The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos (2008) User Reviews

Fascinating and hellish...

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 4 January 2016]

This is the first of a new generation of nature documentaries from Disney and they picked a VERY difficult topic to cover. Instead of the usual locations like jungles or plains, this one is filmed in the most hellish place in Tanzania--near the Kenyan border in a region made toxic to most life by volcanic ash. However, surprisingly, 2.5 million flamingos return to Lake Natron each year- -despite it having a pH of 10.5 and being made up of a mixture of ash and salt. The film follows the flamingos for a year--as the return to do their courtship rituals, lay and hatch eggs and then grow into adulthood. It's all quite lovely with nice cinematography yet Disney chose not to release this to theaters--though it would have been lovely to see on the giant screen.

My only reservations are that kids might be a bit shook up because nature is pitiless and you see a lot of flamingos die. Also, biologists might dislike how the narration often becomes much too prosaic and not exactly scientific. Still, the overall effect is breathtaking and if you see it, try to see it on as large a TV as possible.

Great photography & a great musical score

[ajs-10 · 7/10 · 22 November 2010]

Known simply as 'The Crimson Wing' here in the UK, I remember it causing a bit of a stir when it was released just over a year ago. Of course it all died down pretty quickly and the film didn't pick up any major awards. Needless to say it caught my attention and so when it turned up on TV I decided to give it a viewing.

This documentary tells the story of Lake Natron in northern Tanzania and how every year, after the rains come, a massive flock of Lesser Flamingos comes to the lake to breed. It tells of all the trials and tribulations of the young chicks, of all the dangers they must survive and, yes, there are scenes depicting the fates of those that don't. We are also told about some of the wildlife surrounding the lake and how it gives the flamingos their unique crimson plumage.

A great score and some superb cinematography give this film the edge over other nature documentaries I've seen. There is also a great narration delivered by British TV presenter, Mariella Frostrup which only added to my enjoyment.

It did tend to sag a bit towards the end, but overall quite an enjoyable and informative film. I wouldn't recommend it for the very young, but I think for anyone interested in wildlife its well worth a viewing. Over all, recommended.

My score: 6.8/10

The Flamingos Of Lake Natron

[roddekker · 7/10 · 4 December 2015]

For me, Crimson Wing was a somewhat sad and tragic story that showed me very clearly what hardships the flamingos had to go through in order to preserve their species.

Filmed almost entirely at Lake Natron in Tanzania, not only did the adult flamingos have to protect their new-born chicks from such ravenous beasts as the mongoose, but the vast salt deposits that accumulate around Lake Natron posed an equally treacherous threat for the survival of the struggling young, as well.

Crimson Wing was a "Disney-Nature" presentation. Not only was it impressively photographed and its narration by Mariella Frostrup informative, but its musical score by Le Cinematic Orchestra set the mood of this documentary's story very nicely.

Yes. I certainly do recommend Crimson Wing to all who are curious about the diversity of the natural world that exists in abundance all across this planet we call "ours'.

Not Like Other Docs

[Hollywood_Yoda · 10/10 · 15 July 2013]

I saw "The Crimson Wing" a few years ago, it was the first Disneynature documentary I had seen. I never thought Flamingos could be as beautiful as presented in this film. The filmmakers and cinematographer's did a great job getting the shots of these wild animals.

In the film, it explains how mankind has been devastating to the ecosystem and the habitats of flamingos. The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico a few years back destroyed a lot of their natural habitat.

You get to see the life-cycle of these amazing birds, from birth to death. This is a true educational experience. The quality is great, and it's a film the whole family can watch together.

Earth, Wind & Fire & The Legend Of The Crimson Wing

[strong-122-478885 · 7/10 · 7 April 2015]

Well, I must say that I was really quite impressed with this "Disneynature" documentary that took an in-depth look at the flamingos of Africa who (once a year) arrive by the 1000s at Lake Natron (in Tanzania) in order to mate and raise their young.

In part, this thoughtful documentary was, without question, a very sad tale from the viewpoint of the survival of the flamingo chicks who must quickly gather their strength in order to endure the hardships that immediately come before them and challenge their very existence.

With its excellent photography and its equally superb soundtrack music (from The Cinematic Orchestra), I certainly recommend this DVD very highly to those of you who are interested in witnessing such an amazing phenomenon like this one from the world of nature where many astounding marvels are there for us to behold.

Simple, inspiring, amazing...

