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Birdy

1 disc
Region 1 USA/CA (info)

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.
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Additional Info

Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 04579
Credits

Matthew Modine, Nicolas Cage, Nicholas Coppola, Nicolas Coppola, John Harkins, Sandy Baron, Karen Young
Critic Reviews

"...Birdy's intensity is so captivating...that [the] story becomes irresistibly involving....[The two lead] actors work miracles..."
New York Times
"...[Modine] skillfully essays the offbeat troubled character....[Cage is] sensitive and strong....[The] supporting parts are excellently cast..."
Variety
Rating: B
Entertainment Weekly
3 stars out of 5 -- "Nicholas Cage is tops as Al...whilst Matthew Modine is superlative as Birdy....A truly beautiful movie."
Total Film