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The Birds (1963) Reviews

The Birds (1963)
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The story begins as an innocuous romantic triangle involving wealthy, spoiled Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren), handsome Mitch Brenner (Rod Taylor), and schoolteacher Annie Hayworth (Suzanne Pleshette). The human story begins in a San Francisco pet shop and culminates at the home of Mitch's mother (Jessica Tandy) at Bodega Bay, where the characters' sense of security is slowly eroded by the curious behavior of the birds in the area. At first, it's no more than a sea gull swooping down and pecking at Melanie's head. Things take a truly ugly turn when hundreds of birds converge on a children's party. There is never an explanation as to why the birds have run amok, but once the onslaught begins, there's virtually no letup. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren, (more)
Director(s):
Alfred Hitchcock
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG13
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD
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Average Ratings

(32 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Tim V.

I had a vague idea of what to expect with The Birds and was glad when it ended up being much more than that after it was all over. This is a great, creepy, film that has just the right balance of horror with minimal gore, all while keeping the answers to what's really going on just out the viewer's reach. At first I was a little taken aback by the final scene, but after sleeping on it, now I think it was the perfect way to end it. It's a very eerie and unsettling image, and the perfect kind of tone to make the viewer still have a sense of unease for days after having seen it. The Birds is also a real landmark for the "less is more" approach to film making. There's a scene near the end where all the main players have fortified themselves in a house that is being attacked by the birds. The scene plays out almost entirely thru lighting and audio and it's one of the creepiest scenes I've seen in recent memory. A real cerebral horror classic.

Yes   |   No


Miguel C.

For years all I saw was the bird attack on the town. I never expected there to be an interesting story before and after that scene. Hendren and Taylor were great. Jessica Tandy was so recognizable. And Pleshette looked like such a bad girl. The young girl, Cathy, later appeared in Alien (1979). The best part is the debate in the dinner about the nature of birds. It was also funny how much they drank. They seemed to drink for any reason. The film has a gradual build-up but gives the viewer little teasers of remote bird attacks. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Thanks, Hitch!

Yes   |   No


Brian C.

Top notch Hitchcock film. They don't make movies like this anymore. May be a little slow moving at times for some, but overall this movie is fantastic if you appreciate old school quality films. The kind where effects and scenery add to the story, not the other way around.

Yes   |   No


Michelle T.

If you like sacry movies, "The Birds" is the right choice for you. It is mysterious, and frightening, with a twist of romance. Great film.

Yes   |   No


Scott O.

Was scary when I saw it as a kid.. but now, I dont think it holds up over time. It's even funny in parts, looking at the effects from back then. I would not call it a "classic", I dont think its one of Hitchcocks best..

Yes   |   No


Paula H.

Great film. The characters are all afraid on committing to others, except in unhealthy ways (Lydia is overly dependent on Mitch, Mitch, runs to his mother's house every weekend to make sure she's okay, Annie, is scorned by Lydia ,then moves to Bodega Bay "just to be close to Mitch" and befriends Lydia once she isn't a threat, and Melanie, who follows a man she meets in a pet store, etc.) Birds have been symbols of chaos dating back to Aristophanes. The characters learn to rely on each other in other to survive. I love that there is never an explanation given for the bird's attacks. These random attacks make it scarier. There was certainly nothing like in in 1963. Tippi Hedren endured a solid week of having birds thrown at her or tied to her clothes for her climatic scene. She brokedown on the last day when a bird almost gouged her eye. The set was shut down for a week while she recovered. This film is studied in film schools, there are many homages to it.

Yes   |   No


Jamie P.

What can I say I am a fan of Hitchcock's work. Although this movie is not very scary today I can't help but laugh when watching it. The birds attacking people is so funny and yet kind of creepy. After seeing this going to the beach with all those seagulls flying around will never be the same. Anyone who enjoys Hitchcock's work should watch this.

Yes   |   No


Aaron J.

for its time, possibly considered good. Certainly is not a timeless classic. If this was released today, it would get creamed by the critics. Not scary.

Yes   |   No


Gayla I.

The Birds is a good movie. Liked it.

Yes   |   No


Glenn W.

This is not Hitchcock at his best. The movie makes no sense, and I don't just mean the bird parts. No explanation of why she followed him up there to deliver love birds. No explanation as to why the birds went bonkers. I guess the attack scenes were kind of cool, but you expect a lot more out of Hitchcock.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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Member Reviews
Read all (32)
 
Tim V.

I had a vague idea of what to expect with The Birds and was glad when it ended up being much more than that after it was all over. This is a great, creepy, film that has just the right balance of horror with minimal gore, all while keeping the answers to what's really going on just out the viewer's reach. At first I was a little taken aback by the final scene, but after sleeping on it, now I think it was the perfect way to end it. It's a very eerie and unsettling image, and the perfect kind of tone to make the viewer still have a sense of unease for days after having seen it. The Birds is also a real landmark for the "less is more" approach to film making. There's a scene near the end where all the main players have fortified themselves in a house that is being attacked by the birds. The scene plays out almost entirely thru lighting and audio and it's one of the creepiest scenes I've seen in recent memory. A real cerebral horror classic.

Yes   |   No

 
Miguel C.

For years all I saw was the bird attack on the town. I never expected there to be an interesting story before and after that scene. Hendren and Taylor were great. Jessica Tandy was so recognizable. And Pleshette looked like such a bad girl. The young girl, Cathy, later appeared in Alien (1979). The best part is the debate in the dinner about the nature of birds. It was also funny how much they drank. They seemed to drink for any reason. The film has a gradual build-up but gives the viewer little teasers of remote bird attacks. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Thanks, Hitch!

Yes   |   No

 
Brian C.

Top notch Hitchcock film. They don't make movies like this anymore. May be a little slow moving at times for some, but overall this movie is fantastic if you appreciate old school quality films. The kind where effects and scenery add to the story, not the other way around.

Yes   |   No

 
Read All 32 Reviews
 

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