The Rescue chronicles the enthralling, against-all-odds story that transfixed the world in 2018: the daring rescue of twelve boys and their coach from deep inside a flooded cave in Northern Thailand. Using a wealth of never-before-seen material and exclusive interviews, filmmakers E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they bring alive one of the most perilous and extraordinary rescues in modern times, shining a light on the high-risk world of cave diving, the astounding courage and compassion of the rescuers, and the shared humanity of the international community that united to save the boys.
From crunchy crickets to nutty fly grubs, the film takes a tasty look at insect foods and how they could benefit our health and our warming planet. From Thailand to Texas, insect farmers are showing how the tiny critters stack up as an environmentally friendly alternative to beef protein and can, pound for pound, deliver better nutritional value than the finest steak. But will western people overcome the 'ick' factor and share the appetite of many cultures around the world for insect feasts?
Could the source of the world’s deadliest viruses hold the secret to a healthier and longer life? Bats have a sinister reputation as potential sources for some of the deadliest disease outbreaks: Ebola, MERS, SARS, and most recently, the virus behind the COVID-19 global pandemic. Yet scientists are discovering new evidence that bats are biological marvels and may hold a key to longevity. They’re resistant to the diseases they carry and have freakishly long lifespans for their tiny size. So, what’s their secret? And what else can we learn from their peculiar biology? From caves in Thailand and Texas to labs around the globe, the films meets the scientists who are decoding the superpowers of the bat.
Water plants create some of the most beautiful, bizarre and important habitats on earth. To hold on in torrents, plants use a kind of superglue. Some are armed with vicious weapons to fight titanic battles for space. Others form perfect spheres and escape from animal enemies by rolling. Where nutrients are washed away, plants turn into hunters of animals, laying traps and even counting to ensure their success. In this episode we explore those watery worlds with David Attenborough, from Croatia to Brazil, from Colombia to Thailand, the brilliantly coloured flowers smother lakes, and in one magical river in Brazil, the water bubbles like champagne as plants create the atmosphere itself.
The film takes you on a gripping journey through one of history’s most devastating natural disasters—the 2004 Indian Ocean Boxing Day tsunami. With intimate, first-hand accounts from survivors around the globe, the documentary unveils the terrifying sequence of events on the morning of December 26th, 2004. Through raw and compelling personal narratives, viewers are transported to the chaotic moments when the colossal wave struck, forever altering lives and reshaping entire communities. Among these unforgettable stories is that of Rob, an Englishman whose harrowing account of trying to rescue his family from a serene Sri Lankan beach brings the human cost of the disaster into stark focus. The film not only chronicles the tragic loss of approximately 230,000 lives and the displacement of 1.4 million people but also examines the enduring impact of the tsunami on a generation defined by both profound loss and incredible resilience. This riveting portrayal promises to captivate audiences with its blend of human drama and historical significance, urging viewers to reflect on the power of nature and the strength of the human spirit.
In the second episode of Asia – Above the Clouds, you will witness the incredible inhabitants of the continent’s mountainous regions. Watch elephants roaming the high-altitude tea plantations of India and swifts gathering in the majestic limestone caves of Thailand. In Pakistan, witness markhors battling on sheer cliffs, while in the forested foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal, you’ll encounter one of Asia’s most elusive mammals—the red panda. This episode unveils the secrets of life at the highest points on Earth and showcases how diverse species have adapted to the extreme conditions of the mountains.
Using a wealth of never-before-seen material and exclusive interviews, filmmakers E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they bring alive one of the most perilous and extraordinary rescues in modern times, shining a light on the high-risk world of cave diving, the astounding courage and compassion of the rescuers, and the shared humanity of the international community that united to save the boys.