Birdy
TriStar Pictures | Release Date: December 21, 1984 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
71
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 9 Critic Reviews
Positive:
5
Mixed:
4
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
The strangest thing about Birdy which is a very strange and beautiful movie indeed, is that it seems to work best at its looniest level, and is least at ease with the things it takes most seriously. Read full review
100
TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)
Birdy is one of those rare movies that successfully brings a psychological novel to the screen without sacrificing its saliency or complexity. Read full review
88
The Associated PressBob Thomas
Birdy is a rare and rewarding film, certain to be cherished by filmgoers seeking an alternative to the standard formulas. [12 Feb 1985]
80
The New York TimesJanet Maslin
Mr. Modine's performance is exceptionally sweet and graceful; Mr. Cage very sympathetically captures Al's urgency and frustration. Together, these actors work miracles with what might have been unplayable. Read full review
70
Time OutStaff (Not Credited)
A trifle self-indulgent - well, it is directed by Alan Parker - but never boring. Read full review
50
VarietyStaff (Not Credited)
Belying the lightheartedness of its title, Birdy is a heavy adult drama about best friends and the after-effects of war, but it takes too long to live up to its ambitious premise. Read full review
50
Washington PostPaul Attanasio
Some of director Alan Parker's compositions here are striking, expressionistic shots of dark shapes silhouetted against the blue light streaming through the asylum window. Then again, they're all the same -- after two hours, you're bored by them. Read full review
50
The New YorkerPauline Kael
Directed by Alan Parker, the movie takes itself inordinately seriously as a moral fable expressing eternal truths. It feels morose and unrelieved, despite the efforts of the two actors.
40
EmpireWilliam Thomas
In flashback, we see the pair's friendship develop through their childhood, but despite the film's heavily symbolic tone, little is revealed about either of the characters or indeed the Vietnam War. Read full review
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