It comes as no surprise that Brian Cox, once again, delivers an astonishing documentary, this time, about the human journey from ape-man to spaceman. The 5 episode series explores the vast collection of human knowledge of roughly 200 thousand year passed on through generations. Humble, inquisitive and charming as you would expect a true renowned scientist to be, Brian manages to makes us yearn for re-connection with our human roots and gaze upon the vast collective global human curiosity spread around many cultures. The respectful way on which Brian Cox manages to encompass all of us as a global species is once again what drove me some times to get emotional and marvel upon the sheer scale and velocity on which humanity has evolved. Although, I couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy about what is still being done wrong and mostly because of greed and the materialistic nature of men. Needless to say I recommend this for people all around the world of all ages and faiths. A true MASTERPIECE that unfortunately goes unnoticed and under appreciated. A delightful experience that will help you never stop questioning.
9 Reviews
BBC and Brian Cox does it Again !!!
jakariaamin30 November 2014
Just Watched Episode 1 and 2 and it made me cry.
As I love scientific Documentary explaining some of the Deepest and most impossible Questions to answer for example: "Why we are Here?", "Where do we Come from?", "What is the purpose of Life?".
In search for answers of "Why we are Here?", Brain said something that even Stephen Hawking(don't get me wrong, i like Hawking) didn't dare to say in his documentary called "Grand Design". Instead of giving False hope, Brian sticked to the Logic and Science.
The previous series by BBC and Brian Cox named "Wonders of life" was rocking and Breathtaking. They did it again in this series. Now Science is trying to find answers for some of the most oldest and seems impossible questions. General curious people like me sometime wonder to know if we ever able to find the answers to these questions. And nicely made documentary films like this one is enjoyable to watch.
Like it, Love it.
As I love scientific Documentary explaining some of the Deepest and most impossible Questions to answer for example: "Why we are Here?", "Where do we Come from?", "What is the purpose of Life?".
In search for answers of "Why we are Here?", Brain said something that even Stephen Hawking(don't get me wrong, i like Hawking) didn't dare to say in his documentary called "Grand Design". Instead of giving False hope, Brian sticked to the Logic and Science.
The previous series by BBC and Brian Cox named "Wonders of life" was rocking and Breathtaking. They did it again in this series. Now Science is trying to find answers for some of the most oldest and seems impossible questions. General curious people like me sometime wonder to know if we ever able to find the answers to these questions. And nicely made documentary films like this one is enjoyable to watch.
Like it, Love it.
Feed your curiosity
craigmichilis-6433423 August 2020
The genius of Brian Cox is his ability to bring complex topics to a large audience. This is another of example of brilliant story telling told with genuine passion and interest that will excite and further encourage the curiosity in all of us. I'm sure there are many children who will choose to be. Physicist after seeing this nd other series by Brian Cox and Humans should be very thankful for that. Watch.
Quality content from Brian Cox.
juhazzz22 November 2017
In the sea of sensationalized and overly-dramatized "documentaries", here's finally a good change of pace. Brian delivers a proper thought provoking 5 episodes documentary.
Very good and easy to follow for the casual document consumers and just as good for the more knowledge-hungry people.
Very good and easy to follow for the casual document consumers and just as good for the more knowledge-hungry people.
Humanity progress and the potential of the future
christian946 January 2017
Brian Cox is the new face of science along with Neil deGrasse Tyson who's Carl Sagan Cosmos update is out of this world. Cox's Wonders of
Trilogy made us wonder about life (5 episodes). the universe (4 episodes).and the solar system (5 episodes). Here Cox makes us think and is a bit more pragmatic and culturally sensitive to present the human perspective of the universe. The series starts strong with a link to our adaptive ancestors all the way to our impressive space achievements. Cox awaits a Soyuz reentry and rendezvous in Kazakhstan to greet cosmonauts. We have permanent presence in space (ISS) and here are humans coming back from this home
The second episode asks the tough philosophical question and proposes some answers, while the third episode asks about the likelihood of aliens, interviewing famous Dr. Frank Drake who's equation has been the base of scientific speculation since the 1960s. The episode however talks about some of its variables and implications, yet the conclusion reached at the end of the narrative is hasty and ill-explained. If that was the direction intended then the episode could have been longer, better researched or better edited.
After this still interesting chapter, the two last episodes are simply brilliant. The last one is the crown achievement of the series and perhaps also is the conclusion for the Wonders of Trilogy as well as it is extremely well-written and delivered by Brian Cox. From the initial cave in Spain to the penultimate revelation of potential Neanderthal culture & intelligence that were extinct as alternate theory, thinking and warning, the script is science and philosophy at its best. The final shot in the Space Station window is priceless and says it all. Bravo!
Americans spend 10 times more on their pet grooming than in fusion energy research which could change humanity's future We haven't put another human on the moon since 1972, 45 years ago We can do better! Thanks Brian and BBC team
Education (and entertainment) is key
Episodes 1 "Apeman - Spaceman" 10/10 2 . "Why Are We Here?" 9/10 3 . "Are We Alone?" 8/10 4 . "A Place in Space and Time" 10/10 5 . "What is Our Future?" 10/10
The second episode asks the tough philosophical question and proposes some answers, while the third episode asks about the likelihood of aliens, interviewing famous Dr. Frank Drake who's equation has been the base of scientific speculation since the 1960s. The episode however talks about some of its variables and implications, yet the conclusion reached at the end of the narrative is hasty and ill-explained. If that was the direction intended then the episode could have been longer, better researched or better edited.
After this still interesting chapter, the two last episodes are simply brilliant. The last one is the crown achievement of the series and perhaps also is the conclusion for the Wonders of Trilogy as well as it is extremely well-written and delivered by Brian Cox. From the initial cave in Spain to the penultimate revelation of potential Neanderthal culture & intelligence that were extinct as alternate theory, thinking and warning, the script is science and philosophy at its best. The final shot in the Space Station window is priceless and says it all. Bravo!
Americans spend 10 times more on their pet grooming than in fusion energy research which could change humanity's future We haven't put another human on the moon since 1972, 45 years ago We can do better! Thanks Brian and BBC team
Education (and entertainment) is key
Episodes 1 "Apeman - Spaceman" 10/10 2 . "Why Are We Here?" 9/10 3 . "Are We Alone?" 8/10 4 . "A Place in Space and Time" 10/10 5 . "What is Our Future?" 10/10
From apeman to spaceman
scottyxl9 June 2015
Warning: Spoilers
"From apeman to spaceman" is a quote from the first episode but it also describes the entire show. And for me personally it is an amazing quote I will be remembering for a long time.
This series shows the viewer the journey our species made from its first steps to its permanent base in space. As a space enthusiast I really liked that it touched a lot of areas in that field even though it didn't feel like a documentary about space (exploration).
As always Professor Brian Cox did a stellar job presenting this show, his enthusiasm and skill in explaining theories with ease is just amazing.
Adding the stunning visuals (the satellite overview in episode #4 was such an amazing shot for me I actually paused the screen for several minutes) to the mix makes this a documentary a must watch for anybody who enjoys watching documentaries.
I did find that I knew most of the theories that where explained but for me this didn't make this show any less good, because they where told from a different angle. This was done so well that I lost count of how many times my hair stood up straight on my arms, legs and neck.
Hopefully, like Sir David Attenborough, Professor Brian Cox will continue making documentaries until he's physically unable to.
This series shows the viewer the journey our species made from its first steps to its permanent base in space. As a space enthusiast I really liked that it touched a lot of areas in that field even though it didn't feel like a documentary about space (exploration).
As always Professor Brian Cox did a stellar job presenting this show, his enthusiasm and skill in explaining theories with ease is just amazing.
Adding the stunning visuals (the satellite overview in episode #4 was such an amazing shot for me I actually paused the screen for several minutes) to the mix makes this a documentary a must watch for anybody who enjoys watching documentaries.
I did find that I knew most of the theories that where explained but for me this didn't make this show any less good, because they where told from a different angle. This was done so well that I lost count of how many times my hair stood up straight on my arms, legs and neck.
Hopefully, like Sir David Attenborough, Professor Brian Cox will continue making documentaries until he's physically unable to.
A scientific masterpiece presented with passion by Prof Brian Cox. Amazing.
mike-233-4346748 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
A must watch. The very truth of our existence. It answers questions man has asked since our intellectual fruition from the animals. So have other documentaries/books but it is presented so elegantly and concise and truthfully. At a good level for the majority.
Now a word to the majority. Yes the people on the planet who believe in the grown up santa's of whatever creed/colour - however generally the same colour as them. To not watch and understand this is a crime to your intellect and your obligation to cherish your once in a lifetime opportunity to basque in the sun of consciousness and self awareness fully aware of the where, how and what we are. To not wonder why's stars twinkle. Not thinking in a possibly infinite Universe some illiterate iron age prophet 2000 years ago was spoken to by god in a cave in a universe 13.7 billion years old. Doesn't really compute. There were no good old days. Stop wasting your life.
Don't live your life in ignorance denying science - to deny facts but not even have the decency to attempt prove/justify what you profess to know and how facts you are unable to grasp or are too lazy to even attempt to grasp are false. Let's move from the dark ages to a bright future free of religious hatred, superstition and down right stupidity and ignorance by the vast majority of the earth's worshippers.
Long live science, reason, logic, compassion, intelligence, and human understanding. This documentary is a testament to science and of human achievement.
Well done to Brian - I'm sure this series will free large numbers of blinkered worshippers. They are not the ones we have to worry about though because they must ultimately be reasonable.
What could be better than being the only known intelligent life with a mission to explore this universe which you should be in awe of. Not worrying about some fables in a book, praying for heaven and virgins. Jesus!Denying moon landings and other such nonsense.
Anyway whatever your fancy. Watch this amazing documentary. Saint, sinner or prophet. This documentary delivers.
Mike.............x
Now a word to the majority. Yes the people on the planet who believe in the grown up santa's of whatever creed/colour - however generally the same colour as them. To not watch and understand this is a crime to your intellect and your obligation to cherish your once in a lifetime opportunity to basque in the sun of consciousness and self awareness fully aware of the where, how and what we are. To not wonder why's stars twinkle. Not thinking in a possibly infinite Universe some illiterate iron age prophet 2000 years ago was spoken to by god in a cave in a universe 13.7 billion years old. Doesn't really compute. There were no good old days. Stop wasting your life.
Don't live your life in ignorance denying science - to deny facts but not even have the decency to attempt prove/justify what you profess to know and how facts you are unable to grasp or are too lazy to even attempt to grasp are false. Let's move from the dark ages to a bright future free of religious hatred, superstition and down right stupidity and ignorance by the vast majority of the earth's worshippers.
Long live science, reason, logic, compassion, intelligence, and human understanding. This documentary is a testament to science and of human achievement.
Well done to Brian - I'm sure this series will free large numbers of blinkered worshippers. They are not the ones we have to worry about though because they must ultimately be reasonable.
What could be better than being the only known intelligent life with a mission to explore this universe which you should be in awe of. Not worrying about some fables in a book, praying for heaven and virgins. Jesus!Denying moon landings and other such nonsense.
Anyway whatever your fancy. Watch this amazing documentary. Saint, sinner or prophet. This documentary delivers.
Mike.............x
big subject
SnoopyStyle23 June 2018
This 5-part BBC series examines the universe and humanity's place in it. The presenter Brian Cox seems like an amiable chap. He's energetic and personable in his explanations of dense material. It's a little uneven. The subject matter is so vast and the limits are so permeable that it's hard to define the premise. The episode titles do define the issues but the premise is so nebulous that one could go on forever on this subject. Brian is a professor at the School of Physics and Astronomy in the University of Manchester. He tends to skew towards the science of it all but he has a good amount of humanity. I like the third episode best mainly because he discusses the Drake equation with Drake. They're all fairly good with interesting takes. It's filmed well and it maintained my interest.
Just one problem...
Urutengangana19 November 2014
So, overall it's artistically done and contains a modicum of information about the subjects, but combined with the imagery and music it does convey what it intended, except... well, with regards to the title... how is it a human universe? First we attribute the universe to 'god' and now to 'humans'? I mean, this isn't just reserved for the title, of course...
It's appropriately named that as the focus is on humanity, and particularly its achievements in science, but how could a species be so purely aspirational? The ironic thing is that if an alien species did end up watching Human Universe... well, they'd think every human must have surely been a scientist... Brian does actually mention some political problems in the world, but only very fleetingly. That, of course, is irrelevant in documentaries about science (except when it comes to lack of NASA funding etc... which is one disheartening thing he seemed to conveniently not discuss), but the thing is that his focus was very much about the potential of humanity... and with half of the world currently in conflict, thousands of daily murders, most governments essentially corrupt... I don't suppose if those were discussed for five hours humanity would seem so inspiring anymore.
This, of course, is ultimately due to his optimism... and while science in isolation is a source of almost infinite inspiration, I really don't think most people are scientists, or the world would focus on at least funding it (one would assume)...
Also, one thing I personally didn't like is a scene with a rodeo in it... while it was to illustrate precision and differences in variables etc. I really don't think that what is plainly animal abuse is at all inspirational in people. Then again, there could have been many other examples that could have been used that might have been slightly more relevant too... not that I don't think that most of his other scientific examples were great... the depressurized chamber was spectacular as it allowed the feathers and ball go at the same speed, without even slightly moving...
Ultimately, though, why focus so much on how absolutely unique humans are? Science itself is inspirational, and focusing on it (not on pride) could actually reduce nationalism, which is arguably (along with religion), the cause of all conflicts.
The only conflict should be of protons in a collider... if only.
It's appropriately named that as the focus is on humanity, and particularly its achievements in science, but how could a species be so purely aspirational? The ironic thing is that if an alien species did end up watching Human Universe... well, they'd think every human must have surely been a scientist... Brian does actually mention some political problems in the world, but only very fleetingly. That, of course, is irrelevant in documentaries about science (except when it comes to lack of NASA funding etc... which is one disheartening thing he seemed to conveniently not discuss), but the thing is that his focus was very much about the potential of humanity... and with half of the world currently in conflict, thousands of daily murders, most governments essentially corrupt... I don't suppose if those were discussed for five hours humanity would seem so inspiring anymore.
This, of course, is ultimately due to his optimism... and while science in isolation is a source of almost infinite inspiration, I really don't think most people are scientists, or the world would focus on at least funding it (one would assume)...
Also, one thing I personally didn't like is a scene with a rodeo in it... while it was to illustrate precision and differences in variables etc. I really don't think that what is plainly animal abuse is at all inspirational in people. Then again, there could have been many other examples that could have been used that might have been slightly more relevant too... not that I don't think that most of his other scientific examples were great... the depressurized chamber was spectacular as it allowed the feathers and ball go at the same speed, without even slightly moving...
Ultimately, though, why focus so much on how absolutely unique humans are? Science itself is inspirational, and focusing on it (not on pride) could actually reduce nationalism, which is arguably (along with religion), the cause of all conflicts.
The only conflict should be of protons in a collider... if only.
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