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Birdy Details

1984 Certificate 15
  • Rated:
  • 60
  • from 1735 members

In Alan Parker's adaptation of William Wharton's acclaimed novel, the title character is a Vietnam vet hospitalized for postwar trauma. Lying in a state of amentia, Birdy (Matthew Modine) fantasizes about birds in flight, an obsession that has haunted him since childhood. Now this fascination acts as a barrier to reality and .. Read more

Starring Matthew Modine, Nicolas Cage, John Harkins, Sandy Baron
Director Alan Parker
Genres Drama

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Birdy

In Alan Parker's adaptation of William Wharton's acclaimed novel, the title character is a Vietnam vet hospitalized for postwar trauma. Lying in a state of amentia, Birdy (Matthew Modine) fantasizes about birds in flight, an obsession that has haunted him since childhood. Now this fascination acts as a barrier to reality and the pain of his years in Vietnam. After doctors' efforts fail to cure him, his childhood friend Al (Nicolas Cage)--also a discharged soldier nursing wounds from the war--is brought in to try to coax Birdy out of his hallucinations.
BIRDY, told largely in stark, lyrical flashbacks from Al's point of view, is both a heartrending examination of the psychological consequences of war and an ode to the spiritually rejuvenating powers of friendship and imagination. The two young leads turn in powerful, humane performances. Parker (MIDNIGHT EXPRESS) provides innovative direction, most notably in the film's stunning, controversial ending.

Starring Matthew Modine, Nicolas Cage, John Harkins, Sandy Baron, Karen Young
Director Alan Parker
Studio SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Run time DVD: 1 hr 55 mins
Certificate Certificate 15
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Dubbed French, German, Italian, Spanish
Subtitles DVD: Arabic, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish
Released DVD: 17 Apr 2000
Production year: 1984
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (6) of Birdy

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  • 4 stars out of 5

    An engrossing psychological drama featuring powerful performances from Matthew Modine and Nicolas Cage as childhood friends who grow up to be scarred by the trauma of fighting in Vietnam. Director Alan Parker, probably better known for such films as Fame, The Commitments and Evita, shows his versatility by adapting William Wharton's complex novel with sensitivity and skill, while Modine is exceptional as the boy who believes he's a bird. It deservedly won the Special Grand Jury Prize at the 1985 Cannes film festival.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • "...[Modine] skillfully essays the offbeat troubled character....[Cage is] sensitive and strong....[The] supporting parts are excellently cast..."

    • Variety
    • Posted 11 Mar 2005

  • Most helpful member's review of Birdy

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  • 6 out of 7 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    Cage is amazing. Film is amazing.

    An amazing film by the extremely talented Alan Parker, who directed Pink Floyds the wall among many others. Early Nick Cage shows him at his very best, raw, natural and bursting with kinetic energy. Moddine also brings in a perfect class act, and the 2 gel so perfectly, you'd think they were twins. a very subtle but deeply meaning full piece of work. A must see for any age or disposition.

      • boogsy from Moston
      • Posted 23 Jan 2004 21:44

  • Most recent members' review of Birdy

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  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    Bye Bye Birdy

    Despite many unkind criticisms of this film I thought that it got the story across very well indeed.

    We should remember that before 'Back to the Future', Flashback filming was rather sedate.

    Birdy kept the audience on their toes by switching back and forward in a way that was cutting edge in 1984.

    Cage and Modine both performed well, especially as Cage was five years younger than his feathered friend at the time.

    Like a bottle of matured wine I got a friendly glow from this vintage piece of Cinema. I had totally forgotten about the Dog Catcher which made me laugh all over again.

    It may appear dated to some, but I enjoyed it, even though I watched with a more critical eye than I did 20 years ago.

      • Charles Brickley from Andover, Hampshire England
      • Posted 10 Nov 2006 17:06

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Rating breakdown

1,735 Member ratings
  • 100
137
  • 90
131
  • 80
298
  • 70
336
  • 60
350
  • 50
181
  • 40
121
  • 30
75
  • 20
72
  • 10
34

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      • In Alan Parker's adaptation of William Wharton's acclaimed novel, the title character is a Vietnam vet hospitalized for postwar trauma. Lying in a state of amentia, Birdy (Matthew Modine) fantasizes ...