Watch Great Souls: Six Who Changed A Century
- 2013
Great Souls: Six Who Changed A Century is a six-part documentary series that chronicles the lives and legacies of six remarkable figures from the 20th century. The show is hosted by journalist David Aikman and features interviews with scholars, experts, and individuals who knew the subjects of the series personally.
Each episode focuses on a different individual and their impact on the world. The first episode examines the life of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian independence leader known for his peaceful protests and nonviolence. The second episode delves into the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian who opposed the Nazi regime and was executed for his beliefs. The third episode explores the life of William Wilberforce, a British politician who devoted his career to ending the slave trade. The fourth episode features the life of Mother Teresa, the Catholic nun who devoted her life to helping the poor and needy in India. The fifth episode tells the story of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, the Russian writer who exposed the human rights abuses of the Soviet government. And the final episode examines the life of Nelson Mandela, the South African anti-apartheid activist who became the country's first black president.
Throughout the series, Aikman and the experts highlight the struggles and triumphs of these individuals and their impact on their respective societies and the world at large. The show features archival footage and photos to help tell each person's story, as well as interviews with people who knew the subjects or were affected by their work. The series also explores the historical and cultural context that these individuals lived in, providing viewers with a rich understanding of the times and circumstances that shaped their lives.
One of the strengths of Great Souls: Six Who Changed A Century is the depth it provides in each episode. Viewers are not only given a compelling narrative of each person's life, but also a nuanced understanding of their beliefs and motivations. For example, the episode on Bonhoeffer does not simply recount his resistance to the Nazi regime, but also explores his theological views and how they influenced his activism. Similarly, the episode on Wilberforce delves into his Christian faith and its role in his fight against slavery.
Another strong element of the series is its diversity of subjects. The six individuals come from different parts of the world and different backgrounds, but all share a commitment to creating positive change. Each episode also showcases the unique challenges that each person faced in their struggle for justice and freedom, providing viewers with a broader understanding of the complexities of social and political activism.
The series is also visually stunning, with beautiful cinematography and a thoughtful editing style. The archival footage is expertly woven into the narrative, providing viewers with a visceral sense of the time and place that each person lived in. The series is also accompanied by a haunting soundtrack that further enhances the emotional impact of each story.
Overall, Great Souls: Six Who Changed A Century is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, social justice, and the human spirit. The series does an excellent job of bringing to life the stories of six remarkable individuals and showing how their actions continue to inspire and impact people today. Aikman's thoughtful hosting and the expertise of the interviewees provide viewers with a multifaceted understanding of each person's legacy, making this series a compelling and illuminating exploration of the human capacity for change and resilience.