From the introduction by the venerable Sir David Attenborough to the final frame, this film had me hooked with history and natural history of the great River Thames. It is so familiar to Londoners yet there are many surprises on the journey. I saw it at a local event but I hear it will get wider release on Amazon. Check it out.
18 Reviews
More like this please
jgfxarbe20 May 2020
Absorbing
ejmccarthy-0839325 July 2022
The unknown Thames
colinpinkconsulting19 November 2020
Very enjoyable!
snailzoo19 November 2020
Highly enjoyable and informative
cliveawebster22 September 2022
Great shots of the iconic river in all its guises and glory as it meanders its way along the tidal part of London to the sea. It's a gentle journey along a river that has seen it all; from warfare to invasions, pomp and celebrations, artists and artisans, fishing industry to ship building, transport and commerce and leisure activities including anything from boating to paddle boarding. With valuable insights from the people involved in its welfare it is a timely reminder that the Thames has an endless fascination for residents and visitors alike and still keeps on rolling along down to the mighty sea.
Great Cities: Great Rivers
mbodd11 January 2021
Many great cities of the world have a relationship with a great river and it is the combination of river and city that generates much of the greatness. All too often, that relationship has been or is abused: certainly, London abused its river in the past. What is the point of having a river if you can't chuck your waste into it?
With a masterly introduction by Sir David Attenborough, Chris Baines guides us down the Thames in a series of absorbing vignettes, from the furthest tidal reaches to the estuary and introduces us to how the river has rid itself of the wastes to reclaim its greatness, its beauty, its enormous interest - not only in its nature but in its man-made embellishments - to offer an incredibly diverse and rich environment today.
Great accolade to London, all who have worked to achieve this and to Chris and the film-makers for representing it in such an engaging manner.
A Must Watch!
xxnano6 September 2023
We did a very well received viewing of this documentary at the London Museum of Water and Steam, including a talk afterwards with the Director and guests. Would highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to do a viewing if you have the venue for it.
This is a very insightful and interesting film that encouraged really great discussion following it. Was also very fun to see places I recognized locally as the film is very set in place. You will enjoy seeing all these amazing places along the Thames, as well as getting to know a whole host of interesting people who have such an impact on their local environment. Definitely a must watch!
This is a very insightful and interesting film that encouraged really great discussion following it. Was also very fun to see places I recognized locally as the film is very set in place. You will enjoy seeing all these amazing places along the Thames, as well as getting to know a whole host of interesting people who have such an impact on their local environment. Definitely a must watch!
Must see documentary on London's great River Thames
lesiascholey23 November 2020
An amazing journey down the Thames from Teddington to the North Sea! This documentary is absolutely bursting with information and tells you so much you don't know about London's great river. From fascinating facts on species like eels and porpoises to broader environmental issues like pollution and major improvements, this film covers so many topics.
As a travelogue, history and expert commentary rolled into one, the Living Thames gives a voice to people from many different organisations who are all working on studying and improving the river. It's a proactive and hopeful look at the future that will inspire everyone!
Ideal for family watching and a great resource for teachers and students of geography, history, and all the sciences!
A must watch!
l-4529221 July 2022
An important film on our iconic Thames
htxjdxn3 October 2022
The Living Thames is a fascinating and important film on the iconic River Thames. Dorothy Leiper has produced an engaging, loving and very informative film on this most historic and beautiful river.
From Richmond in the west to the Thames estuary in the east, the film traces not only the history of Thames but the challenges of pollution and how they are being successfully addressed.
The River Thames is such an important part of the history of Britain and it is wonderful to see just how well the river has been brought back to life and is being protected by professionals and many dedicated volunteers.
Congratulations on a wonderful and very important film!
From Richmond in the west to the Thames estuary in the east, the film traces not only the history of Thames but the challenges of pollution and how they are being successfully addressed.
The River Thames is such an important part of the history of Britain and it is wonderful to see just how well the river has been brought back to life and is being protected by professionals and many dedicated volunteers.
Congratulations on a wonderful and very important film!
Fascinating & Instructive
derek_ferguson7 April 2022
Beautifully filmed, fascinating and comprehensive account of life on the River Thames both past and present. Despite its sometimes checkered and difficult history, this film illustrates how the river and its environs has not only flourished but has evolved and adapted, promising hope for the future.
