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(I was flipping through the channels one quiet evening at home when I stumbled across this picture, "Birdy.")

To some, the character Birdy (Matthew Modine) has an unnatural and (quite) unhealthy obsession with birds. Well, he spends most of his time with birds, has dreams of flying away from his real-world troubles, and his only friend is a neighborhood tough named Al (Nicolas Cage). So because of his obsession with birds, Birdy has to be crazy, right? So is Al even crazier for befriending him… well, isn't he?

It is these questions and many more that make up the central theme of Alan Parker's superb 1984 drama "Birdy" (adapted from William Wharton's novel), a film about two crazy guys whose friendship is ultimately tested by each other's mental sicknesses. Both of their lives take drastic turns before and after they have done tours in Vietnam, and ultimately wind up in opposite ends of the psyche ward of a state mental hospital, with Al, who's been left virtually unrecognizable by his facial bandages and Birdy, who's stuck in a catatonic state as a result of an accident out on the killing fields.

It is also the feelings of isolation between the two that brings them together, as flashbacks during their stay help to emphasize their emotions. Birdy, feeling like he is the only one that understands his bird "dream," may in actuality be the only "sane" character in the whole film. Al, who is injured from a shell explosion, questions who he is because he's not even sure who it really is underneath the bandages on his face. And it is liberation, whether it be physical or mental, that is expressed greatly by the film's ending, and Birdy's eventual coming to grips with his own current predicament.

Director Parker has always made it a point of capturing human suffering on celluloid, and this has been the main subject in a number of his films, including "Midnight Express" (1978) and "Angel Heart" (1987). Here, his subject matter is fairly lighter than those films, since the audience is spared the really intense mental anguish that accompanied "Express" and the graphic carnage of "Angel."

There's a kind of deep spiritual undercurrent flowing through "Birdy," which is most apparent by the lead character's fascination with his quarry – birds. To him, birds represent freedom, a kind of freedom that can only be obtained by literally taking to the skies, and soaring high above all his problems (fans of Terry Gilliam's political satire "Brazil" should take notice here). This of course leads to the film's profound ending on the mental hospital's rooftop, where Al and Birdy must make a desperate choice – choose freedom, or choose confinement – of the body, or of the psyche.

I won't reveal any more than those close details but you'll have to see what happens for yourself. It really caught me off guard and in a lesser movie might seem tacky, but the way Parker and the actors handle just makes the on-screen action that much more moving. But you can be sure of this: Birdy flies. And "Birdy" does fly into underrated classic movie status because of its performers and director Alan Parker's direction.

10/10

This is a strange and fascinating - but that likable - story about a kid who becomes obsessed with birds and then literally goes crazy. Matthew Modine plays the introverted "Birdy." A young Nicholas Cage plays his best friend, "Al."

It's not a particularly pleasant story. In fact, it's downright depressing many times. It also had an unusual ending, one the critics seemed to all pan but I liked. I thought it was neat.

The movie does keep your interest, so it gets decent points for that, and it certainly presents a unique character study.

I haven't seen this film in a long time, but after writing this review, I'd kind of like to view it again.....depressing or not.

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.

Birdy is a difficult film to describe. It's about the developing friendship between Al (Nick Cage) and Birdy (Matthew Modine), but it's also about a descent into madness, and the lengths to which Al goes for his friend.

The film starts in the late 60's, in a US military mental hospital. Cage has been seriously wounded, and has had reconstructive surgery on his face, but he's been brought in because Birdy is here. He's uncommunicative and appears to recognise no one, spending all day squatting on the floor of his cell squinting up at the window.

The story is mostly told in flashbacks, either Al recounting incidents in their growing friendship as neighbourhood kids or, later, Birdy remembering other incidents. From the start the two are pretty dissimilar - Al is athletic, outgoing and popular while Birdy is quiet and introverted - a typical nerd. The two are, paradoxically, brought together by Birdy's love of birds, and the stupid things they do - making suits out of pigeon feathers to befriend more pigeons, climbing on (and falling off) factories trying to capture more birds.

Al tries to set Birdy on a 'normal' track; they buy a wrecked car and fix it up, and head off to the beach. But Birdy is just too wrapped up in himself for this to work, and it's a wonder he doesn't alienate Al with his strange behaviour.

In the 'present', the doctor is putting more pressure on Al to get Birdy to respond; if he doesn't, then Birdy will be written off and sent to a permanent mental institution. The flashbacks continue, and it becomes clear that Birdy's love of birds has turned into an obsession, and then into the darker realms beyond that.

