Birdy

"A soaring experience unlike anything you've ever seen before."

Dec 21 1984 R 2h 0m
Drama, War

Two young men are seriously affected by the Vietnam War. One of them has always been obsessed with birds - but now believes he really is a bird, and has been sent to a mental hospital. Can his friend help him pull through?

Plot

Philly boys Al and Birdy became friends in high school despite the extreme difference in their personalities, Al being the popular and athletic extrovert, Birdy the antisocial "weird" introvert. Al gave Birdy his nickname because of his fascination - obsession really - with birds, especially with flight. Al and Birdy have just completed their service of duty in the Vietnam War and have returned to the States. Al sustained some serious physical injuries, which required major reconstructive surgery to his face. Birdy, however, returned from Vietnam seemingly emotionally scarred. He was missing in action for one month. He has not spoken since he was found. Despite his own medical issues, Al travels to the institution where Birdy is being kept to see if he can assist in getting Birdy out of his near comatose state. Having always had issues with authority, Al is less than forthright with the doctors about Birdy's mental state prior to the war. As Al tries whatever he can to help Birdy using tools from their shared history prior to the war, he deals with his own post-war mental state.

Written by

William Wharton, Sandy Kroopf, Jack Behr

Directed by

Alan Parker

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

TriStar Pictures

Languages

English

Awards

3 wins & 1 nomination

Scores
# of Votes
25,769
Average Rating
7.2 out of 10
Metascore
71
Popularity
NA