-Written by Kyle Bain.
A simple documentary following the marine life surrounding the Brother Islands, Red Sea: Brother Islands - A Scuba Dive Adventure takes viewers on an adventure meant to open the world’s eyes to the beauty of the sea. Narrator Casey Campbell describes the beauty of the film to a tee, perfectly expressing to viewers just what they are looking at, expanding their knowledge and their appreciation for all that fills the screen through this approximately one-hour documentary.
Red Sea: Brother Islands - A Scuba Dive Adventure feels like the type of documentary that one might have seen in school, in a high school biology class. It’s short, sweet, and to the point–telling viewers exactly what they see on screen, leaving nothing to the imagination. This simplicity works in favor of the film (and has the potential to hinder it–but I’ll get there). Red Sea: Brother Islands - A Scuba Dive Adventure is easy to follow, guiding viewers brilliantly from start to finish. We don’t have to wonder, we don’t have to think, we don’t have to worry if we’ve missed anything–as it’s told in a fashion understandable by all. The benefit to this is that everyone can remain focused, and there isn’t much to think about. On the flip side, however, Red Sea: Brother Islands - A Scuba Dive Adventure runs the risk of being too simple, lacking enough gusto to keep viewers entertained from beginning to end.
I had to watch Red Sea: Brother Islands - A Scuba Dive Adventure over the course of two sittings, and I walked around my basement, doing laundry and working out during the second session. Had I not been doing other things, had I not had something else to entertain me, I’m not sure that Red Sea: Brother Islands - A Scuba Dive Adventure would have been enough to truly entertain. I found myself drifting in my first session, when I didn’t have anything else to keep me occupied.
So, again, Red Sea: Brother Islands - A Scuba Dive Adventure both thrives and suffers from its simplicity–and I’m not entirely sure that I can decide what it does more.
Campbell, even with how brilliant the scenery is throughout the course of Red Sea: Brother Islands - A Scuba Dive Adventure, is the star of the show. He has a powerful voice that helps to elevate the documentary and provide clarity throughout. His narration is simple, direct–and it’s exactly what the film needs.
In the closing minutes of Red Sea: Brother Islands - A Scuba Dive Adventure, viewers hear Campbell describe their time on their trips to the Brother Islands–and it takes a bit of a turn. It seems like all of the sudden Campbell is promoting these excursions, attempting to get viewers to spend a little cash and take part in a similar, or identical, trip. It could simply be that Campbell and his cohorts are truly just grateful for their experience, but I didn’t take it that way–and I’m sure I won’t be the only one that feels this way. It’s a strange and unfortunate way to close out this documentary.
All in all, I feel that Red Sea: Brother Islands - A Scuba Dive Adventure is a calming documentary, one that you’d even be able to mute, simply becoming immersed in the visuals (even with how brilliant Campbell is throughout). It has the potential to wash away some stress, and I believe that it’s worth checking out.
Directed by Christian Wehrle.
Starring Casey Campbell.
6.5/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE
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