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The Birdcage
The Birdcage
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The Birdcage

The Birdcage

1996
Comedy, Drama
1h 57m
Armand Goldman owns a popular drag nightclub in South Miami Beach. His long-time lover Albert stars there as Starina. "Their" son Val (actually Armand's by his one heterosexual fling, twenty years before) comes home to announce his engagement to Barbara Keely, daughter of Kevin Keely, US Senator, and vice president of the Committee for Moral Order. The Senator and family descend upon South Beach to meet Val and his father and "mother..." and what ensues is comic chaos. (imdb)

Directed by:

Mike Nichols

Screenwriter:

Elaine May, Jean Poiret, Francis Veber

Starring:

Gene Hackman, Hank Azaria, Nathan Lane, Robin Williams, Dan Futterman, Calista Flockhart, Christine Baranski, Grant Heslov, Mike Starr, Tom McGowan, James Lally, Kirby Mitchell

Genres:

Comedy, Drama

Country:

USA

Language:

English
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The Birdcage

1996
Comedy, Drama
1h 57m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 49.85% from 3501 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

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anselmi86Anselmi86
Rated 27 Jul 2009
76
62nd
This movie is certainly no masterpiece, but it's damned funny. And if nothing else, Nathan Lane gives one of the best comedic performances of the 90s.
Rated 27 Jul 2009
twincinematwincinema
Rated 17 Feb 2020
80
75th
Robin Williams' billowing pants are a sight to see. The great thing about the 90s was all the clothing looked so baggy and comfortable.
Rated 17 Feb 2020
luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 18 May 2008
88
95th
There is no better theatrical portrait of a gay couple, if even it is only for hollywood, it is fantastic. Also, an awesome compilation of great actors.
Rated 18 May 2008
bellamyrbellamyr
Rated 02 Jan 2008
95
99th
This is the exception that proves the rule; There is such a thing as a decent remake. If you have any issues with gay humour this ain't the film for you honey .. but if you don't ... Robin Williams is typically bright, Nathan Lane is outstanding with a brave and convincing performance from Gene Hackman. As a friend of mine said to me 'it made me laugh so much I dropped my Viagra'
Rated 02 Jan 2008
thedenizenTheDenizen
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
63rd
Nathan Lane trying to act butch by walking like John Wayne is a scream.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 01 Mar 2007
65
73rd
Great film.
Rated 01 Mar 2007
lumpnboylumpnboy
Rated 19 Apr 2019
40
35th
The plot descriptions make it seem the ultra-conservative senator is going to be the villain, but Hackman's role ends up being relatively likeable. The son, Val, however, spends the entire film in abusively-entitled policing of gender identity and performance, in ways one would like to imagine wouldn't make it into even zany antics such as these without someone taking those involved aside and having a quiet word.
Rated 19 Apr 2019
cmonsterCMonster
Rated 22 Feb 2019
80
68th
Rewatch: loses steam around the 4/5ths mark but it's definitely funnier than I remember. The plot is a flimsy structure for the comedy, but is competent enough to support it. The scenes with just Williams and Lane are the best. And Hank Azaria is just great. And anybody who says most of the jokes are just watching flamboyant gays being gay missed both a lot of jokes and a dash of nuance.
Rated 22 Feb 2019
clark_novaClark Nova
Rated 26 Sep 2013
97
83rd
It's funny because it's true, Pilgrim.
Rated 26 Sep 2013
rayRay
Rated 30 May 2010
85
86th
