Watch Bird Can't Fly

Bird Can't Fly is a 2007 South African drama film directed by Threes Anna. The film stars Barbara Hershey as Melody, an American woman who has come to the desolate landscape of the Karoo in South Africa to find her estranged son. Along the way, she meets her neighbor Fezeka (Yusuf Davids) who is a young Xhosa boy who is also dealing with his own personal strife. Together they strike up a unique friendship and embark on a journey that explores their past, present and future.

The film delves into the themes of loss, grief, human connection and the complexities of the human spirit. Melody, in search of her son, finds herself dealing with her own internal demons and emotional baggage. Hershey's performance is remarkable, capturing the inner turmoil of her character and the pain she feels when faced with the harsh realities of her situation. There is a true vulnerability to Melody that is haunting, and Hershey's portrayal of this character is both nuanced and captivating.

Fezeka, played by Yusuf Davids, is another character dealing with his own set of painful experiences. He has a fraught relationship with his family, and his struggles with bullying at school. Davids gives an excellent performance, which balances the challenges of growing up in an unforgiving environment and a uniquely intense sensitivity towards his artistic passions.

Tony Kgoroge also appears in this film as Johnathan, a wandering romantic who happens upon Melody and Fezeka. Kgoroge's performance adds depth to the story, with his character acting as a catalyst for the growth of both Melody and Fezeka.

Anna's directorial style is distinctive and evocative, with stunning visuals that beautifully capture the landscape of the Karoo in South Africa. The cinematography is exquisite, creating a sense of isolation and loneliness that is palpable throughout the film. The use of sound in the film is also effective, with moments of silence that lend to the film's overall sense of contemplation and introspection.

Overall, Bird Can't Fly is an emotionally compelling and visually stunning film. The story is nuanced and complex, exploring themes of loss, grief, and human connection in a way that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. Hershey, Davids, and Kgoroge deliver excellent performances that are both powerful and understated. The film is a must-see for those looking for a richly rewarding cinematic experience that offers a unique exploration of the human condition.

Bird Can't Fly is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.