I've never spent a great deal of time watching nature films.
I saw Winged
Migration reviewed on Ebert
& Roeper a few months ago, and was taken back by the beautiful
clips of birds migrating. That was nothing. I thought it looked
good, but wasn't expecting such a beautiful and exciting ride.
First off, fantastic music! There's nothing better that watching
a movie that has amazing music, which you've never heard before.
Sure, it was fun to cheer along with "Wild Thing" at
the end of Major
League, but I love great new music much more. The film Rushmore
and the television series, The
Sopranos, are two examples of media that has introduced me
to great music. The mix of music here is hard to explain, but
take my word.
Winged Migration brings the viewer what has to be the
most magnificent footage of the seasonal migration process ever
caught on film. It follows forty different species of birds on
the fight for their lives through several continents, and so much
danger. The crew captures birds with such intimate footage that
you relate to them more than normal. They seem like people at
times. Their mannerisms, sensitivity and courage demand respect.
It is tragic at times. Obviouisly, this is just nature, but a
few times, the most glorious and beautiful scenes are quickly
altered by tragedy, whether it be hunters and natural accidents.
Winged Migration stays true to it's purpose throughout
and gives us a lesson in what it takes for birds to survive. It
also reminds us of what our ancient ancestors had to do to survive
Most of all though, Winged Migration reminds us what a
beautiful and dangerous place this world is.
This is two hours of pure escape, and more thrilling than the
great action pictures which rely on special effects. Often it
is hard to believe that what you are seeing is real. It is though,
and it is spectacular. Winged Migration is more than a
movie, it is a life experience.