[gotmian · 10/10 · 27 September 2012]

A story told in a simple, friendly, inspiring way. The music score is one of the best soundtracks ever written (considering scores for cinema, TV and video games) and adds to the overall experience this film creates - in a way one might say that it even defines this movie and sets the standard for other future productions.

The director's view of a story (a circle of life in a way) is also a highlight for this documentary as it unfolds, expands and then sets itself in a clear, well define perspective of what life is, what colour is and how we, as the birds, are defined by these elements.

A fluid, well described and narrated documentary like only a few. Watch it, even if you only do so for the score and the integration of the score to the cinematography.

A mystery well worth uncovering

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 8 February 2021]

The DisneyNature documentaries vary in quality, while not caring for 'Elephant' and 'Born in China' 'Earth' and 'Oceans' for instances are outstanding. Many people said that DisneyNature's first documentary was a must watch and being someone who likes flamingos a lot (some gorgeous ones at my local zoo) and wanted to know more about these too often under-explored animals there was no chance of missing 'The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingo'.

Found myself really impressed by 'The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingo' when watching it a few weeks ago. It may not be the best introduction to the DisneyNature documentaries for younger audiences, as by DisneyNature standards 'The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingo' is quite dark at times. To me, it is actually among the better DisneyNature documentaries, with it being one of the more informative, best narrated and best scored, even if other ones are even better visually.

It's not perfect, some of the final act drags and the content is a touch on the repetitive side at this point too.

However, 'The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingo' looks wonderful. The scenery is a wonder to look at and is also suitably unforgiving to show that flamingos still have difficulties adapting to their environments. The photography is even better, lots of vibrant colour and seeing them up close shows the flamingos' beauty even more while not being claustrophobic. As said, the music (a variable aspect in the DisneyNature documentaries) is beautifully scored and adds to the mood perfectly without spelling things out too much, one of the best of the lot. Beautifully performed too.

Narration came over as very engaging and informative, never childish, patronising or schmaltzy. Such a lot not known beforehand was learned, the only thing not so good about this aspect was moments of repetition in the last act. Mariella Frostrup narrates with warmth and a sincere quality, with clear interest in the material and the ability to respect the viewer.

Moreover, the flamingos are absolutely adorable, look amazing and so easy to root for. Their journey has some entertainment value and a huge amount of charm, but it is also incredibly moving and doesn't shy away from showing the difficulties they have to overcome. Some of which shocking and quite dark but not too disturbing for DisneyNature.

Concluding, very good. 8/10

The Beauty Of The Flamingos And The Tragedy That Faces Them

[StrictlyConfidential · 7/10 · 2 June 2020]

"The Crimson Wing" is the sort of wildlife documentary that is most likely to leave the sympathetic viewer somewhat saddened when they witness the survival struggles of the flamingos who flock in the 1000s at Lake Natron, Tanzania.

This excellently photographed documentary is impressively presented through "Disneynature". And - (IMO) - It is certainly well-worth a view for all of those spectators out there who can greatly appreciate all that takes place (be it good or bad) in the wonderfully fascinating (and often mysterious) world of nature.

A Privileged Peak into a Hidden World of Beauty

[mbanak · 9/10 · 20 December 2021]

Highly recommended, especially if you want a clean, family-friendly. Viewing experience. There is a profound beauty to the eco-system depicted in the Lake Natron in Tanzania. The "lesser flamingos" breed, give birth, live, die, and keep coming back to their breeding grounds. I was drawn in by what appeared to be a group-strut performed by the flamingos as they sought ought their mates. Focus on those skinny legs. It's an unexpected eye-candy. It puts a lump in the throat to realize that there are countless little worlds like this on the earth. We are spared a live trip to this harsh environment, thanks to cinematography that is impressive, without trying too hard to be impressive. You are there. The music was spot-on, including the cult favorite "Arrival of The Birds". The narrator was sweetly perfect too, but I though they could have given her a bit more volume.

Colourful flamingo documentary with tragedy in abundance

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 27 April 2015]

Like MARCH OF THE PENGUINS, THE CRIMSON WING is a nature documentary focused on a single subject, produced by Walt Disney Studios of all people. Thankfully this isn't a twee or sentimental type account of the material, rather a solid, fact-focused documentary packed full of gorgeous photography of the birds.

