Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Our Planet II delivers some of the most spectacular nature cinematography you'll ever see, period. The migration stories are fascinating and the educational content is top-tier—kids will learn about ecosystems, animal behavior, and environmental challenges in ways that actually stick.

But here's the thing: this isn't your typical feel-good nature doc. The hunting sequences are frequent and more graphic than Planet Earth or similar series. We're talking cheetahs taking down prey, animals falling, real circle-of-life stuff that can be genuinely distressing if you're not expecting it. Parent reviews consistently flag this, and it's worth taking seriously.

If you've got nature-loving kids who understand that predators gotta eat and can handle seeing that reality, this is absolutely worth watching together. The conversation opportunities about migration, climate change, and environmental stewardship are golden. Just preview it first or be ready to fast-forward through the intense bits for younger or more sensitive viewers.

The IMDB 7.1 rating feels about right—it's very good but not quite the masterpiece that the original Planet Earth was. Still, for families ready for the real deal, it's a stunning watch.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10+ who can handle the realities of predator-prey dynamics, or nature-loving families with slightly younger kids (8+) who've been prepared for what they'll see. The educational value is exceptional, but the animal peril is real and frequent. Adults will absolutely enjoy this too—it's not 'kids content.'

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Stunning nature documentary that celebrates the natural world and animal migration patterns. Emotionally grounded in wonder and respect for wildlife. However, contains frequent predator-prey sequences and animal peril that can be distressing—more graphic than typical nature docs. Models cooperation in the natural world but doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of survival.

Imaginative

88

Spectacular and innovative cinematography showcasing animal migration stories that most viewers have never seen. Reveals hidden patterns in nature and invites curiosity about how and why animals undertake epic journeys. The visual storytelling is genuinely awe-inspiring and opens up new ways of seeing the natural world.

Safe

58

Multiple hunting sequences, animal peril, and death feature more prominently than in other nature documentaries. Parent reviews specifically note graphic content including animals being hunted and killed. While there's no gore, nudity, or human violence, the predator-prey dynamics and consequent animal deaths can be unexpectedly intense for younger or sensitive viewers. Not a 'safe background watch' for families with young kids.

Enriching

91

Exceptional educational value about animal migration, ecosystems, and environmental challenges. Brings important issues like pollution and climate impact to light in accessible ways. Builds genuine understanding of natural systems and inspires environmental awareness. The storytelling creates empathy for wildlife while teaching complex biological concepts.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Absolutely stunning visuals that showcase animal migrations you've never seen before—the cinematography is genuinely jaw-dropping
Teaches complex concepts about ecosystems, migration patterns, and environmental challenges in accessible, compelling ways
Inspires real environmental awareness and empathy for wildlife without being preachy
Perfect conversation starter about climate change, pollution, and how humans impact animal behavior
The mystery of 'how and why' animals migrate creates genuine scientific curiosity

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What to Watch For

Hunting sequences and animal deaths appear more frequently than in Planet Earth or similar docs—it's the circle of life, but it's more graphic than you might expect
Some episodes may be intense for sensitive kids or animal lovers who get upset seeing predator-prey dynamics
Not a 'throw it on in the background' show if you have young kids—you'll want to preview or watch together
The environmental messaging about pollution and habitat loss, while important, can feel heavy

Conversation Starters

"Which animal migration surprised you the most? Why do you think they travel so far?"
"How do you think climate change is making these journeys harder for animals?"
"What was the most intense hunting scene we saw? How did it make you feel about predators and prey?"
"If you could track one animal's migration journey, which would you choose and why?"
"What can our family do to help protect the animals and places we saw in the show?"

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