Birdy
Seen it?1984 | 120 min | Drama, War
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved Full Metal Jacket or Apocalypse Now, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Intense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
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?
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
84% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Won 1 Cannes award: Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix. Plus 1 other award.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$1 million worldwide on a $12 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 71K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Alan Parker
- Matthew ModineBirdy
- Nicolas CageSergeant Al Columbato
- John HarkinsDoctor Major Weiss
- Sandy BaronMr. Columbato
- Karen YoungHannah Rourke
- Bruno KirbyRenaldi
- Nancy FishMrs. Prevost
- George BuckBirdy's Father
- Dolores SageBirdy's Mother
- Pat RyanJoe Sagessa