It turns out that Lesser Flamingos are the birds behind the myth of the Phoenix, and the correlation of their lifecycle to that of the legendary bird rising from the ashes is an engaging one. But this is a film that offers more to the casual viewer, with plenty of tragedy and chaos along the way. There are the inevitably tear-jerking scenes involving the chicks that didn't make it, and such moments are tragic beyond belief.

THE CRIMSON WING offers strong commentary by experienced narrator Mariella Frostrup and a lean, mean, running time which excises extraneous material from the narrative. Best of all, though, it has fantastic cinematography that helps to fuel a colourful, engaging and thorough exploration of the topic.

Vivid and bleak at the same time

[TheBearisHERE · 6/10 · 4 March 2009]

Basically this "Disney" movie is an "Animal Planet" documentary shot with more sophisticated equipment and in better picture quality.

It shows the first vital periods of flamingos' life since hatching from an egg in a remote African area. There are many interesting shots capturing these birds as they struggle to survive the odds, but after some time it gets repetitive and boring.

The narrator was rather annoying as well, making childish comparisons and talking about fairy tales, whereas I would have appreciated more given data and the scientific approach.

Therefore, nothing groundbreaking or faint-inducing.

Beautiful...

[RosanaBotafogo · 8/10 · 19 March 2023]

A miraculous story of love, courage and survival from the Disney Nature label.

In a place like no other on the planet, the dramatic and isolated Lake Natron in northern Tanzania, you will witness a spectacle like no other - thousands of flamingos arriving to continue the cycle of life. Focusing on the adventure of a solitary chick and with a landscape never seen before, Grande Balé Vermelho - o Mistério dos Flamingos is a stunning journey of rare visuals and beauty!

I became what I feared the most, people who love documentaries about animals, I probably won't remember this documentary, but there are always lessons to learn from animals and mother nature... Here, unlike mammal documentaries, where if they create stories and accompany a single animal, this character in a narrative, here we have the facts, it must probably be impossible to distinguish flamingos from the thousands that live in their "community"... Beautiful...

A fascinating bird's eye view into the lives of flamingo's

[colin_coyne · 7/10 · 21 September 2009]

Crimson Wing is a documentary based on the lives of some flamingo chicks throughout their birth to young adulthood … Filmed mainly around Lake Natron in Northern Tanzania.

Finely narrated by Zabou Breiman, with some fantastic wildlife photography and a really moving music score this film gets inside the adventures experienced over the period of a year – showing seasonal changes – births, deaths, trials and tribulations of the young birds and their weird and wonderful habitats – especially interesting are the strange "salt islands" that the flamingo's use for nesting and rearing their young.

Many of the audience were engrossed by this film … and many of the children especially seemed to "adopt" and be entranced by the story and the chicks and were genuinely concerned for the birds well-being.

A fascinating bird's eye view into the lives of flamingo's … if you didn't like or know much about these birds before – then you'll grow to be fascinated by them from watching this well crafted documentary, superb, high-quality photography, beautiful landscapes and a stirring musical score.

Recommended for lovers of nature documentaries everywhere.

Superb Nature Film

[jacmer · 10/10 · 6 April 2021]

As one who won an Emmy Award for producing a nature documentary on Osprey, "The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos" is in my opinion a masterwork. It is not a documentary in the purist's sense. Those who cherish neutral and dispassionate science might not like it, yet for me it is a well-told story of a species that has somehow adapted to survive in one of the harshest places on planet Earth. The flamingos of Lake Natron are certainly every bit as resilient, majestic and fascinating as the penguins of Antarctica.

The filmmakers take us on an odyssey - odd being the keyword - an exploration of a world and a species so alien to the human that we might well be visiting some moon orbiting Saturn or Jupiter. The cinematography is stunning, the script is poetic - sparse and yet thought and passion provoking. The music is wonderful and perfectly fitted, blending with the images, lifting and soaring, becoming dark and ominous when called upon.

I have watched many films about nature and Crimson Wing is right up there with the very best of them. I give it ten stars!

Most BORING nature film EVER!!!

[tvproducer-60550 · 1/10 · 26 July 2020]

Only reason I gave it 1 star (well, besides being unable to give 0) is because I love flamingos- otherwise it's HORRIBLE! Scenes drag excessively long, narration is sad and monotone, and music puts you to sleep. Plus, it focuses on numerous ways the poor chicks die- not only fm predators but torture (which once again gets dragged painfully out). Soooo sorry I wasted our time and traumatized my niece with this. HUGE BOO to the filmmakers!!! >:(