Bird
Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Bird
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Bird is an Oscar-winning (for Best Sound) biopic of jazz saxophonist Charlie "Bird" Parker and includes his issues with alcohol and drug addiction. Parker -- played by Forest Whitaker -- is often shown under the influence of both alcohol and heroin. Many scenes take place in bars where other characters are seen drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. A character bribes a doctor to sell him drugs and he prepares them to inject. A spoon and needle are shown in one scene. The movie is not judgmental -- Parker explains that drugs help him cope with his emotional and physical pain. But he is aware of the problems they are causing him and consequences to his actions are shown. Parker's young daughter dies in the movie, which sends Parker further into depression, leading to him attempting suicide by drinking poison. Language includes the infrequent use of "f--k" and people of color say the "N" word. Parker is occasionally violent. He slaps his wife, Chan (Diane Venora), attacks a man while in a psychiatric hospital, lashes out at a musician, and breaks a window. Couples occasionally kiss and sex is implied with Parker having multiple affairs outside of his marriage.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
BIRD is the biopic of jazz pioneer Charlie "Bird" Parker (Forest Whitaker), whose music career and family life was marred by his addiction to alcohol and drugs.
Is It Any Good?
People who don't like jazz often complain it's overlong, complicated, noodling, and meandering. These criticisms can all be leveled at director Clint Eastwood's Bird, who, unlike a jazz master, doesn't back up his work with any inventive flair. A nuts and bolts biopic, the film does at least have great music -- it won 1989's Best Sound Oscar. The early bebop performed in smoky clubs sounds as fresh and wild and it would have been to 1940s audiences.
Whitaker's solid as the troubled yet genius saxophonist Parker. He brings a formidable physicality to the role that makes him both believably tormented and inspired. In addition, Eastwood's direction isn't judgmental, taking a measured and sympathetic approach to the reasons behind Parker's drug use. But it's also painfully steady. At almost three hours long, the movie lumbers across key years in Parker's life, jumping around a timeline spanning his stage debut to his peak and decline. After trundling along, the movie ramps up the misery for the final act and by then, it's unwelcome. Similarly, unlike Parker's saxophone playing, his adversarial relationship with his wife, Chan (Diane Venora), is tediously one note.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Bird portrayed alcohol and drug addiction. Did the movie sensationalize drug and alcohol use? Did it condemn Parker for his actions? What were the consequences of Parker's addiction?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
What did you know about Charlie Parker before you saw this movie? How did the movie compare to other biopics you've seen?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 30, 1988
- On DVD or streaming: January 30, 2001
- Cast: Forest Whitaker, Diane Venora, Keith David
- Director: Clint Eastwood
- Studio: Warner Bros.
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: History, Music and Sing-Along
- Run time: 161 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: pervasive drug content and some language
- Awards: Academy Award, Golden Globe
- Last updated: October 14, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Walk the Line
Fascinating biopic, best for mature teens and up.
-
Miles Ahead
Cheadle shines in dark, labor-of-love biopic of Miles Davis.
-
Ray
Excellent portrayal of extraordinary musician.
For kids who love music
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate