Commentary
Sometimes, I believe that in these modern times, we don’t have the appreciation that we once had for nature—particularly the four elements that surround us every day. And with the advent of both virtual and augmented reality, both of which are being increasingly pushed upon us as “the next big thing,” some individuals (such as myself) are content with what we already have: the natural world that provides us with the four major elements of water, fire, air, and earth.
Epoch Cinema presents director Pietro Pellizzieri’s exemplary documentary that delves into the four “fabulous” elements—and how important they are to all life on earth—titled “The Fabulous Four.”
As the film begins, the narrator gives a brief breakdown of the four elements and I begin to realize that my own thoughts are in sync with what he is saying.
He describes fire as the purifying element that represents the “principle of life” through the powerful energy it generates. Air is an elusive element and although it is something people continuously breathe in and out of their bodies, it is often taken for granted. On the other hand, earth is solid, primordial matter that provides the literal foundation of life on Earth. And last but not least is water, an unyielding force that forms our beautiful rivers, lakes, and oceans, and sustains all life.
Majestic waterfalls are shown in the film. (“The Fabulous Four”/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)
The narrator first dives into water (pun intended) as a crucial element here on Earth. Water is important in many ways—from providing natural habitats for many species of plants and animals, to cooling off underwater vents where super-heated magma spews forth. About 60 percent of our body weight is from water.
Above the water level, there are volcanos, which since ancient times, man has been both fascinated by and fearful of. According to ancient legends, throughout the centuries, many cultures have been wiped out by volcanic activity. But some countries, such as Indonesia, still have much of their population living right on the doorstep of numerous active volcanos.
Nowhere else in the world are so many people living in the shadows of active volcanos than in Indonesia. (“The Fabulous Four”/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)
Indeed, fire has been crucial to man’s survival for such things as cooking, staying warm, and protection. Fire has forged metals into our earliest forms of armor, weapons, and defensive structures such as reinforced doors.