Sea Urchins (1954): cast, story & where to watch
1954 · Film · ★ 6.3
Released in 1954, Sea Urchins is a documentary film directed by Jean Painlevé, running about 11 minutes.
What it’s about. A complex creature. Regular underwater photography, magnified close-ups, and film through a microscope present sea urchins. We see their mouth and five teeth close and open. After injecting one with gelatin, the shell is removed and we see the muscle structure, digestive tube, and reproductive organs. Magnified stems reveal suction cups; stems lengthen and contract allowing the sea urchin to move. We see microscopic calcareous stems; at their ends are jaws with various uses. Cilia everywhere are in constant motion, stirring up water and debris. African music on the soundtrack suggests a shuffle dance.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.3/10, Sea Urchins has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Sea Urchins page.
If you liked it. Fans of Sea Urchins tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Sea Urchins (1954)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Sea Urchins change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Sea Urchins worth watching?
- Sea Urchins holds an audience score of 6.3 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- When was Sea Urchins released?
- Sea Urchins was released in 1954, with a runtime of about 11 minutes.