A team of Ukrainian journalists from The Associated Press trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol struggle to continue their work documenting atrocities of the Russian invasion. As the only international reporters who remain in the city, they capture what later become defining images of the war: dying children, mass graves, the bombing of a maternity hospital, and more. Drawing on director Mstyslav Chernov's daily news dispatches and personal footage of his own country at war, the film is a vivid, harrowing account of civilians caught in the siege, as well as a window into what it's like to report from a conflict zone, and the impact of such journalism around the globe.
In 2009, competing in the most expensive and technologically advanced racing series on Earth, the impossible happened. An understaffed, underfinanced and independent team won the World Championship. Go behind the scenes of this Formula 1 fairytale with Keanu Reeves and the people who were there, on the track, in the garage and the boardroom, giving their own thrilling versions of a miraculous year. With exclusive access to the F1 archives, much of it previously unseen - from a year that global sport will never forget, with contributions from British F1 driver Jenson Button and Ross Brawn, who led the team to victory.
The second part of the series describes how Honda withdrew from Formula 1 and how Ross Brawn and Nick Fry took control to form Brawn GP. It explains the team's financial struggles, their ingenious interpretation of the rules to develop an innovative double diffuser, and the subsequent controversies and legal battles with other teams over the legality of this innovation. The rivalry between Jenson Button, the team's lead driver, and his teammate Rubens Barrichello is emphasized. The climax of the film is Button's victory in Monaco, highlighting both the driver's triumph and the team's success under extreme pressure. As the season progresses, other teams begin to catch up to Brawn GP, increasing the pressure on Button to maintain his championship lead. The documentary concludes with Brawn GP, pressured by financial needs, signing an agreement with Ecclestone, apparently betraying FOTA (Formula One Teams Association) and creating significant internal conflict. This twist highlights the complex power dynamics and ethical challenges within the world of F1.
The third part of the series begins with the excitement of Button's initial victories, highlighting his talent and skill on the tracks. However, as the season progresses, the focus shifts to the growing tension between Button and Barrichello. This tension is fueled by the internal struggle for leadership in the team and the drivers' championship. These rivalries affect performance on the track. Another key point is the management of the Brawn GP team, facing financial and technical challenges while seeking to maintain its competitive edge against rivals like Red Bull and McLaren. We discover the psychological aspect of racing, showing how the pressure of the championship affects Button, leading him to make mistakes and question his abilities. At the same time, Barrichello's resurgence is observed, showing determination and experience to take advantage of his opportunities. Finally, the evolution of the Brawn GP team is addressed, from its triumphs to moments of uncertainty, culminating in a season that is both a success story and a testimony to the unpredictable nature of Formula 1.
The fourth part of the series focuses on the exciting and dramatic Formula 1 race in which Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button, drivers of the Brawn GP team, fought for the championship. Rubens Barrichello leads the race. However, tension rises when Jenson Button, his teammate and main rival for the title, begins to gain ground. The narration intensifies with the description of technical problems and crucial strategic decisions. As the race unfolds, the internal dynamics of the Brawn GP team are explored, as well as the rivalry between the drivers and the pressure to win the championship. The narrative reaches its climax in the thrilling final laps, where victory and defeat are decided by small margins. The episode concludes with the celebration of victory and reflection on the significance of this race for the drivers, the team, and their place in the history of Formula 1. The documentary is a mix of on-track action, human and technical drama, and a deep exploration of what it takes to win at the highest level of motorsport.
The third episode takes viewers on a riveting journey to some of the world's most extreme and breathtaking deserts and grasslands, where nature puts on its most dramatic show. It begins in the arid landscapes of Central Africa's Guelta d'Archei and the Namib Desert in Southwest Africa, places where water is scarce, and survival is a daily battle. The focus then shifts to the remarkable adaptability of creatures like ostriches, who brave the scorching heat and predators to raise their young and a handful of leopards who learned to hunt from trees on the African plains. In Australia, viewers witness the intricate courtship rituals of the spotted bowerbird, a species facing challenges due to climate change. The narrative then takes us to the vast Eurasian Steppe, home to the unique Saiga antelope, and to Brazil's Cerrado, a biodiverse grassland where the elusive maned wolf plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem. The episode highlights not only the resilience and beauty of these creatures but also the fragility of their habitats, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Drawing on director Mstyslav Chernov's daily news dispatches and personal footage of his own country at war, the film is a vivid, harrowing account of civilians caught in the siege, as well as a window into what it's like to report from a conflict zone, and the impact of such journalism around the globe.