The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

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2:26

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

G

2005

1h 23m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

103 Reviews

85%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

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.

Critics Consensus

Interesting and appealing as both a study of man and nature.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/29/2010

4/5

Fall in love with these brave and beautiful birds.

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Steven D. Greydanus

Decent Films

02/10/2006

B

Irving captures some memorable images… but generally relies on the birds' natural photogenic charm as well as the human dimensions of the drama to sustain the 83-minute film.

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Matt McNally

BBC.com

12/06/2005

3/5

In the spirit of all good documentaries, Wild Parrots transcends its ostensive subject.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Aug 4

3/4

Here’s an ingratiating documentary that should hit the sweet spot for anyone with an appreciation for our fine feathered friends.

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Ben Shehadi

Film Threat

02/16/2024

7/10

Although hardly the world’s best film, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill is cute, clever, and heartfelt

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Lael Loewenstein

FilmWeek (LAist)

12/07/2023

A touching, revealing, uplifting and lovely film.

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01/15/2024

Great movie about the wild parrots of San Francisco.

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TheBlue50

@TheBlue50 11/14/2023

This movie about funny parrots is great! As a bird lover, I'm loving it! :D

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Cheryl F

@RT92941228 11/11/2023

Saw this movie when it wa originally released. It was captivating and I have never forgotten it.

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Georgan G

@RT98616417 05/24/2023

A beautiful visual film and many thought-provoking concepts brought to bear. The birds are clearly individuals that have relationships with one another & some humans. Whereas the humans...

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dave a

@Bikerguy 06/17/2019

Gruesomely self indulgent in a typically Californian banal manner.

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04/18/2018

Doesn't live up to its reputation. The music is cheesy as hell, totally rad if you're making an 80s corporate workplace safety video.

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Judy Irving

Director

Judy Irving

Producer

Judy Irving

Cinematographer

Judy Irving

Film Editor

Chris Michie

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The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill: 4K Restoration Trailer

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Synopsis

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.

Director: Judy Irving
Producer: Judy Irving
Distributor: Shadow Distribution
Production Co: Pelican Media
Rating: G
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 11, 2005, Limited
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Nov 17, 2023
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 17, 2016
Runtime: 1h 23m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)