A very funny, very charming little film. Lane and Williams share a wonderful chemistry on screen, playing off each hilariously in the comedic scenes and sharing some truly touching moments in the more serious ones. Hank Azaria is great in his supporting role, too. Hackman is fairly dull as Senator Kennedy and the scenes involving him tend to be more awkward than funny, and the plot isn't brilliant, but it's very easy to forgive these issues. Simply a very enjoyable film.
Rated 30 May 2010
3against43against4
Rated 15 May 2010
81
50th
I can't understand the mediocre reviews so many people give this film. Every performance is outstanding, and this is a beautifully shot and designed movie... it's no surprise that the brilliant Emmanuel Lubezki, who recently shot The New World and Children of Men, was running the show on that end. Sure, the entire film is one huge contrivance and that comes out in a lot of the writing, but if you're worried about that watching a movie like this you shouldn't be watching it in the first place.
Rated 15 May 2010
boobjuiceBoobjuice
Rated 24 Jul 2007
49
45th
Ugh, I hate that I hate Robin Williams so much because this movie might've been a somewhat campy and enjoyable diversion for me. As it stands, I just didn't much care for it.
Rated 24 Jul 2007
wgwolfordwgwolford
Rated 16 Aug 2024
80
72nd
Lulls in a few spots but Azaria and Williams are good and Nathan Lane is amazing. Heartfelt film and funny to boot.
Rated 16 Aug 2024
nathanbatesNathanBates
Rated 23 Jun 2024
60
35th
The performances are great, but this felt like it was stretching itself a little too far. I've mentioned in reviewing several films that I'd love to see a making-of segment; here, I wonder how many takes they needed for each scene as it must have been hard to keep a straight face through most of them (pun unintentional).
Rated 23 Jun 2024
sammyrizzSammyRizz
Rated 19 Jun 2024
90
70th
The son was insufferable to the point I really thought the whole movie would be a wash. The ending really sealed it for me though.
Rated 19 Jun 2024
yesistastyyesistasty
Rated 04 Jun 2024
65
13th
Some pretty images in a silly farce. There was a massive long push out from the mom sitting in traffic on the causeway out to a huge wide shot of a Florida sunset that was so beautiful and powerful that I was confused what it was doing in this film. I find farces pretty boring and pointless, but Gene Hackman and Robin Williams are entertaining. Don't know why Williams and Nathan Lane's characters tolerated their son being such an asshole. I guess it was the 90s.
Rated 04 Jun 2024
rihreyrihrey
Rated 14 Apr 2024
57
71st
The son is such an asshole, I can't.
Rated 14 Apr 2024
plasticprimateplasticprimate
Rated 02 Jan 2024
95
59th
Name a better duo
Rated 02 Jan 2024
magdabagmagdabag
Rated 03 Jan 2023
88
71st
A gay movie my straight father sat down and made me watch. I really enjoyed it! Williams and Lane have amazing chemistry and are effortlessly funny and charming and enjoyable to watch. Hank Azaria and Christine Baranski were also some notable additions. I'm not sure they could get away with making this movies nowadays with mostly straight actors, but I don't fucking care. It was charming and heartwarming and funny and I loved It. I give 8 drag queens out of 10.
Rated 03 Jan 2023
amazedemonamazedemon
Rated 09 Sep 2022
63
39th
The Birdcage sports a great cast but a poor screenplay & lacklustre direction. The 1st act - setting up the characters, their neuroticisms & prejudices, and the inevitable hijinks - is the strongest part of the film. What follows is an odd alternation of hysterics and stilted, awkward interactions. The 2hr film feels longer than it should, and the plot is wrapped under the credits. Worth watching for the performances & occasional a great throwaway line but on the whole the film misses the mark.
Rated 09 Sep 2022
jessjess125Jessjess125
Rated 11 Aug 2022
73
37th
Robin Williams is exceptional. This movie isn't anything special but Robin gives it the niceness.
Rated 11 Aug 2022
letskillrobotsletskillrobots
Rated 15 Jun 2022
14
36th
Some of those early shots were like 4 uncut minutes of Williams and Lane. It was awesome.
Rated 15 Jun 2022
war_machineWar Machine
Rated 08 May 2022
50
8th
Nathandoesagreatjob+lolhecomesaswife+abortion/whynotletitgodownwiththeshiplool+realmomcomes-sonsaysNmymother+havetoescapeasdragqueen
Rated 08 May 2022
bruhcringeBruhCringe
Rated 23 Aug 2021
74
54th
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Rated 23 Aug 2021
jpfergusonJPFerguson
Rated 11 Oct 2020
55
41st
Williams and Lane are very good in their respective roles, as is Hackman, but it all becomes a bit too much as the film progresses.
Rated 11 Oct 2020
torberntorbern
Rated 19 Apr 2020
35
3rd
Entertaining performances from Williams and Lane aside, I found this to be pretty cringey. Nichols doesn't confront the prejudice of his conservative 'villains' at all, and instead forces everyone to awkwardly 'get along' in the end--in spite of Gene Hackman 1) admitting that he reviles gay people, and 2) not making any apologies for it the entire time. No one learns or grows, and there's no drama beyond the simple discomfort of being in the same room with people you don't like for an evening.
Rated 19 Apr 2020
quintonjaminQuintonjamin
Rated 29 Mar 2020
90
90th
A comedy classic. Williams and Lane each bring consistent laughs and Hackman and Wiest play off of them perfectly.
Rated 29 Mar 2020
matthagenmatthagen
Rated 11 Mar 2020
80
92nd
Seen: 2.
Rated 11 Mar 2020
lazynicklazynick
Rated 29 Feb 2020
95
73rd
Fuckin' funny.
Rated 29 Feb 2020
bencgauldbencgauld
Rated 13 Jan 2020
83
66th
Nathan Lane is riotous and Hackman pulls off a culturally retrograde but his character is surprisingly sympathetic. The son comes off the worst as he contorts his family into some painful positions but it all works out in the end with many laughs along the way. Bonus points for beautiful costumes and set designs.
Rated 13 Jan 2020
prestobixPrestoBix
Rated 08 Oct 2019
71
48th
Seen 2x
Rated 08 Oct 2019
hofschneiderHofschneider
Rated 07 Jul 2019
77
53rd
Gene Hackman is a beautiful woman.
Rated 07 Jul 2019
arossaross
Rated 02 Jun 2019
83
72nd
Great cast elevates the movie
Rated 02 Jun 2019
braddad68braddad68
Rated 02 Apr 2019
76
3rd
Very disappointing with all of the talent involved in this movie. I got 2 chuckles out of the whole thing. Robin Williams had no chance to shine with this script.
Rated 02 Apr 2019
capodelnullacapodelnulla
Rated 06 Mar 2019
75
69th
safkan komedi filmi.
Rated 06 Mar 2019
evilmangoesEvilMangoes
Rated 25 Dec 2017
86
62nd
B+
Rated 25 Dec 2017
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 01 Sep 2017
80
37th
Viewed August 31, 2017.
Rated 01 Sep 2017
radumsmnradumsmn
Rated 29 May 2016
65
32nd
I was expecting more from Nichols and Lubezki, but got more than a handful from Nathan Lane's performance.
Rated 29 May 2016
michaelsmichaels
Rated 27 Jan 2016
90
95th
Total riot. I think this film will never stop being funny to me.
Rated 27 Jan 2016
vengefulkbmVengefulKBM
Rated 11 Feb 2015
90
92nd
This is hilarious. There are very few movies that have made me laugh as loud, and as hard, and as *frequently* as this movie did. I realize this movie's sense of humor is not for everyone, but I thought it was utterly hysterical (even if the conservative couple is painted in strokes that are a BIT too broad - hell, I have people like that in my family and they're actually not that far off).
Rated 11 Feb 2015
thorn969thorn969
Rated 03 Feb 2015
86
84th
Very fun movie.
Rated 03 Feb 2015
caimancaiman
Rated 06 Sep 2014
67
31st
Consistently engaging and occasionally funny. Williams and Lane are very watchable, and Azaria's character steals the show. But I'm disappointed by how safe the movie is. I wasn't necessarily looking for a scathing indictment of homophobia, but I was expecting something with a bit more edge. Hackman's character deserves the worst, but the movie is so nice to him. If this was made today I bet it would be a lot more ballsy in its negative portrayal of old fashioned backwards conservative views.
Rated 06 Sep 2014
funkyastroFunkyAstro
Rated 21 Aug 2014
60
58th
Nathan lane is spectacular, especially those scenes where he is trying to play a straight guy. That's pretty good acting right there. The pokes at conservatives are funny and Hackman, Williams and Azaria do their parts. Other than that the plot is pretty dull. The story that fills it is pretty wispy and over the top. This is one that probably should have been left to the stage.
Rated 21 Aug 2014
ocelotOcelot
Rated 17 Aug 2014
60
54th
A moderately amusing film buoyed by its performances -- Nathan Lane is a stand-out -- that marches (or crawls) to an inevitable conclusion. Its then-progressive stance is already dated, though it's fresh as ever compared to the film's hyperbolically anachronistic insistence on getting one's parents' permission to marry. It could also use a twenty minute trim, which I suspect had to do with Elaine May's involvement. Even at 82, though, she could still get it. Or give it, because I'm progressive.
Rated 17 Aug 2014
billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 15 Aug 2014
80
77th
Half a shot of Coors and I'm prancing around like Robin Williams in this. This is the super gay movie all your grandparents love.
Rated 15 Aug 2014
ytadelYtadel
Rated 14 Aug 2014
6
70th
Certainly not as subversive as it would have seemed if I'd watched it twenty years ago, but still mostly amusing. Pretty much everyone gets a few good moments (except the two kids who are getting married, who are mostly walking props).
Rated 14 Aug 2014
sirstuckeySirStuckey
Rated 06 Mar 2014
75
67th
Really funny movie that showcases the comedic talents of Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, and Hank Azaria perfectly.
Rated 06 Mar 2014
matguy3matGuy3
Rated 17 Feb 2014
6
51st
Campy, silly, and stereotypical by current standards, but entertaining enough.
Rated 17 Feb 2014
xakkmasterXakkMaster
Rated 15 Sep 2013
71
43rd
Williams and Lane are terrific in both comedic and more serious moments. The story isn't exceptional by any means, but the execution is spot-on and makes for plenty of laughs. Hank Azaria is hilarious too in his supporting role.
Rated 15 Sep 2013
wezzoWezzo
Rated 25 Mar 2013
80
49th
Witty and wonderfully farcical, an underrated comedic gem.
Rated 25 Mar 2013
alex_wsAlex WS
Rated 20 Jan 2013
65
48th
Kinda funny. Unless you're a HOMOPHOBE!
Rated 20 Jan 2013
mlingkhmlingkh
Rated 21 Oct 2012
90
98th
One of my all-time favourite movies. Nathan Lane is a legend.
Rated 21 Oct 2012
wayofthegunwayofthegun
Rated 14 Oct 2012
70
40th
Good acting by the ensemble cast. Sort of a cliche storyline, but there are a lot of funny and touching moments.
Rated 14 Oct 2012
baggerBagger
Rated 02 Oct 2012
50
19th
I said it about Some Like it Hot and I'll say it again: Men crossdressing for humorous purposes is very rarely humorous.
Rated 02 Oct 2012
indifferentiindifferenti
Rated 24 Jul 2012
8
54th
Absolutely adorable movie -- a perfect comedy to watch on a lazy rainy day with your PJ's on. Nathan Lane and Robin Williams are hilarious as Val's two dads, great casting all around!
Rated 24 Jul 2012
batuibatui
Rated 02 Dec 2011
55
26th
