Paradise (1984)

Anyone remember Miles Malleson's Caliph in "The Thief of Bagdad" (1940)? Well that's who the emperor reminded me of here as he strolls though his magnificent palace to watch a beautiful bird of paradise dart and dance, it's delicate plumage elegantly displayed, it's performance stunning amidst the opulence of his setting. Outside, there's a simple blackbird who looks on longingly. If only! Well, he collects some fallen feathers and petals from his environment and dresses up. He hopes to convince the Sultan that he, too, is a creature of beauty. The thing is, once he's inside he slowly realises that he's lost one thing. His freedom. He can no longer flit about pleasing himself - his new purpose would solely be to please someone else. Which might he choose? The colours used her are vibrant and the choreography of the birds is gorgeous to follow for quarter of an hour whilst listening to the familiar sounds of Gheorghe Zamfir's distinctive pan-flute.