The final few minutes of the film cover a lot of ground; Al finally realises that Birdy is pretty well off the deep end; they both go off to fight in the war; Al gets his injury, while we see the incident that left Birdy in his present state. Meanwhile the doctor finally decides that time has run out, but Al decides he's not leaving.

The ending of the film is incredibly powerful, and it should be a criminal offence to give it away. Is it 'appropriate' to the rest of the film? I dunno - but I thought it was pretty damn good.

The film stands or falls on the performances of Cage and Modine - and, for me, it stands tall. Cage is excellent in his role, capturing the bravado of his character perfectly; but Modine is simply brilliant. During the flashbacks he portrays his nerdy character completely believably, but it's the way he handles the scenes in the asylum that amazed me. As soon as you know his obsession, it is crystal clear that he's not squatting in his cell, but perching, wishing to fly.

Alan Parker has made some great films; this might just be his best.

If ever I needed convincing that Nicholas Cage is a great actor and human being, it is in this role and the brilliant performance of Birdie himself. If ever good can be portrayed as coming out of bad, it is the deeply moving message and point of making a movie like this. Who needs convincing that war is evil, that life is cruel and that love conquers all its madness? Who can even begin to understand the torment of post-traumatic stress? Those who perpetrate suffering not only to humans but animals alike can never have the empathy that defines us as human. On many levels, the story and how it is told, speaks to the heart and we weep in sympathy for the pain of those who suffer whether from mental illness, bullying or the unspeakable abuses of war. Where have all the great movie makers like Alan Parker gone? There is nothing but fake, shallow and profit orientated products that mirror the fake, shallow and insecure "virtual" relating that goes on today. For that I weep. It has created a hunger deeper than that suffered from starving Biafra.

I haven't read through all the comments of others on this film, but most of them are pretty much right on cue, with a few exceptions. I feel compelled to express my opinions of the movie, since it has always been one of my favorite Alan Parker films, along with The Wall, and a few other notably good films of his mentioned by others. This movie, along with The Wall, have had a huge impact on more than one person's life in this world, and that says a great deal on its own. It had been one of my favorites nearly 20 years ago when I was beginning college, and the quest toward independent life, searching for your place in the world, your identity and your own personal meaning in life. This is what the movie (story) is about to me. There is a lot of generalization about insanity, mental illness, the war, the human bonding of two friends; and they're all true; but there's so much more here. The symbolism of searching for yourself, flight equaling freedom; authoritarian symbols, from war, to the military, from your parents to just about everything else we question in life. Birdy is different because he (and those who identify with him) yearn to be free, not just in the literal sense, but as a free spirit, an individual in a world full of normalcy. Parker does an excellent job of direction, cinematography is in many respects still ahead of its time and acting is top notch. Parker's use of film as character memory in this film is among the first I encountered and I still find it equal to many other great directors who have used it to tell a story to this day. I can hardly find better performances by Modine or Cage anywhere in their vast catalog. Cage comes close in many films and probably equals it in others, but for as early as this was on his career, put in context, it's nearly impossible to beat. It's too bad Cage hasn't had a decent role in many years. As for Modine, nothing comes close to this performance that I've witnessed. I find it interesting that I didn't read anyone's comments about the soundtrack by Peter Gabriel, which was borrowed a great deal from his 'Security' release, probably one of his finest, and is easily on par with his work for Last Temptation of Christ, The Rabbit Proof Fence and others. This is what partly drew me into the film so many years ago, and I'm sure his having worked on it is no coincidence, as he typically only gets involved in projects which say a great deal about humanity. Highly recommended, a very conservative 7/10 vote.

Many critics rated this as one of the most overlooked films of the mid-eighties. The film has moments of deep seriousness blended with killer humour. The interplay of an extrovert and an introvert - the different ways that they think and react to situations - is often hilarious. The film can also be regarded as an intriguing psychological study, as Cage tries every technique his fast-paced mind can think of to snap his introverted friend out of his acute mental state - a condition caused by witnessing the horrors of warfare. It is extremely interesting to see what works in the end. Modine's physically-challenging performance is top-notch. Contains a great Peter Gabriel soundtrack as well. Although not to everyone's taste, I, for one, liked the "gag" ending. (10 out of 10)

It's nice to follow the storry of these two men whose fate is linked by friendship. One go-getter and one introverted who loves birds as a symbol of his own whish to be free. The big deal about this movie is that it shows up how difficult it is, to help introverted people, on the other hand it is very long winded in some parts. If the end of the story was portrayed much clearer, I'd give it a higher rating. I would recommend it for mature minded people with much time.