It spends far too little time developing the characters, and instead relies on the concept of the movie itself, and the chaos that will result if it's learned they're gay. And it's very disappointing when nothing really happens when it's revealed. But at least Robin Williams does his shtick very little, and there are a few goods laughs during the dinner party.
Rated 02 Dec 2011
davisty69davisty69
Rated 03 Jan 2011
90
88th
Love it... funny as hell.
Rated 03 Jan 2011
jkathrensjkathrens
Rated 31 Aug 2010
55
23rd
At times, this feels like it's a laugh-a-minute fun comedy, but I grew VERY weary of it before the end.
Rated 31 Aug 2010
pompousasspompousass
Rated 10 Aug 2010
20
44th
The major change of plot adds more in the way of liberal editorials than plausibility, never mind humor. But if you think of the thing as essentially and simply a repertory piece, it's well played by its American cast, especially Lane, who makes a strong case that the temperamental drag queen (stage name: Starina) is a role he was born to play. Best bits, as in Edouard Molinaro's 1978 French version: the queen's crash course in playing it "straight."
Rated 10 Aug 2010
filmdotfilmdot
Rated 24 Apr 2010
77
31st
The film was pretty good. Nathan LAne was fantastic though.
Rated 24 Apr 2010
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 22 Dec 2009
60
4th
Not worth doing. We already had the French version.
Rated 22 Dec 2009
jacoiiiJacoIII
Rated 20 Sep 2009
35
32nd
While not being the best "The Birdcage" is still easily one of my favourite comedies. Watch, if only for the scene where Williams teaches Lane to act straight.
Rated 20 Sep 2009
blackbassetblackbasset
Rated 27 Aug 2009
92
94th
this movie can be viewed in three different ways - on one hand, it's a slightly dramatic portrait of conservative views on gay people and that those views are unbiased, everybody could get along fine. on the other hand, it's quite a funny movie with great acting (loved hank azarias part). yet on the other hand, it's a bit over the top and clichee. yet everything combined together, it's one of my all time favourites. (the french original is also really good, maybe better, yet different)
Rated 27 Aug 2009
enniaunenniaun
Rated 18 Aug 2009
70
46th
Prefer the original
Rated 18 Aug 2009
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 31 Jul 2009
64
58th
Smart comedy.
Rated 31 Jul 2009
rufusRufus
Rated 19 Jul 2009
88
57th
Hilarious remake of an old french movie. Nathan Lane and Robin Williams are fantastic as the older gay couple trying to impress an ultra conservative Senator.
Rated 19 Jul 2009
cornicaCornica
Rated 02 Jul 2009
56
27th
Good acting and some witty humor there and there. It tends to be overrated though, and loses much steam as it goes along.
Rated 02 Jul 2009
fairlylucidfairlylucid
Rated 21 Jun 2009
70
23rd
The kind of rewatchable lunacy that inspires cult devotion.
Rated 21 Jun 2009
oaicoaic
Rated 19 Jun 2009
50
23rd
It started good, but the laughs died down toward the end.
Rated 19 Jun 2009
smacfarlsmacfarl
Rated 01 Jun 2009
88
60th
Very Funny.
Rated 01 Jun 2009
tvfilm_hubTV+Film-Hub
Rated 13 May 2009
4
22nd
No Drag Queen flick I've ever seen has ever been this good!
Rated 13 May 2009
jebJeb
Rated 08 Mar 2009
59
40th
Not hysterical, but at times funny. I guess movies about gay people don't make me laugh.
Rated 08 Mar 2009
liltxgal98liltxgal98
Rated 12 Feb 2009
96
74th
great adaptation!!Robin Williams' comic best work
Rated 12 Feb 2009
imthatdingoImThatDingo
Rated 05 Jan 2009
85
82nd
Two actors...acting gay. I approve.
Rated 05 Jan 2009
uniquenameUniqueName
Rated 30 Dec 2008
84
74th
Hilarious gay comedy.
Rated 30 Dec 2008
drewlephantDrewlephant
Rated 23 Dec 2008
43
17th
Can't be bothered to write a fleshed-out, interesting gay character? Throw the audience a drag queen? All heterosexuals think that all gay men are flamboyant trannies, CLEARLY. This is a complete insult to viewers of any sexuality.
