New York Times, 12/21/1984, p.C25, "...Birdy's intensity is so captivating...that [the] story becomes irresistibly involving....[The two lead] actors work miracles..."
Variety, 12/12/1984, "...[Modine] skillfully essays the offbeat troubled character....[Cage is] sensitive and strong....[The] supporting parts are excellently cast..."
Total Film, 02/01/2007, p.49, 3 stars out of 5 -- "Nicholas Cage is tops as Al...whilst Matthew Modine is superlative as Birdy....A truly beautiful movie."
Entertainment Weekly, 06/17/1994, p.56, Rating: B
Title Note
Shot in Metrocolor on location in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Additional cast: George Buck (Birdy's Father), Dolores Sage (Birdy's Mother), and Crystal Field (Mrs. Columbato).
Additional credits: Nancy Giebink (UPM) and Michael Roberts (camera operator).
Additional music: John Hassell, The Drummers of Ekome, Larry Fast, Tony Levin, Jerry Marott, and David Rhodes.
Adaptation of author William Wharton's first novel.
Rated BBFC 15 by the British Board of Film Classification.
Release Note
DVD Features
Region 1 Encoding Keep Case Anamorphic Widescreen Audio: Dolby Digital Stereo Surround - English Mono - Portuguese Subtitles - English - Optional Subtitles - Spanish - Optional Subtitles - Portuguese - Optional Subtitles - Chinese - Optional Subtitles - Korean - Optional Subtitles - Thai - Optional Additional Release Material: Theatrical Trailers Interactive Features: Interactive Menus Scene Selection Text/Photo Galleries: Text - 1. Director's Production Notes 2. Talent Files
Product Notes
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.
If You Enjoy "Birdy (DVD)", May We Also Recommend: