Larry Silverstein
If you are a nature lover, this wonderfully colorful and spectacular documentary should appeal to you. I had no idea that around 200 species of birds are spotted each year in Central Park, in the heart of New York City. Some only stay a month or two, depending on their migration patterns, while others make the Park their permanent home.There are many hundreds of regular birders who come to the Park each year to view the birds, who surprisingly are rather people friendly, and notate their finds each day. The film contains various interesting interviews with these birders, who range from the young to the old, and they espouse how bird watching enhances their lives.The photography of the birds is really special and the rich colors and varieties are astounding. The pacing and editing is done very adeptly by the director Jeffrey Kimball, and I remained engrossed throughout.The documentary is only 1 hour long.
jotix100
This documentary conceived and directed by Jeffrey Kimball, was a surprise as well as joy to watch on a recent freezing day in New York. Having seen, at different times, either single, or groups of people in Central Park, with their binoculars zoomed on the hidden life in the park, someone, like this observer, had no clue at the treasure of avian life within the confines of the green heart of Manhattan.Mr. Kimball takes us on a wonderful excursion to witness the varieties of birds that make the park their home in different seasons. We are treated to meet some of the avid followers who spend most of their time spotting these beautiful creatures in their habitat. We are even Introduced to Jonathan Franzen, the distinguished writer, who is an experienced bird watcher on his own right. Our heart went to Starr Saphir, who conducts tours, in spite of her illness. Ms Saphir's dedication speaks volumes about how to enjoy one's passion even when threatened with an uncertain future.Excellent work by Mr. Kimball and highly recommended for all types of audiences who will, no doubt, be delighted by the birds and their true friends.
IMDbRich
I saw this film at SXSW on a lark and highly recommend catching it on the big screen if at all possible. A film about birds in Central Park, and the people who watch them. It's transfixing in a deeply peaceful way. Standing out both for the incredible video footage of what must have been 100+ species of birds and the set of human stories/testimonials that accompany it. Especially those from a set of old school New Yorkers, who just happen to be birders. The film's title refers to the incredible concentration of migratory birds that stop off in Central Park. A distinctive path of green welcoming to birds as the move along the east coast from north to south. Even though the park itself is not truly natural (being an engineered creation) it makes for a fine habitat that these birds remember to return to each year. There's really not that much more to say other than to urge folks to look for it when it hits HBO in the future. Their documentary arm wisely snapped this guy up
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