Dead Birds (1963): cast, story & where to watch
1963 · Film · ★ 5.8
Released in 1963, Dead Birds is a documentary film directed by Robert Gardner, running about 84 minutes.
What it’s about. The film's title is borrowed from a Dani fable that Gardner recounts in voice-over. The Dani people, whom Gardner identifies mysteriously as "a mountain people," believe that there was once a great race between a bird and a snake, which was to determine the lives of human beings. Should men shed their skins and live forever like snakes, or die like birds? The bird won the race, dictating that man must die. The film's plot revolves around two characters, Weyak and Pua. Weyak is a warrior who guards the frontier between the land of his tribe and that of the neighboring tribe. Pua is a young boy whom Gardner depicts as weak and inept.
Who’s in it. Dead Birds stars Robert Gardner as Narrator.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.8/10, Dead Birds has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Dead Birds page.
If you liked it. Fans of Dead Birds tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Dead Birds (1963)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Dead Birds change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Dead Birds worth watching?
- Dead Birds holds an audience score of 5.8 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Dead Birds?
- Dead Birds stars Robert Gardner.
- When was Dead Birds released?
- Dead Birds was released in 1963, with a runtime of about 84 minutes.