Review of Winged Migration (2001) by Amber V — 07 Feb 2004

Couldn't be more pleasantly suprised by a movie. Despite being in awe of how strong and committed and gorgeous each bird featured is, I found myself staring at the scenery more often than not. I have never wanted to be able to fly more in my entire life. Not for the ease of travel but for the ability to see the beauty of the world from the best perspective...the air. I wonder if these birds really KNOW what they are looking at when they migrate past the Eiffel Tower, between the mountains, over expansive deserts. I long to see all of these things and these magnificent creatures demand our respect when considering all that they can do that we cannot.

There are some truly frightening moments that I won't soon forget, as when a wounded bird is hunted down by crabs on a seashore. And some moments that fill me with self-hatred when I think of how my industrialized nature contributes to the tragedy some of these birds befall.

There are many movies that I love and many that change the way I watch movies in general...but not many can change the way that I look at the world. Change the things that I appreciate, and humble me to the core. Winged Migration did that all. It's a rare gift to see a film so simple and grand at the same time.