Daily TribuneRobin Williams leads an unforgettable ensemble in Mike Nichols' beloved comedy classic, returning to theaters nearly 30 years after its original release.
Robin Williams and Nathan Lane
© 1996 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Classic '90s comedy.
© 1996 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Some movies age, but others stay exactly as good as the day they premiered. The Birdcage is one of those rare gems. To watch it now is to see a side of Hollywood that feels lost. Before big franchises took over the theaters, we had smart, adult comedies built on sharp scripts and a perfect cast. This 1996 hit is still a gold standard.
Based on the French classic La Cage aux Folles, the story follows Armand Goldman (Robin Williams), a Miami drag club owner, and his partner Albert (Nathan Lane). Their world flips upside down when Armand’s son decides to marry the daughter of a very conservative U.S. senator. To survive a visit from the in-laws, they try to hide who they are and act like a "traditional" family. As you can guess, it goes south fast.
The setup is simple, but the work is top-tier. Williams is surprisingly restrained, which gives Lane the space to be as wild and dramatic as the role demands. They are a perfect pair. The rest of the cast is just as strong. Gene Hackman shows off some great comedic chops, and Hank Azaria is a total riot in every scene he touches.
What sets The Birdcage apart from other comedies is that it has a heart. It is funny, but it is never mean. The characters have flaws, they are dramatic, and they make mistakes, but the film treats them with real care. It pokes fun at social norms without a drop of cynicism.
You can catch it back on the big screen soon. The movie returns this month for the QCinema Pride Film Festival. The lineup includes other international titles like Iván and Hadoum, Dreamboi, 3670, Tiger, Trial of Hein, and Lesbian Space Princess.
The festival runs from 24 to 26 June at Gateway Mall 2 in Cubao. Check the official QCinema channels for the schedule and tickets. It’s a great chance to see a true classic in a theater again.
