The Voyage That Shook the World (2009)

Throughout the documentary, and interspersed with beautiful footage of the places to which it refers and several re-enactments, leading evolutionist and creationist scholars present their understanding of Darwin's challenges. The viewer is left questioning the validity of Darwin's theory, and wondering whether there is a better "grand narrative" than evolution, with which to understand life and origins. The documentary does not present itself as a creationist production. The Voyage can serve well as a discussion starter in the context of an apologetics or science context dealing with origins, and is recommended for such purposes. (Pre-) college students and their parents, and those with similar interests can benefit from discussing the documentary–and should count on delving deeper into the issues it presents.

Being used to hard hitting Creation videos and presentations, I was surprised at the mild approach of this documentary. The film makers took great pains to put Darwin and his ideas in the context of the era in which he lived. This was a time when Darwin would not have been able to benefit from what we now know about the complexity of life, such as the complex protein-based machinery contained within a single living cell. This documentary clearly showed that while Darwin's ideas were not original, he did bring together his observations in a unique way. Sometimes he did not have enough information to draw the correct conclusion, and sometimes he was simply bent on showing that uniformitarianism could explain all life on earth. Yet after a lifetime of study, Darwin failed to formulate a reasonable hypothesis as to how life arose in the first place.This was a very balanced documentary, but the viewer will have to listen carefully to the arguments because the producers will not hit you over the head with the evidence showing that Darwin "missed the boat" when he sailed on the Beagle.

For those interested in the growing debate about evolution, and in an age where the great High Priests of evolution like Richard Dawkins strut a very shaky stage, this movie is a welcome contribution. It is an outstandingly produced and engaging documentary that oozes honesty in it's subject matter, unlike so many others on the topic of Darwinism and evolution, which make many unscientific and unsubstantiated claims. It's also very intellectually challenging, asking the question "If Darwin knew what we know today, would he be a Darwinist?" Darwin himself is given very fair treatment, and contributions from other 'experts' from both sides of the fence are helpful. A relief from the barrage of vitriol directed by Dawkins, Singer and co at anyone who disagrees with their views.

Amongst the hype of unrelenting praise for Darwin, this was a refreshingly balanced documentary. Brilliant filming from around the globe and interesting insights from top scientists to expand on the context and the reasoning behind the theory. All the mainstream films last year would unquestioningly promote evolution, yet here there are questions being asked, and the answers are not what the majority would have you believe most of the time. Perhaps this can be the start of some reasoned and balanced debate on the subject in the media.Enjoyable to watch, but makes you think and want to find out more.