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.

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. It's such a great growing-up buddy flick. Despite the serious subject matter (shell-shocked, catatonic Vietnam vet in mental hospital), the movie manages to be very light-hearted for the most part, without discounting the gravity of the situation that the characters are in. It doesn't seek to use the war as a means of creating the identities of the characters, the war and the "present situation" in the film (most of the film is flashbacks) are more background to the story of two crazy Philly kids growing up together.

The movie is full of laughs that don't occur at the expense of the characters, but rather, bring you closer to them. I personally identified with Matthew Modine's character, and found myself laughing in spite of myself at some of his mishaps and wondering "how did I ever survive being a teenager?"

Modine plays Birdy flawlessly. His character, while strange, is certainly believable and definitely likeable. He's like the visionary mystic friend I never had! Nicholas Cage is equally good as Al, Birdy's more down-to-earth lady's man friend. Their friendship seems unlikely on the outside, but powerful and inevitable by the end of the movie.

I think it's strange that some people didn't like the ending to Birdy. I think it's one of the best movie endings for a buddy film ever. It accurately reflects the tone of Birdy and Al's relationship more than any other ending possibly could. It ties their characters in the present in perfectly with the growing-up characters of the flashback sequences. Perfect!

Based on TV3 airing Jan 2002

This is a movie that deserves a second viewing. Cage is impressive as the young Al, Modine has the tougher job of portraying the innocent Birdy.

Some of the scenes are charming (take off in the rubbish tip), others are disturbing (bedroom after prom) while some are gory. All the while we are struggling to understand how the present came to be.

The ending is .. predictable and unexpected in equal measure.

7/10 well worth watching

"Birdy"is an outstanding character study with a well-written script that was directed by a very talented director (Alan Parker of "Pink Floyd The Wall", "Midnight Express", "Mississippi Burning", and "Angel Heart"). Matthew Modine and Nicolas Cage both gave unforgettable performances in this dark, disturbing yet somehow uplifting story of two friends from South Philadelphia, Al (Cage) and Birdy (Modine in the performance that easily could be one of the best ever given by any actor on screen and sadly has been overlooked for too long). Birdy is an innocent and odd young man who has been always fascinated by birds and wanted to learn to fly. Both friends had to take a traumatic tour of duty in Vietnam that affected them tremendously – both physically and mentally. The film is not about Vietnam, though – it is a brilliant story of friendship and how far Al would go for his friend. The film has one of the most original and surprising endings ever.

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!

When the wife wanted to watch this film, a favourite of hers, I was skeptical if I would like it. It was a story that kept my interest. I was totally enchanted by Modine's character. Once you watch you will feel as though you could take flight.

This is the most insane and important movie I have watched in a long time. There are so many reasons why BIRDY is a legendary film. This is the epitome of the exact type of movie you will never see funded by Hollywood again. EVER AGAIN. I think I've had someone mention this movie to me maybe ONCE, or TWICE tops in my entire life, and it came out the year before I was born, in 1984.

First, let me hook you in by mentioning that through all the never-ending Nicolas Cage discourse our generation goes through, it is a disgrace that BIRDY is never mentioned. Outside of VALLEY GIRL, this was Nic Cage's first major role, and I would now place it in my Top 5 Nicolas Cage roles/movies (the others being Wild At Heart, Leaving Las Vegas, Mandy, and Vampire's Kiss). You get a FULL dose of over-the-top dramatic Cage here, and it's colossal.

This movie has elevated director Alan Parker to my list of favorite film directors of all time. When I first saw MIDNIGHT EXPRESS about a decade ago, I'd originally checked it out because I was a fan of the iconic music score by Giorgio Moroder - though I noted that it was the first major thing Oliver Stone ever wrote, for some reason the director's name never stuck with me. Last year, I checked out the bizarre 1986 film ANGEL HEART and realized it was by the same guy who made MIDNIGHT EXPRESS. Though ANGEL HEART didn't quite reach the masterpiece status that MIDNIGHT EXPRESS and BIRDY did for me, it is still one that wholly stands out, and more importantly, a movie that I feel was a massive inspiration, if not the primary inspiration for one of my favorite films of all time, JACOB'S LADDER. In fact, after watching BIRDY, I'm feeling even more certain that director Adrian Lyne must have been a huge Alan Parker fan. Next on my Alan Parker list will be PINK FLOYD: THE WALL, which I still haven't seen! I've only heard how terrifying it is?!

