Review by Library Journal Review
The Suzuki Diaries: Sustainability in Action. color. 45+ min. Kenton Vaughan, Canadian Broadcasting Corp., dist. by Bullfrog Films, 800-543-3764; www.bullfrogfilms.com. 2010. DVD ISBN 9781594588904. $250 (Rental: $85). Public performance; closed-captioned. Public library discounts available. ENVIRONMENT Originally seen on PBS, Earth Days is the story of the early U.S. environmental movement. It's narrated by former activists from the front lines, including biologist/authors Stewart Brand and Paul Ehrlich, journalist Stephanie Mills, and one-time Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall. Archival clips confirm the 1970s as a critical decade: annual Earth Day events commenced, the Environmental Protection Agency was created to combat serious pollution, and two oil shocks jolted energy complacency. The United States actually reduced oil imports during President Carter's term. A bonus feature is director Stone's first film, Pollution. Part of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's long-running series The Nature of Things, The Suzuki Diaries is hosted by biologist and icon of Canadian environmentalism David Suzuki. In this episode, he and daughter Sarika tour Europe by high-speed electric train. They meet with local experts to experience Germany's transition to renewable power, Denmark's extensive wind farms and urban cycling culture, a biodynamic vineyard in France, and a large solar- energy array in Spain. Family interactions are also in evidence, as Suzuki learns how his daughter lost and regained hope for the future. Both productions would appeal to a sophisticated student or general audience with strong interest on the subject.-David R. Conn, Surrey P.L., BC (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
