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Birdy
1984 120 min United States of America R 16+
★7.6
Drama, War
Director: Alan Parker
Trailers
Description
Two young men are seriously affected by the Vietnam War. One of them has always been obsessed with birds - but now believes he really is a bird, and has been sent to a mental hospital. Can his friend help him pull through?
Budget:
$12M
US Gross:
$1.46M
Worldwide:
$1.4M
Starring
Matthew Modine
Actor
Nicolas Cage
Actor
John Harkins
Actor
Awards
Cannes Film Festival 1985
— Grand Jury Prize
Cannes Film Festival 1985
— Palme d'Or
Key opinion
Birdy is widely regarded as a profound and unique exploration of male friendship, war trauma, and psychological escapism. While the majority of critics and audiences praise the film's emotional depth and performances, some find the narrative structure and thematic delivery to be challenging or inconsistent.
| Acting | Matthew Modine and Nicolas Cage deliver career-defining, authentic performances that ground the film's complex emotional core. | |
| Score | Peter Gabriel’s atmospheric score and the film's evocative cinematography work in perfect harmony to reinforce the narrative's psychological themes. | |
| Direction | Alan Parker’s direction provides a distinct and uniquely soulful vision that effectively elevates the film beyond a standard drama. | |
| Pacing | The film demands a thoughtful, undistracted viewing experience, as its contemplative tempo and heavy subject matter are not suited for casual consumption. | |
| Ending | The finale is polarizing; some view it as a powerful, hopeful resolution to the trauma, while others perceive it as disjointed or narratively inconsistent. |