Birdsong
Birdsong| Rating: 8 |
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Language: en |
| Year:2024 |
| Country:IE |
Description:
Ornithologist Seán Ronayne, hailing from Cobh in County Cork, is on an extraordinary quest to record the sounds of every bird species in Ireland - a feat requiring the documentation of close to two hundred unique avian melodies. Often accompanied by his partner Alba, Seán ventures into some of the country's most breathtaking and remote locations, endeavoring to capture not just the visual beauty of these places but also their rich acoustic tapestry, home to both common and elusive species alike.The duo treks across Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its bustling seabird colony, in search of rare feathered voices lost amidst the cacophony of waves and wind. They venture into the Burren, an ancient woodland now protected from the intrusive hum of passing vehicles, to capture pristine bird song against the backdrop of nature's own symphony. The journey takes them to Tory Island, a stronghold for one of Ireland's most elusive and secretive corncrake populations, before finally leading them into the remote Donegal uplands, where they listen in on a solitary nest nestled amidst the rugged landscape.Throughout his auditory expedition, we come to know Seán intimately - a man whose heightened sensitivity to sound has proven both a blessing and a curse. This acute awareness of the world around him is at once inspiring, highlighting the hidden beauty that surrounds us when we truly listen, while also serving as a stark reminder of the potential harm that human-induced noise pollution poses to our natural world.Seán's journey is thus not just an exploration of Ireland's diverse avifauna and their unique calls but also a celebration of the power of listening, urging us to rediscover the captivating stories hidden within our environment, and ultimately reminding us of our responsibility towards preserving these precious sounds for future generations.
“Birdsong” (2024) is a documentary that chronicles ornithologist Seán Ronayne’s quest to record Ireland’s bird species’ unique melodies. This visually stunning and captivating film explores both well-known and remote locations across the country to showcase the rich acoustic tapestry of various habitats.
“Birdsong” (2024) is a visually stunning documentary following ornithologist Seán Ronayne on his quest to record bird sounds across Ireland. While the breathtaking landscapes and diverse avifauna are certainly captivating, I felt the focus on Seán’s personal journey was somewhat overdone. The film spends an excessive amount of time delving into his heightened sensitivity to sound, which, although interesting, detracted from the core subject matter—the birds themselves.
Moreover, the documentary seemed to struggle in terms of pacing; the narrative often felt disjointed as it jumped between various locations and species without much of a clear structure. This made it challenging for the viewer to fully engage with the subject at hand and appreciate the incredible variety and beauty of Ireland’s birdlife.
Rating: 6 (Medium, Negative)
In a friendly chat with friends: “Hey, I watched ‘Birdsong,’ right? Don’t get me wrong, the visuals are stunning, and learning about Seán Ronayne’s journey was fascinating. But I couldn’t help but feel that it focused too much on his personal story rather than showcasing Ireland’s diverse birdlife. It felt a bit disjointed at times, too. So, you know, 6 out of 10 for me.”
I recently watched “Birdsong,” a stunning documentary that takes viewers on an extraordinary journey through Ireland’s diverse bird species and their unique melodies. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing not only the visual beauty of various locations but also the rich acoustic tapestry that surrounds us.
Seán Ronayne’s dedication to documenting each bird’s song is both inspiring and thought-provoking. He reminds us of the power of listening and the stories hidden within our environment. The film is a testament to his passion, as well as a call for us to protect these precious sounds for generations to come. I give “Birdsong” a 4 out of 5 stars rating – a must-watch for nature enthusiasts and those interested in the impact of human-induced noise pollution on our natural world.
While “Birdsong” showcases the incredible dedication of ornithologist Seán Ronayne and his partner Alba in capturing Ireland’s diverse bird sounds, the documentary might struggle to engage a broader audience due to its niche focus. Rating: 3 (Short, Negative).
The documentary “Birdsong” left me feeling deeply inspired by Seán Ronayne’s dedication to preserving Ireland’s avifauna sounds and reminded me of the beauty that lies within our environment when we truly listen. This emotional journey earned a heartfelt rating of 10/10 from me.
While “Birdsong” (2024) explores a fascinating subject through the character of ornithologist Seán Ronayne, the documentary falls short on the storytelling front. The focus on capturing avian melodies is unique and educational, but the narrative could have been more engaging. Additionally, despite having visually breathtaking locations as settings, there isn’t enough depth in the visual aspect to truly appreciate the scenery. This gives the film a 6 (Medium, Negative) rating for not fully utilizing its potential.
While “Birdsong” seems to showcase an interesting premise with its focus on documenting the diverse bird species and their unique calls in Ireland, the film left me quite disappointed in several aspects. For starters, the documentary relies heavily on narration and visual imagery to convey the story of the protagonist Seán Ronayne and his partner Alba’s journey across various locations. However, this approach feels a bit monotonous and lacks the necessary depth and insight into the world of birdwatching and ornithology.
Moreover, the acting feels quite amateurish, with the main characters coming across as stiff and unnatural in their portrayal. This hinders the viewers’ ability to connect emotionally with the protagonists and their journey, making it difficult for the audience to fully appreciate the beauty of their mission. Additionally, despite the film’s attempt to discuss the importance of preserving our natural environment, it falls short in delivering a compelling message that would inspire its viewers to take action.
Overall, “Birdsong” earns a disappointing 9 out of 20 stars due to its lackluster execution, unconvincing acting performances, and failed attempts at delivering a meaningful environmental message.