“James Cameron’s Deepsea Challenge” is an outstanding glimpse into the depths of the ocean never before seen until now! The preparation, the setbacks, the fears—and the determination and courage—are all chronicled in this amazing documentary. We also gain insights into what makes Cameron tick. We hear comments made by his wife, Suzy Amis Cameron; she says he tells her all the risks but also shares the things he created to keep him safe. As James Cameron says in the film, “You don’t compromise on the things that are going to keep you alive.” We see Cameron at work as he deals with setbacks, obstacles, and continues to push his crew, and himself, forward.
Cameron’s journey to 35,756 feet below the ocean surface is preserved in picturesque moments and features a peek at new ocean creatures never seen before. In fact, 68 new species were discovered as a result of Cameron’s plummet to the ocean floor, a depth so great that no rescue would have been possible had something gone awry.
Cameron’s comments are interesting to hear. He says that the risk was worth it because they widened the pool of knowledge, and that the deeper he went the more he felt the power of nature’s imagination. The movie features clips of Cameron’s other adventures of exploration, including his trip to the Titanic and clips from the famous film, and his journey to the Bismarck, an infamous German WWII battleship that plummeted some 16,000 feet below the ocean surface.
Inspired as a kid by watching the moon landing and Jacques Cousteau, Cameron wonders aloud what new explorations kids of the present will tackle in the future. His journey is a wonder to watch. We are awarding this movie our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal for ages 12 and up, due to the use of some language. Parents should consult our content listing to make informed decisions regarding their children viewing the film, as it contains scientific education and exploration. “James Cameron’s Deepsea Challenge” has earned five Doves, our best rating. Its production value, topic, and spirit of exploration are second to none.