Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Campy, comedic romp has language, sexual references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Birdcage
What's the Story?
In THE BIRDCAGE, Armand (Robin Williams) and Albert (Nathan Lane) run a South Beach nightclub that features a popular drag show. Their son, Val (Dan Futterman), who's away at college, returns home and announces that he's getting married. Unfortunately, Val's fiancée, Barbara (Calista Flockhart), is the daughter of the ultra-conservative Senator Keeley (Gene Hackman), who's in the midst of a scandal—and a reelection campaign. To help Val win the senator's approval, Armand and Albert reluctantly agree to present themselves as straight when they meet Barbara and her family. But to succeed, they'll have to pull off the greatest performances of their lives.
Is It Any Good?
This 1990s classic is a fun, comedic romp with a great ensemble cast. Williams gives an understated but impactful performance in The Birdcage—he's the straight man to Lane, who chews the scenery with gusto. Even South Beach itself becomes a delightful character under Mike Nichols' direction, and with such strong material and a talented cast—including Hackman, Dianne Wiest, Flockhart, Christine Baranski, Futterman, and Hank Azaria—he mostly just stays out of the way and lets the chaos unfold. Younger teens might be drawn to the colorful, campy atmosphere, but the movie's heart is in the warm interactions and inclusive messages. Most viewers will also likely be able to relate to the characters—old and young—as they struggle with what to present to the world while staying true to themselves.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Birdcage presents attitudes toward homosexuality and drag culture. Do you think society's attitudes have changed since the movie was released in 1996? Can you think of other films or TV shows that have made an impact in mainstream portrayals of gay or drag culture?
Why do you think Val and Barbara felt the need to hide Val's family from Barbara's parents? What would you do if you fell for someone whose parents didn't accept your own family and culture?
What does the movie say about identity and acceptance? Do you think Armand and Albert are portrayed as role models? What about Val and Barbara?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 8, 1996
- On DVD or streaming : March 25, 1997
- Cast : Robin Williams , Gene Hackman , Nathan Lane
- Director : Mike Nichols
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : United Artists
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Dads , Moms )
- Run time : 117 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Language
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : March 10, 2026
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