Poster for The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

2004, Documentary, 1h 23m

101 Reviews 5,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

Interesting and appealing as both a study of man and nature. Read critic reviews

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The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill Photos

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Movie Info

A homeless musician's life is transformed after he discovers a flock of wild South American parrots living in San Francisco. How they got there is a mystery, but Mark Bittner forms a bond with the exotic birds through his music and his patient, attentive care. Over time he comes to appreciate their individual identities and makes a case for humans to reevaluate their relationship to animals. When he is forced to leave them, he despairs over the birds' fate.
  • Rating:
    G
  • Genre:
    Documentary
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Judy Irving
  • Producer:
    Judy Irving
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Runtime:

Cast & Crew

Judy Irving
Judy Irving
Director
Judy Irving
Judy Irving
Producer

Critic Reviews for The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

All Critics (101) | Top Critics (38) | Fresh (96) | Rotten (5)
Full Review… Nell Minow Common Sense Media Full Review… Roger Moore Orlando Sentinel Full Review… Steven D. Greydanus Decent Films Full Review… Marta Barber Miami Herald Full Review… Matt McNally BBC.com Full Review… Peter Howell Toronto Star Full Review… Mattie Lucas The Dispatch (Lexington, NC) Full Review… Dorothy Woodend The Tyee (British Columbia) Full Review… David Keyes Cinemaphile.org Full Review… Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice Full Review… Kam Williams Sly Fox Full Review… Chris Cabin Filmcritic.com
View All Critic Reviews (101)

Audience Reviews for The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

  • Jan 11, 2013
    I think we all know someone like this. A guy who just plants himself somewhere to become part of the neighbourhood, just hanging out an appreciating. He discovers the parrots of Telegraph Hill who, like him, are strangers to the City and an interesting relationship is created. Providing you with information on the final interesting relationship would be too much of give away.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Feb 26, 2010
    THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL(2005) Simply beautiful.....yes, I was moved to tears (several times). This is a really heart-warming story for both animal lovers & the more cynical amongst us alike. ****4 & a half out of 5 stars****
    mirabella 1 Super Reviewer
  • Oct 05, 2009
    Sweet documentary about the quirky little personalities of some wild parrots in San Francisco, and the man who looks after them , though as he says near the end, they don't actually need looking after. Part bird documentary, part SF travelogue..
    Lesley N Super Reviewer
  • Mar 21, 2009
    Fun, interesting, and educational documentary. Kids and adults will adore it alike.
    Richard F Super Reviewer
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