71
Metascore
9 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertThe 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.
- 100TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineBirdy is one of those rare movies that successfully brings a psychological novel to the screen without sacrificing its saliency or complexity.
- 88The Associated PressBob ThomasThe Associated PressBob ThomasBirdy is a rare and rewarding film, certain to be cherished by filmgoers seeking an alternative to the standard formulas. [12 Feb 1985]
- 80The New York TimesJanet MaslinThe New York TimesJanet MaslinMr. 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.
- 70Time OutTime OutA trifle self-indulgent - well, it is directed by Alan Parker - but never boring.
- 50Washington PostPaul AttanasioWashington PostPaul AttanasioSome 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.
- 50The New YorkerPauline KaelThe New YorkerPauline KaelDirected 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.
- 40EmpireWilliam ThomasEmpireWilliam ThomasIn 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.