Bird

The movie is a biopic of Charlie "Bird" Parker, a Black man and one of the most famous jazz musicians who ever lived. He is a well-rounded character, with his extraordinary talent clear to all, but which is also impacted by his use of drink and drugs. Race is discussed and there are examples of some of the issues U.S. society faced during the 1930s-50s. The supporting cast has a good balance in terms of race and gender, though few are explored in any great depth. Mental illness is touched upon, but society's lack of understanding about such issues prevents it from being a positive portrayal.

A character attempts suicide by drinking poison. A character uses violence to cope with their emotions; slapping their spouse, attacking people, and throwing a saxophone through a window. While in a psychiatric hospital, a distressed person is removed by staff. Corpse shown in mortuary. A character is attacked in a dark car.

Couples kiss. Characters discuss sex, often with crass language. Bare breasts shown in a painting. A character has affairs.

Language includes "f---ing," "f--k," "motherf---ing," "hell," "ass," "s--t," "bastards," "for God's sake," "p---y," "crap," and "Jesus Christ" used as an exclamation. People of color say the "N" word.

The main character is addicted to heroin and alcohol, and is often under the influence. Many scenes take place in bars where people drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes. A character obtains drugs from a doctor with a bribe and prepares them to inject. Spoon and needle drugs paraphernalia on table. Character says drugs help temporarily relieve their physical and emotional pain.