Rich lush images of the lovelier parts of our beautiful blue planet splash across the screen as vivacious humans interact with nature. As a meditation on the best of nature, the production blossoms. However, the argument that the modern world stresses and essentially diseases us, while nature is some sort of cure or utopian elixir, is painted broadly black and white. I mean, yes, I agree, a walk in the park, or on the beach, or a hike in some wooded mountains is great in so many ways for urbanites; but, to imply that nature doesn't have its own stresses, is rather naïve. It's likely true that isolating ourselves from nature has negative impact on us emotionally, physically, and spiritually, but it also has positive impacts – a lot of them. And yes, breaks in nature are awesome, but it's definitely also true that shedding all of our technology and living naked in nature can also be a strain on our health: emotionally, physically, and spiritually. If you doubt that, watch an episode of "Naked and Afraid."

Still, with a grain of Himalyian Salt, this is a wholesome little production to watch on Earth Day.

From the Production Notes: We've lost touch with nature. This disconnect hurts our health, stifles our spirit, and threatens our future. Narrated by Liam Neeson, Love Thy Nature is a cinematic journey through the beauty and intimacy of our relationship with the natural world. And it shows that a renewed connection with nature is key not only to our wellbeing, but also to solving our climate and environmental crises.

-- Books by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony --