“Blink” is a documentary produced by National Geographic that follows a couple and their four children as they travel around the world. The focus of the film is not on the scenic beauty of travel, but on the significance and impact of this journey for the family, as three of the children are diagnosed with the genetic condition “retinitis pigmentosa” and are at risk of losing their sight.
After learning that their children would soon lose their sight, the parents were overcome with pain and anger. Currently, there is no medical treatment available, and experts suggested that they should see as much of the world as possible before losing their vision and create as many memories as they could. Thus, the family compiled a wish list and embarked on this global journey. Due to limited funds, they primarily visited developing countries and stayed in guesthouses, with a daily budget of 200 USD. They spent over a year traveling to more than 20 countries. The film does not document every detail but focuses on family interactions in certain countries.
Personally, the most impressed were the Himalayan trek in Nepal, watching the sunset in the Egyptian desert, and exploring the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador.
I only walked a symbolic short section of the Nepalese hiking route, as I didn’t have enough time or energy to complete it. This route is quite challenging even for ordinary people, and it’s indeed quite arduous for children. What the children remember isn’t just the altitude sickness and vomiting, but more so the mutual assistance and support among everyone in the harsh environment—true friendship is revealed in times of adversity.
Watching the sunset in the desert was indeed breathtakingly beautiful. The girl mentioned to her mother that she would come back to play, even if she couldn't see the sunset, just to play in the sand. Traveling not only allows children to appreciate beautiful scenery but also helps them understand that there are multiple ways to connect with the world—beyond just seeing, there are also ways like touching.
Playing with indigenous children in the Amazon rainforest, the children had a wonderful time and forged friendships. The indigenous children's wish is to leave their village and explore the wider world. Everyone has aspects of their life that others envy, and there are times when we envy others as well.
The entire film is relatively restrained, without excessive sentimentality or moralizing, nor does it artificially create conflicts or highlight moments. It may seem somewhat mundane, but it is also relatively authentic, and those with similar experiences will likely find it relatable.