An Inspiring Documentary
janemcchrystal25 November 2020
This marvellous documentary will appeal to anyone who's ever taken a trip along the Thames and wondered what's going on beneath its murky surface. They might be in for a surprise, as the river teems with marine life and its presenter, environmentalist Chris Baines, introduces us to the people who work hard to ensure that its beds and waters continue to create a haven for juvenile eels, bass and bream, among many other species, for years to come. Their achievement is remarkable when we consider the Thames was officially declared dead in 1958.
The river's docks and factories provided thousands of workers with a livelihood for almost two hundred years, but even though they had all but disappeared by the 1980s, the film shows us how volunteer work on the banks of the Thames can motivate young Londoners today to take up environmental sciences at university or sign up for apprenticeships in careers like construction and engineering.
The Living Thames documents an utterly unique biological environment which could well prove inspirational to future generations of aspiring scientists keen to explore and solve the many mysteries it still holds today.
Watch the film and be inspired
sh_jones4 December 2020
Yes, there is hope that we can reverse the careless blight of humanity.
This film, introduced and endorsed by Sir David Attenborough, shows how for the River Thames.
Classed as an odyssey - the film's journey takes in not only the river's fascinating geography and history, but also the hard and new soft technology designed to keep the river safe not only for people but also diverse flora and fauna.
Future investment, business planning and achieving sustainability are informed by the amazing wide-ranging research projects and constant quality monitoring up and down the river.
The film shows how people are becoming reconnected to the Thames - enhancing their lives and that of the Thames. Most inspiring are the enthusiastic, energetic, young volunteers caring for the river in various projects - making a difference by doing their bit to keep it free from litter and pollution - and thereby helping direct their higher education and developing careers.
No wonder it has won so many awards throughout the world, the film shows how the river has been transformed from a dead to The Living Thames.
Watch this well-made and thoughtful film and be inspired.
Classed as an odyssey - the film's journey takes in not only the river's fascinating geography and history, but also the hard and new soft technology designed to keep the river safe not only for people but also diverse flora and fauna.
Future investment, business planning and achieving sustainability are informed by the amazing wide-ranging research projects and constant quality monitoring up and down the river.
The film shows how people are becoming reconnected to the Thames - enhancing their lives and that of the Thames. Most inspiring are the enthusiastic, energetic, young volunteers caring for the river in various projects - making a difference by doing their bit to keep it free from litter and pollution - and thereby helping direct their higher education and developing careers.
No wonder it has won so many awards throughout the world, the film shows how the river has been transformed from a dead to The Living Thames.
Watch this well-made and thoughtful film and be inspired.
What a great documentary!
clareinsouthwark5 April 2023
An excellent and very timely film, reminding us of the extraordinary significance of the river Thames and its contribution to the wellbeing of the huge numbers of people who enjoy walking along the Thames Path and taking time to pause and admire everything the river has to offer from source to sea - not to mention all those who love to mudlark on the foreshore! The film also references the significant challenges the Thames faces over the next 10+ years. It is inspiring as well as educational, and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone who wants to learn more about England's most famous river!
An Exciting Journey
mollyannejacobs24 November 2021
A wonderful and informative doc on the past and present of one of the most famous rivers in the world. A perfect mix of science and history providing a clear view of how humans have effected the river and how important it is to wildlife. It's inspiring to see people with all sorts of different backgrounds working together to protect the wildlife and maintain the ecosystem necessary for the survival of all.
Brilliant Documentary
MarkPGBusby12 May 2020
Inspirational and informative documentary
mail-547383 April 2023
This beautifully produced documentary takes the viewer on a river trip from the rural upper reaches of the Thames to its lower flood plains and estuary. Along the way we meet people from varied backgrounds who are united by one common aim: furthering the improvement of one of the greatest rivers in the world for the enjoyment of all.
Much has been done, but clearly there is also still much work to do, and, although it is saddening to witness the rubbish and detritus which is still being washed up on the foreshore, this movie further raises awareness and provides hope for the future - which we all have responsibility for shaping.
Essential viewing for everyone interested in the environment, or the Thames, or both!
Much has been done, but clearly there is also still much work to do, and, although it is saddening to witness the rubbish and detritus which is still being washed up on the foreshore, this movie further raises awareness and provides hope for the future - which we all have responsibility for shaping.
Essential viewing for everyone interested in the environment, or the Thames, or both!
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