Bird

Synopsis

Bird is a biographical drama film that follows the turbulent life of legendary jazz musician Charlie Parker, portrayed by Forest Whitaker. The movie delves into Parker's rise to stardom in the 1940s jazz scene, his groundbreaking musical innovations, and his personal struggles with addiction and relationships. As the story unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey through the highs and lows of Parker's career, exploring the impact of his music on the world of jazz and the toll it takes on his personal life. With mesmerizing performances and a soulful soundtrack, Bird captures the essence of a musical genius and the demons that plagued him.

Cast

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  Forest Whitaker

  Charlie 'Bird' Parker

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  Diane Venora

  Chan Parker

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  Michael Zelniker

  Red Rodney

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  Samuel E. Wright

  Dizzy Gillespie

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  Keith David

  Buster Franklin

• 

  Michael McGuire

  Brewster

Reviews

Bird received acclaim from critics upon its release. Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times praised Forest Whitaker's portrayal of Charlie Parker, stating, 'Whitaker delivers a mesmerizing performance that captures the essence of Parker's brilliance and tragedy.' The New York Times commended the film for its raw and authentic depiction of jazz culture, calling it 'a moving tribute to one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.' However, some critics found the narrative pacing to be sluggish, with Variety noting that the film 'struggles to maintain momentum despite its strong central performance.' Despite minor criticisms, Bird ultimately resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning a solid 7.1/10 on IMDb, a 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, and a score of 78/100 on Metacritic.