Watch The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos

The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos is a documentary film that was released in 2008. The movie is directed by Matthew Aeberhard and Leander Ward, and narrated by Mariella Frostrup. The film offers a rare glimpse into the life of flamingos in their natural habitat, and explores the mystery behind the crimson coloring of their wings.

The movie is set in a remote African lake, Lake Natron, which is located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley. It is a harsh and unforgiving environment, and yet it is home to the largest colony of flamingos in the world. The flamingos are a beautiful sight to behold, with their vibrant pink and red feathers contrasting against the stark white of the salt flats that surround the lake.

The film takes us through the life cycle of the flamingos, tracing their journey from the moment they hatch from their eggs to when they take their first tentative steps on the salt flats. Along the way, we learn about the obstacles they face, including predators like the marabou stork, and the harsh climatic conditions that make it difficult for the birds to survive.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the flamingos is the coloring of their wings. The feathers are a bright, almost fluorescent, shade of pink, and scientists have long been baffled by the source of this color. The film explores this mystery, delving into the science behind the pigments that give the feathers their distinctive hue.

As the documentary unfolds, we witness the breathtaking beauty of the flamingos in flight. Against the backdrop of the African sky, their wings glow like flames, an ethereal sight that is both mesmerizing and awe-inspiring. The film captures this spectacle in all its glory, using stunning aerial shots that showcase the flamingos in their full splendor.

The movie also examines the impact of human activity on the flamingos and their habitat. The lake, which is a critical breeding ground for the birds, is under threat from a proposed soda ash mining operation. The documentary raises important questions about the balance between development and conservation, and the need to protect fragile ecosystems like Lake Natron.

Throughout the film, the narration by Mariella Frostrup is informative and engaging, bringing to life the story of the flamingos and the challenges they face. The movie also benefits from a beautiful original score by the French composer Bruno Coulais, which adds to the emotional resonance of the story.

Overall, The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos is a captivating documentary that offers a fascinating look at one of nature's most extraordinary creatures. The film is a reminder of the fragility of our planet, and the need to cherish and protect its most precious resources. It is a movie that will appeal to anyone with an interest in nature, wildlife, and conservation, and is a must-see for anyone who is passionate about the beauty and wonder of our natural world.

The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.