Birdy (Birdy)

Original title: Birdy Country and year: USA, 1984 Genre: Drama Director: Alan Parker Screenplay: Sandy Kroopf, Jack Behr Cast: Matthew Modine, Nicolas Cage Description: The film tells the story of the friendship between two men. Birdy was a rather introverted boy who, instead of hanging out with his peers, preferred to pursue his passion, which gave him his nickname. He loved birds for their dignity and envied their independence and the freedom that flying brings. He often dreamed of being like a bird and made attempts to take to the air just like them. Al, on the other hand, was sociable, outgoing, and resolute as a child. Despite these differences, a special bond formed between them. Al and Ptasiek fought in the Vietnam War. After years apart, they meet in a psychiatric hospital, where Ptasiek ended up after returning home. In the hospital ward, like a bird in a cage, he is trapped in a world where, as a bird—free and independent—he could live happily. All attempts to make contact with him prove ineffective. Al, who is visiting him, tries to bring Ptasiek back to reality. He reminds him of their childhood and tells the story of their friendship. Both men were scarred by the war—one mentally, the other physically. Despite this, the Vietnam War serves merely as a backdrop to this story of an incredible friendship and dreams. I recommend the film, just as I do the book.