The latest series to hit the BBC is Andrew Marr's Megacities, this three part series started last Thursday and watchers saw Andrew Marr visiting 5 of the 21 megacities (that is they have a population of over 10 million people): Tokyo, Shanghai, London, Mexico City and Dhaka.
Marr focussed heavily this week on the mood and atmosphere in the cities, some of which, despite their size, managed to retain real community spirit and seemed to feel more like a village than a city of such enormous proportions. He spent a night 'slumming it' with a family in Dhaka (where he was compared to Mr Bean) and also revelled in the 'Dancing Days' in Mexico City which, despite being one of the most dangerous cities in the world suffering for 500 kidnappings a month and 3 murders a day, seemed friendly and joyful.
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| Shanghai- a city from the future |
Marr also visited a glittering penthouse worth £9million in Shanghai, a bargain for the cities 7,000 billionaires. The underlying message in all Marr's findings, which saw him climbing the Shard in London and hiring a friend for the day in Tokyo, was one of sadness. He reminded us that by 2020 3/4 of the World will be urbanised and used Tokyo as an example of the monotonous regularity of life created in a city. This unbreaking routine has forced some people into their homes too scared to venture out because life is so overwhelming beyond the confines of their home.
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| The village atmosphere found in the Dhaka slums |
As a result, despite the glittering lights and sleek glass skyscrapers of Tokyo and Shanghai Marr made it clear that for him Mexico City and Dhaka were his preferred type of dwelling. The people may not live in luxurious penthouses in a city where the transport system is so sharp that you need written proof of a delay if you are late to work, but they have a community: friends and family are around them and they appear content with what they have.
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| Party time in Mexico City |
Of course, an English TV series couldn't come to any other conclusion than that of London being the best megacity. Not only does it have evidence of the magnificent statement buildings namely the Shard, like those found in Shanghai and Tokyo, but there is also the sense of community found in Dhaka and Mexico City- aptly demonstrated with the roller blading that takes place through London at the weekends.
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| The next edition to London's skyline |
This is a series I will definitely be watching more of, it is well directed and Marr moves between the five cities with ease. He manages to give you an insight into a variety of people's lives and delivers humour and amazing statistics.
Andrew Marr's Megacities continues on Thursday 9th at 8pm on BBC 1
