MovieChat Forums > The Big Year (2011) Discussion > so this is a movie for bird-watchers?

so this is a movie for bird-watchers?

posted 13 years ago by minouchekine
10 replies | jump to latest

just saying. don't know what I am getting into.. will I learn anything about birds in this movie?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUAtP_tP3_I&feature=relmfu

[–] mightymac101 13 years ago

Lots of birds seen and the entire premise is competitive bird watching but it really has nothing to do with the technical aspect about it at all. It's more a story about people, compulsion and finding out what really matters in life. Some GREAT visuals and scenery and beautiful views of nature, however.

[–] Danusha_Goska 13 years ago

No. I'm a bird watcher and it did nothing for me.

[–] minouchekine 13 years ago

I finally watched it. what a sweet movie. Danusha, is this how it is in the bird watching community?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUAtP_tP3_I&feature=relmfu

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] wickedialogue 13 years ago

Yeah, the birds get short shrift here. The owl that Black and his Dad find is pretty amazing. Black talks about the bird who is a migratory champion, but that is about it. The most predictable but kinda funny moment was the poor newlywed who went to Alaska. God, clueless husband.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] 13 years ago

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[–] Canonshooter-1 13 years ago

I would say this movie isn't so much about birding, but more about people who let their hobbies run their life and keep them from enjoying all the people around them. Its basically saying, when a hobby becomes an obsession, it can become a barrier to social relationships. There are all kinds of obsesive hobbies that could have been used. Model train buffs come to mind. Amature photographers, golfers, bowlers, antique car restorers, or even the Deadheads who followed the Greatfull Dead around. Anything taken to an extreme could have been used.

I find your lack of faith disturbing.

[–] mikeyflatley 13 years ago

didnt really see it dat way. da wilson character seems quite happy even in da end. happiness is subjective.

I live, I love, I slay, and I'm content

[–] Aldri7 13 years ago

I agree that the movie spends too much time focusing on the birders and their private lives/sacrifices, etc, and not enough time on the birds themselves. But another poster wanted to know if birders would like this movie, and felt that they might not. That is certainly not the case. I am a birdwatcher and I liked it. I have read many reviews by hardcore birders and they are often very positive. They are flattered that Hollywood would cast fine talent and delve into their culture so deeply. The movie does not insult birders or birding, but rather treats us sort of affectionately. Yes we are a bit oddball and obsessive, and we don't mind being portrayed that way. But more than that, it portrays birders as being lovers of nature and lovers of travel and lovers of a good challenge. Overall, it was a nice movie with lots of obscure references to the sport of birdwatching that only birders would appreciate. It was MADE for us!