As I churned through the first 20-30 minutes of BIRDY, I thought to myself, "Wow, this is a truly absurd movie. I dunno how seriously I will be able to take it but it is really impressing me with it's style and commitment, regardless". I figured I'd walk away chuckling, appreciating it for it's silliness, but still viewing it as an 8 out of 10 movie for it's craft and ridiculousness. But, as the movie carried on, it truly, truly sucks you in, and turns its own intentional madness into a tender rollercoaster ride which will leave you asking questions not just about the movie itself, but about your own emotions. I haven't seen a movie with such psychological complexity in a very long time. The concept, which seems so goofy and straightforward in the beginning, actually becomes more metaphorically complex with each scene at the film progresses. I almost couldn't believe how invested I was emotionally by the time I got the second half. To make such an absurd concept work this well is an absolute wonder.

The hauntingly beautiful music score began grabbing me from the very early parts of the film, but it only gets more lush and emotive as the film carries on. When it was over I looked it up and saw that it's by none other than the legend Peter Gabriel himself. I've heard many praise his music score for Last Temptation of Christ but had never heard this one mentioned. This one is light years above that one to me personally. This is an A+ film score... innovative, powerful, emotive, lush, dynamic, and perfectly complimentary. I will be listening to this score for the rest of my life.

Aside from Nic Cage we have one more lead, Matthew Modine, who puts in a phenomenal performance here. Really, really selling the psychopath you are rooting for. I knew I recognized him but wasn't sure why - he's one of the leads in Full Metal Jacket. By the end of this movie, you want to see this MF grow some wings and successfully fly away. Dude wants to be a bird - it has to be for a reason...I buy it.

BIRDY manages to feel like some form of hallucination or dream once you get deep enough into it. It has hills and valleys, from good times to very unexpected bad times, and it never stops mutating, but the whole thing feels entirely cohesive. It's a masterpiece beyond most movies - it doesn't just feel like a movie - it feels like more than that. It's its own bizarre, organic, living breathing thing. I guarantee that not everyone will see the value in it, but, to me, it's transcendent and it's already reaching a place where it retains some sort of "ancient magic". I'm so happy I watched it. (It's currently free on Amazon Prime).

Here's a movie where a lot of things work, but a few things don't, and those few things end up ruining the over-all flow of the film. What works: Fine acting by everyone, mostly Cage. I also enjoyed the rather unusual premise of a man who thinks he is a bird.

What doesn't work: The film feels too much like a film. During the flash back sequences, which dominate the film, there is never a real sense of reality. It looks like two teenage boys who know they are living their lives in front of an audience. You also know you're in trouble when the most emotional scene in a movie involves a death of a bird. No i'm not being sarcastic, its quite sad, but it's the only real emotional punch the film delivers.

One of the most anticlimactic endings of all time. Worth a watch though.

Once I've got the Peter Gabriel's "Birdy" album on the CD. It was so good and I enjoy it.

Today I have seen the Birdy movie itself. And now I don't know what to say, what even could I say...

This is the most impressive motion picture I ever seen! Believe me - if you didn't see the Birdy, you MUST do that! And you won't forget it till end of your life!

I had great expectations for this Alan Parker movie that I have been meaning to watch for years. In my opinion, it is a classic that everybody should watch once but I also have mixed feelings about it. The plot is fairly simple. When 2 childhood friends come back from Vietnam among the casualties, one has lost it, the other is disfigured and will try to connect to his friend and bring him back from the crazies. In terms of harsh topics, Birdy is no testing ground for Parker. With this movie, the director deals with post-war mental and physical trauma as well as the struggle to fit in as a high schooler. On one hand, the combination of the Peter Gabriel-made soundtrack and the flying camera shots really convinced me. On the other, I thought it beats around the bush for quite a while. Nicolas Cage's monologues are a bit sketchy even though his overall performance is good. Matthew Modine makes a convincing quiet and deranged bird-lover. As I'm no war-movie enthusiast, I appreciate the fact that Birdy only shows a few war scenes. The plot is largely based on childhood flashbacks. Birdy is a good movie and I get satisfaction and personal pride to have watched it.

1 reason to watch: very few war scenes

Read it here: http://squeerelist.blogspot.com/2013/06/birdy-1984.html

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!