Directed by talented Louie Psihoyos, who also directed The Cove, Racing Extinction focuses on Psihoyos as he reveals all the dark secrets of the illegal black market trade of animal parts. The footage is captivating, with vast underwater splendor at one end and vast human corruption of ocean life at the other. He also brings a message to the populace about the grandeur and beauty of animals.

Exposing the Global Wildlife Crisis

The movie follows Psihoyos as he treks to small villages, where we see local fishermen hunting and killing manta rays for their gills to make soup. With the help of his crew and other activists, he educates locals about how their fishing is affecting the entire ecosystem. Another topic taken on is the hunt for sharks. Their fins are a delicacy for shark fin soup. Hunting has caused shark populations to dwindle. Clearly and right so, the movie seizes the moment to stand against the destruction humanity has been heading toward in many environments.

Conservation Heroes Take on Global Wildlife Threats

Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, joins the crusade and mounts a projector on a Tesla car. Psihoyos drives around town so he can project beautiful animals on various buildings. The citizens see the images on the buildings and are amazed by the beautiful animals, instilling the importance of saving them from extinction.

A Thought-Provoking Environmental Investigation

The grand visual high point is when New York’s architectural representations of ocean life stop crowds from walking through the city. They are even recording beautiful images on their devices while we see children’s faces mesmerized. Psihoyos clearly states in the movie: a vital message for everyone. When people truly view the life of the sea, we can choose to “Do one thing” and protect species balance.

I recommend this movie for everyone to see, and teachers should play it in their classrooms because it is truly educational.