Muôn Loài Đang Thở All That Breathes (2022)

Shaunak Sen’s “All That Breathes” transcends conventional documentary filmmaking, offering an immersive, almost spiritual meditation on coexistence amidst urban decay. Cinematographers Ben Bernhard, Riju Das, and Saumyanand Sahi craft a visual language of profound intimacy, capturing the struggle of black kites in Delhi’s polluted skies and the unwavering dedication of brothers Mohammad Saud and Nadeem Shehzad. The film’s genius lies in its observational poetry, juxtaposing the micro-world of injured birds with the macro-realities of environmental degradation and socio-political unrest. It’s a masterclass in visual storytelling, where every frame is meticulously composed, transforming mundane acts into profound statements on interconnectedness.

Far from a mere environmental piece, this is a lyrical exploration of empathy and resilience. Sen avoids didacticism, allowing the profound commitment of its subjects to speak volumes about human-animal interdependence. “All That Breathes” establishes itself as a pivotal work in eco-cinema and observational documentary, pushing boundaries with its stunning aesthetic and deep philosophical undertones, cementing its place as an essential viewing experience and an Oscar-nominated triumph.