Birdy

source: Birdy

Trailer—Birdy

Birdy

BIRDY (1984) **** Matthew Modine, Nicolas Cage, Karen Young, Bruno Kirby. Grippingly emotional film version of William Wharton's novel about Vietnam and the effects it had on two buddies: Modine (in the best performance of his career) as Birdy, a quiet type with birds on the brain and Al (Cage, equally effective) his violent-prone tough guy buddy. Told in mostly flashback with warmth, panache and visual brilliance by director Alan Parker and an ethereal score by Peter Gabriel. Trivia note: Cage had his wisdom teeth removed to appropriate the pain and physical look of his battle-scarred character's condition. Best scene: Modine's flight dream; best emotional scene: the death of his beloved prize canary.

This comment contains a spoiler about the movie's ending (not exactly how it ends, but some people may consider it a spoiler.) Birdy is a fine movie about friendship and about not fitting in. It is also a movie about what war can do to people: Nicolas Cage's character Al finally sees no solution for himself but to go crazy just like his friend. However, that is not how this movie ends, and I must say that it is refreshing to see a movie like this with such a hopeful ending. Nicolas Cage is great in this movie, as is Matthew Modine. The script is very well-written with engaging characters and I also think that the cinematography is great. (7/10)

I've never seen the film before and I suppose I realise now that although it is well done, it is really a bit silly. I liked the birds and all of the boys and Matthew Modine and a very young looking Nicolas Cage although he has to have a bandage over much of his face. Apparently the original book only had the one boy and they create another for the film which I suppose was a good or bad idea.

A man suffering from post-war trauma is helped by a friend who was also injured in Vietnam. We learn about their friendship through flashbacks. Modine brings a gentle sensibility to the title role of a bird lover so traumatized that he no longer speaks or acknowledges anyone. In what was at the time his biggest role, Cage is dynamic as Birdy's friend, displaying a volatile combination of empathy and anger. There are some very funny moments, such as Birdy's awkward prom date. The film's pacing suffers somewhat due to the episodic nature of the narrative, but Parker infuses the film with visual elegance and skillfully balances the drama and the comedy. The ending is great.

I have only one thing to add about this movie, which I just watched for the first time. It has the MOST PERFECT ending of any movie ever! Those who say detracting things about the ending must not get it, must not have been paying attention! The director has been building up, so expertly, an incredible sense of tension whether or not Birdy's old neighborhood buddy will be able to reach his shattered mind. In the last split second, we find out. The abruptness is not a "gag"; it sums up the tale perfectly. Jeesh! Just think about it, would ya?... What a great, realistic, thoughtful, touching flick! AND WHAT A GREAT ENDING!

I can't believe I took so long to get round to seeing this AMAZING FILM! It captivated me from the start, beautifully filmed, powerful, sensitive, funny - Incredibly acted by Modine and Cage! I would like to thank the reviewer that warned about the animal cruelty in 1 scene - I 'think' it was just after the stray dog scene, but I fast forwarded it a littler bit, so didn't seeing anything upsetting. This film is a must see for any avid movie lover, and yes the ended was AWESOME! 10 out 10, and i'm going on to Amazon to buy a copy. Enjoy!

Birdy (Matthew Modine) is the weirdo kid in a working class Philadelphia neighborhood. Al Columbato (Nicolas Cage) becomes his friend. Birdy introduces Al to his love of pigeons. They're both sent to Vietnam. Birdy returns in psychological distress after a month MIA. Al returns after suffering wounds to his face. Birdy's doctor finds Al to help in his treatment. These are two great performances. Matthew Modine transforms physically and also mentally. Cage is the conduit between the audience and Birdy. He's not necessarily in the easier role at the least. They're both equally amazing. This isn't a movie about big plot developments. It's watching the obsessive Birdy going deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole.