Rating: 
Summary: Just a word about the ending...
Review: I can't really add much more to the wonderful things already said about this movie, except perhaps to point out some wonderful scenes; like the intense scene where Birdy jumps off a scaffolding, and the quirky scene with Birdy and his date in the car. But, speaking of great scenes (the movie is full of them), by far the best scene in this or any movie ever made, as well as the best ending for a movie came at (what else?) the end. Of course, I'd love to tell you the ending, but that would spoil it for those who haven't seen it. Those who have know what I mean. It's a miraculous look at the lives of two friends, a great character study, and a powerful vehicle for both Modine and Cage. By the way, kudos to Peter Gabriel's musical score, and to the use of La Bamba for the ending, which was so perfect as an end song. Buy it! Rent it! Whatever. Just watch it!
Rating:
Summary: Powerful film about friendship and being "normal"
Review: I first saw this film in college, and I have never been able to forget it. Both Cage and Modine give outstanding performances at this early time in both of their careers. The intense and even intimate friendship they share is both touching and inspiring. I wish I were still that close with many of the friends who I thought would be "brothers" of mine forever. I'll admit that I am moved to tears several times in this film after dozens of viewings.Peter Gabriel's soundtrack is haunting, as are many of the visual images. Yes, it definitely has one of the most "controversial" endings of any film I have ever seen. You and your friends will talk about this one for quite a while! Even if you hate the ending, don't let it ruin the rest of the film. Spoiler: I think that at the ending Birdy is helping Al understand that his behavior -- flying and catatonia -- haven't been all that strange or even that inappropriate. When Al freaks out over his leap from the roof, he doesn't understand why. He's fine. So he simply says, "What?" It doesn't matter if the hospital orderlies catch them. What matters more is that Al might begin to understand how "normal" Birdy really is.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful film about friendship and being "normal"
Review: I first saw this film in college, and I have never been able to forget it. Both Cage and Modine give outstanding performances at this early time in both of their careers. The intense and even intimate friendship they share is both touching and inspiring. I wish I were still that close with many of the friends who I thought would be "brothers" of mine forever. I'll admit that I am moved to tears several times in this film after dozens of viewings. Peter Gabriel's soundtrack is haunting, as are many of the visual images. Yes, it definitely has one of the most "controversial" endings of any film I have ever seen. You and your friends will talk about this one for quite a while! Even if you hate the ending, don't let it ruin the rest of the film. Spoiler: I think that at the ending Birdy is helping Al understand that his behavior -- flying and catatonia -- haven't been all that strange or even that inappropriate. When Al freaks out over his leap from the roof, he doesn't understand why. He's fine. So he simply says, "What?" It doesn't matter if the hospital orderlies catch them. What matters more is that Al might begin to understand how "normal" Birdy really is.
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully made
Review: I have to admit, this movie stands out in every way possible of a superb drama, made simply by a quirky plot: A Vietnam soldier (Nicolas Cage) tries to help his non-speaking, bird-loving friend, aptly named "Birdy" (Matthew Modine) get over his traumatic experience in Vietnam, in a mental hospital. What follows is a complex, strangely fascinating flashback when Birdy and his friend were not in Vietnam and were going on with their lives before Vietnam, after World War II. It leads back to the present, up to a strange, enigmatic ending. This cinematic masterpiece is terrifically written (which should have won an Oscar for the best screenwriting) and Modine puts on a poignant, fascinating role as a "queer" teenager stripping down and laying on the floor, imagining in his mind, to be a bird. The entire movie is a truly fascinating study of how traumatic experiences can have on veterans. For all of this, it should have won an Oscar for everything. The cinematography, the best and supporting actors, and best direction, most of all. ....
Rating:
Summary: One of the most impressive movie that I've ever watched
Review: I watched this movie a few years ago and I was deeply impressed
Rating:
Summary: POIGNANT PORTRAYAL OF FRIENDSHIP.
Review: Modine gives an utterly brilliant performance of a sensitive teen consumed in obsession with birds and flight. Cage must bring Modine back from the insane delusions that give him a sense of security after a terrifying experience in combat. "Birdy" shifts back and forth from Cage's teenage memories of Modine to his friend's silent despair in a military asylum. Quirky ending. Another great movie from "Birdy" director, Alan Parker is "The Commitments."
Rating:
Summary: Marshall Fine's review (above). . .
Review: nicely captures the film (and the book.) Viewers who were impressed with this film can be assured that the book is worthwhile, too. Much of Wharton's other written work is also worthwhile. Try "Dad" to learn about a case of "successful schizophrenia," (and, in addition, you'll never want to fall into the clutches of a nurse again!) I would like to see some of Wharton's paintings. Can anyone provide his painterly name?
Rating: 
Summary: 3.5 Stars, if I had a Choice
Review: Refreshing, warm and endearing, "Birdy" is a crowd pleaser in the way the inferior "Gilbert Grape" but vastly superior "Rain Man" were. Families will love it, and the underdogs among us will have reason to cheer for a change. Modine is fantastic, and seeing him again in this performnance made me respect him anew as an actor. While the film succeeds on many levels, it meanders more often than not, with unecessary side stories and a plodding score. Still, it's a winner on the whole, and a great rainy afternoon flick!
Rating:
Summary: 3.5 Stars, if I had a Choice
Review: Refreshing, warm and endearing, "Birdy" is a crowd pleaser in the way the inferior "Gilbert Grape" but vastly superior "Rain Man" were. Families will love it, and the underdogs among us will have reason to cheer for a change. Modine is fantastic, and seeing him again in this performnance made me respect him anew as an actor. While the film succeeds on many levels, it meanders more often than not, with unecessary side stories and a plodding score. Still, it's a winner on the whole, and a great rainy afternoon flick!
Rating:
Summary: WHERE'S THE SEQUEL?!
Review: Simply said: I LOVE this film! It makes you feel every emotion. It makes you feel as if you can do anything! It is the very FIRST film that I saw that inspired me to read the book... without a teacher or anybody telling me to! The "sequel" was kind of a tongue in cheek comment, but if you think about it, it is a viable question. I myself have always imagined what became of Al and Birdy in their later years.
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