Rated 23 Dec 2008
theindiantheindian
Rated 08 Dec 2008
90
46th
A charming comedy that satires both liberals and conservatives alike, never ceases to be funny.
Rated 08 Dec 2008
optimusmikeOptimus_mike
Rated 26 Nov 2008
50
27th
Not good. This movie is made for the middle class white mom who wants to seem "down" with all the homosexuals out there in all of us.
Rated 26 Nov 2008
determinist1determinist1
Rated 15 Nov 2008
80
16th
Awfully funny!
Rated 15 Nov 2008
carolineCaroline
Rated 26 Oct 2008
100
0th
Good movie.
Rated 26 Oct 2008
irvinejumpirvinejump
Rated 29 Sep 2008
77
79th
The yanks remake La Cage aux folles and surpisingly, it doesn't suck! Nathan Lane is a scream and it's good to see robin williams as the straight ( no pun, ah screw it, pun intended) guy for a change
Rated 29 Sep 2008
stainStain
Rated 16 Sep 2008
99
91st
Ironically, much, much better than _La Cage aux Folles_. Funny and charming from start to finish
Rated 16 Sep 2008
nandorizzinandorizzi
Rated 02 Sep 2008
75
71st
A smart comedy. Excellent performances of Robin Williams, Gene Hackman and Nathan Lane, which make this comedy something unforgettable.
Rated 02 Sep 2008
zombiezeuszombiezeus
Rated 28 Aug 2008
83
75th
Really, really funny and quick as a whip.
Rated 28 Aug 2008
batface89batface89
Rated 28 Jul 2008
88
70th
Funny and well-acted.
Rated 28 Jul 2008
kavkav
Rated 11 Jul 2008
68
47th
I prefer the original, but there's no denying that this is a very funny interpretation.
Rated 11 Jul 2008
timon88Timon88
Rated 09 Jul 2008
29
16th
Lousy. Most of the lines sound timed to synch up with a non-existent laugh track. The few funny moments (all of them: Nathan Lane being himself) cannot save this stupid mess.
Rated 09 Jul 2008
cestmoicestmoi
Rated 18 May 2008
50
26th
La cage was great, but the stereotypes in this interpretation really suck all the fun out of it.
Rated 18 May 2008
john_lockeJohn Locke
Rated 27 Feb 2008
84
37th
Hilarious.
Rated 27 Feb 2008
filliganFilligan
Rated 13 Feb 2008
91
82nd
Hysterical.
Rated 13 Feb 2008
muutanetmuutanet
Rated 23 Jan 2008
79
82nd
Good chemistry between Nathan and Williams. Gene Hackman tries to be funny, but I like his bold move apart from his touch guy films.
Rated 23 Jan 2008
4thwave4thwave
Rated 23 Nov 2007
30
21st
Really not like the original
Rated 23 Nov 2007
shephardShephard
Rated 26 Oct 2007
63
57th
Has some great laughs, but didn't really improve the original classic. Great casting. Really weak ending.
Rated 26 Oct 2007
oolookittyoolookitty
Rated 24 Oct 2007
50
19th
See "La Cage aux Folles", the original. It's so much better.
Rated 24 Oct 2007
beladonnesbeladonnes
Rated 20 Sep 2007
80
60th
Very good gay humor.
Rated 20 Sep 2007
dustydDustyd
Rated 16 Sep 2007
65
49th
A lot of the humor falls flat, but it's worth getting through the weak spots to enjoy the hilarious final half hour or so.
Rated 16 Sep 2007
fyngyrzfyngyrz
Rated 28 Aug 2007
10
96th
Robin Williams at his best, co-stars too. Presuming you're not homophobic, you'll love it.
Rated 28 Aug 2007
stflyst_fly
Rated 21 Aug 2007
87
89th
A desperate gay couple try to woo their son's conservative inlaws, Nathan Lane absolutely shines as Robin William's partner in this magnificent comedy.
Rated 21 Aug 2007
drcDrC
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
33rd
Watch this movie for two people. GENE HACKMAN and Nathan Lane. Both are priceless
Rated 14 Aug 2007
battletoadBattleToad
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
37th
A funny and well acted film. The birdcage gives us Robin Williams and Nathan Lane together, and it's glorious, but the story itself isn't that special. Meh!
Rated 14 Aug 2007

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