
The Birdcage
1996, Comedy/Gay and lesbian, 1h 59m
51 Reviews 100,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Mike Nichols wrangles agreeably amusing performances from Robin Williams and Nathan Lane in this fun, if not quite essential, remake of the French comedy La Cage aux Folles. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Armand Goldman
Sen. Kevin Keeley
Albert Goldman, Starina
Louise Keeley
Agador 'Spartacus'
Katherine Archer
News & Interviews for The Birdcage
Critic Reviews for The Birdcage
All Critics (51) | Top Critics (16) | Fresh (41) | Rotten (10)
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The Birdcage is a little film with knee-slapping scenes coupled with thoughtfully acute moments as well.
September 8, 2017 | Full Review… -
It undoubtedly remains a genial crowd pleaser. If the dress fits, wear it.
May 29, 2011 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
This isn't the supreme masterpiece it might have been, but Nichols's direction is very polished and some of the lines and details are awfully funny.
May 29, 2011 | Full Review… -
If The Birdcage isn't exactly the Mike Nichols-Elaine May movie of our dreams, it does manage to transform what was formerly a campy bit of French fluff into one of the loopiest, most hysterical family-values movies ever made.
May 27, 2011 | Full Review… -
The Birdcage is a scream.
March 26, 2009 -
It doesn't so much champion diversity as celebrate conformity.
June 24, 2006 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Birdcage
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Aug 20, 2014Accomplished comedy, The Birdcage is a well acted and directed picture that boasts a stunning cast of talented actors, a great story, a well thought out script and is a an engaging film that features a wonderful performance from late, great actor Robin Williams. Aside from Williams, there are plenty of great performances here, especially that of Hank Azaria. The story has a fine blend of comedy with serious overtones in a way that makes The Birdcage standout. The cast elevate the material, and under the direction of Mike Nichols, he crafts a near perfect film that relies on effective, memorable performances to really make this standout. We can see the result on-screen. The Birdcage works very well and is a fun, entertaining film that is funny, dramatic and features an impressive story that is sure to delight any viewer wanting a comedy with depth and great performances. The film may have few weak areas that could have been improved upon, but as a whole, the film has stronger points rather than weak points, and it's a film that embraces the fact that it has aspects that don't quite work, and runs with it due to the fact that a great portion of the material is well executed, and that the cast that director Nichols works with does so much to make the story and tone of the film be enjoyable for the viewer. The Birdcage may not be great cinema, but it's definitely one of those films that features a heartfelt, amusing performance by Robin Williams and with that being said, at least we have gems like this to revisit him even if he's gone. He was a talented comedian and actor, and he was able to adapt his unique style to any genre, and even if this film is a comedy, he added a serious angle to his role that just showed how great he really was.Alex r Super Reviewer
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Aug 15, 2014With a deliciously flamboyant Nathan Lane stealing the scene and Robin Williams in a greatly nuanced composition, this fun comedy also boasts elaborate camera movements and knows really well how funny it is, not even resorting to any sort of cute music to underline its humor.Carlos M Super Reviewer
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Aug 11, 2014There may be dated and stereotypical elements but the good more than outweighs the bad. Nichols' direction is superb while Lane and Williams play off each other brilliantly.Alec B Super Reviewer
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May 14, 2013GURL! You gotta see it! So many one-liners, I can't even begin to rattle them off.Christian C Super Reviewer
The Birdcage Quotes
Armand Goldman: | Its like riding a psycotic horse into a burning barm |
Armand Goldman: | Its like riding a psychotic horse into a burning barn. |
Armand Goldman: | I see. You're going to the cemetery with your toothbrush. How Egyptian. |
Albert Goldman / Starina: | I know what you're thinking: dress like this, I'm even more obvious. |
Albert Goldman / Starina: | Tannins?! |
Albert Goldman / Starina: | Tannins? |
Armand Goldman: | You do an eclectic celebration of the dance! You do Fosse, Fosse, Fosse! You do Martha Graham, Martha Graham, Martha Graham! Or Twyla, Twyla, Twyla! Or Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd, Michael Kidd! Or Madonna, Madonna, Madonna!... but you keep it all inside. |
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