By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Shaunak Sen
Country: india, united_kingdom, united_states
Year: 2023
Running time: 97
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16377862/reference/
Michael says: “Someone was describing this exquisitely beautiful film as more than just about birds in Delhi, and while I do think the film masterfully incorporates the crumbling world climate, the baffling ecosystem of the city in question, and just what life is like in that city, it really is all about the birds. Director Sen certainly highlights the city of Delhi, both its toxic, trash-laden ecosystem, and its violent unrest, as both a fact, and also as a counterpoint to celebrate the adaptability and tenacity of the species that live within its boundaries, both human and animal. The film focuses on a pair of brothers who run a non-profit clinic for birds out of their basement, most notably the black kite, who fill the skies by the hundreds, and keep some measure of control of the amount of garbage that builds up in the city dumps, and the escalating rat population. It is always astounding to be, when surrounded by the horrors of a self-centered humanity and how careless we have been with our planet and each other, that such compassion can foster in the hearts of people directed toward the other species we share the planet with. Surely no one would balk if older brother Nadeem gave up his tenacious care of the dozens of injured birds brought to him by their one employee Salik in order to care for his family. But Nadeem and his brother Mohammad seem tireless in their efforts to help the black kite and other birds in their habitat. Add to that the gorgeous camerawork, and the artful way all the disparate elements come together so beautifully and you’ve got a real winner. The story of these incredible, empathetic men whose passion for wildlife if incredibly moving is shot like a narrative, where every living creature is filmed with care and artistry, even as the city falls into near-dystopian disrepair. It’s been a long time since a documentary moved me so much, and the multiple layers of story being told is amazing and powerful. 4 ½ cats
“(Available streaming on HBOMax; Rentals at AppleTV+; AmazonPrime)”