Watch The Legend of Pale Male

The Legend of Pale Male is a 2009 documentary directed by Frederic Lilien. It tells the story of a red-tailed hawk named Pale Male who made his home on a posh Central Park co-op building located in one of Manhattan's wealthiest neighborhoods. The movie follows Pale Male from his arrival in Central Park in the early 1990s to his eviction from the building in 2004, and his triumphant return. The documentary is a poignant and intimate look at the intersection of man and nature in one of the busiest urban areas in the world.

The movie opens with the introduction of Pale Male, who is described as one of the most famous hawks in the world. He is a 14-year-old red-tailed hawk who has spent most of his life living in Central Park. The movie then introduces the various human characters who have become fascinated with Pale Male over the years. These include birdwatchers, photographers, and members of the Audubon Society.

The documentary then takes a step back in time and shows how Pale Male first arrived in Central Park. We learn that red-tailed hawks are not native to Manhattan, but rather they are migratory birds who have been able to adapt to the city's environment. We see footage of Pale Male hunting for prey in Central Park and building his first nest with his mate, Lola. Over time, Pale Male becomes something of a celebrity in the neighborhood, with locals and tourists alike regularly stopping to watch him.

However, in 2004, the building management company decides to remove Pale Male's nest from the building, citing health and safety concerns. This triggers a public uproar, with hundreds of people showing up to protest the decision. The documentary shows footage of the protests, with people shouting "Save Pale Male!" and holding signs demanding that the nest be restored.

The movie then shifts to the aftermath of the eviction. We see Pale Male and Lola struggling to build a new nest in Central Park, while activists fight to get the old nest restored. There are a series of court battles and negotiations between the bird lovers and the co-op board, and the future of the hawks hangs in the balance. The tension builds as Pale Male and Lola face numerous obstacles, including a harsh winter and predatory raccoons.

The final act of the movie focuses on Pale Male's eventual return to the co-op building. It is a triumphant moment for the bird lovers, as they have succeeded in getting the old nest restored. The documentary shows footage of Pale Male and Lola rebuilding their nest on the building's 12th-floor window ledge, while onlookers cheer them on.

The Legend of Pale Male is a beautifully shot and edited documentary that captures the majesty of these magnificent birds of prey. It is also a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving wildlife in urban areas. The movie shows how people from all walks of life can come together to fight for a common cause, and how one hawk can capture the imagination of an entire city.

Overall, The Legend of Pale Male is a must-see documentary for anyone who loves nature, wildlife, or New York City. It is a heartwarming story about a beautiful bird and the people who fought to protect it. Pale Male's story is one of resilience, determination, and hope, and it will leave viewers feeling inspired and uplifted.

The Legend of Pale Male is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 9.1 and a MetaScore of 51.