"Blink" is a documentary produced by National Geographic that follows a couple traveling around the world with their four children. The focus of the film is not on the beautiful sights of travel, but rather on the significance and impact of this journey for the family, as three of the children are suffering from a genetic disease called "retinitis pigmentosa" and are facing blindness.
After learning that their children are about to lose their sight, the parents are engulfed in pain and anger, as there are currently no medical treatments available. Experts advise them to see as much of the world as possible before the blindness sets in, to create lasting memories. Thus, the family made a wish list and embarked on this global journey. Due to limited funds, they primarily visited underdeveloped countries and stayed mostly in guesthouses, budgeting $200 a day. They spent over a year visiting more than 20 countries. The film does not document each location in detail but focuses on family interactions in certain countries.
I was particularly impressed by the trekking in the Himalayas in Nepal, watching the sunset in the Egyptian desert, and the adventure in the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador.
In Nepal, I only symbolically walked a small section of the trekking route, as I didn't have the time and energy to complete it. This route is quite challenging for the average person and is indeed tough for children. What the children likely remember is not just the altitude sickness and vomiting, but more so the mutual support among everyone in a harsh environment, revealing true feelings in times of hardship.
Watching the sunset in the desert was truly beautiful. The girl mentioned to her mother during their conversation that she would come back to play again, even if she couldn't see, she could still play in the sand. Traveling not only allowed the children to appreciate beautiful scenery but also helped them realize that there are many ways to connect with the world, beyond just seeing, including touching and other senses.
Playing with indigenous children in the Amazon rainforest, the kids had a great time and formed friendships. The indigenous children's wish was to leave their village and see a bigger world. Everyone has something that others envy, and there are times when they envy others as well.
The entire film is quite restrained, lacking excessive sentimentality and preaching, and it does not deliberately create conflicts or highlight moments. It may seem a bit plain, but it is relatively authentic, and those with similar experiences will still empathize.