too saccharine at times. Also, don't call a mother whale "Mom". She's not your Mom.
2 - The "how they did it" segments were great but they don't always explain the under-water footage. Is that a photographer down there? Remote control device? Who are the belugas smiling at?
One concern is that they show pristine locations and I can just see tour guides taking people there and maybe ruining it.
Secrets of the Whales
With Sigourney Weaver's soothing voice, excellent cinematography, and education on these majestic creatures, this Nat Geo miniseries shows off Orcas, Humpbacks, Belugas, Narwhals and Sperm Whales up close and personal. They do show them feeding, but from a distance, and not the super gory way it truly is. I felt bad for those poor sea lions.
The footage from underwater is just so cool to see. The divers did a really good job for those shots.
I mean, it's a documentary about whales, so it's pretty straightforward, but I enjoyed seeing the creatures that are usually seen from a distance.
Have you ever been told that our oceans are very mysterious and that they hold many secrets that are likely to be hidden forever? Well, that's certainly true - our oceans are indeed mysterious and some of the most amazing secrets hidden deep within our oceans have recently been discovered and are ready to be shared with the world in a new National Geographic four-part documentary series. Secrets of the Whales spotlights four species of whales and uncovers their secrets and stories of survival with "first time" evidence and never-before-seen coverage. This series is epic and one you are going to want to witness!
Secrets of the Whales brings alive the visions of both Academy Award winning filmmaker and conservationist James Cameron and acclaimed National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Brian Skerry as they share their knowledge and research finding of some of the most intelligent giants living on our planet. Filmed across three years and in 24 locations, this documentary series, narrated by award-winning actress Sigourney Weaver, takes viewers on an amazing journey into the lives of orcas, humpbacks, belugas, and sperm whales. From Cameron and Skerry's work we gain such an expansive understanding and appreciation of whale family dynamics, social bonds, communication and tradition. It's the "secrets these mammals share which help them prevail."
This series has me completely captivated throughout all four episodes. Seeing the variety of marine life within their natural habitat is just jaw-dropping. With such stunning photography and action-packed video footage, the cinematography in Secret of the Whales is the best I've ever seen. As each scene is presented to viewers, you get a sense of being right there and consumed within each moment. To pick a favorite episode within this series would be impossible, since each episode is so unique with new secrets of the whales being unveiled to viewers.
The common message within all four episodes of Secrets of the Whales is centered around culture.
These whale families must work together in a sophisticated manner if they are going to survive and be successful as a species. Whales are highly evolved creatures that have the complexity of family bonds, language, feeding patterns, emotions and interesting secrets. It is critical that these traditions be taught to offspring and passed down throughout the generations.
I give Secrets of the Whales 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. Adults, especially those interested in marine ecology and conservation will certainly appreciate these films as well. What a great way to celebrate Earth Day. Don't miss this series! Reviewed by Dominic D., KIDS FIRST!
Consistently comparing whales to humans was frankly obnoxious, I felt offended for the whales, jk sort of. Is the audience of this documentary supposed to be so narrow minded that they cannot view anything outside of their human relationship existence? Or were the people completing the documentary so narrow minded that THEY couldn't interpret something outside of their human construct? Whatever the case the comparison was repeated ad nauseam.
As a fan of nature documentaries I appreciate the new information and insight that these shows usually possess, the thought that is often provoked. This show left no room for interpretation. Nearly every speaking segment told you what to think about each piece, even incredulously telling you what the WHALES were thinking. The photography was fantastic, the commentary was preachy and pedantic.
Netflix seems to have taken over where National Geographic left off.
I absolutely loved this heartwarming film. I learned so many secrets about whale culture.

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Details

Country of origin
Official site
Language
鯨之謎
Runtime3 hours 11 minutes
Color
Aspect ratio
16:9 HD
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Posted Mar 27, 2025

Secrets of the Whales: With Sigourney Weaver, James Cameron, Brian Skerry, Asha De Vos. Filmed across three years in 24 locations, the 4-part event series it's…