Birds Like Us

"Birds Like Us" is a beguiling animated feature film from 2017, infused with poetic beauty and profound metaphysical questions. Directed by Faruk Sabanovic and Amela Cuhara and inspired by the 12th-century Persian poet Farid ud-Din Attar’s narrative poem "The Conference of the Birds," this movie has truly soared to the heights of animated cinematography. With the enigmatic whisper of Jeremy Irons, the confident gravity of Alicia Vikander, and the subtle intensity of Khalid Abdalla lending their outstanding vocal talents, the tale spins a colourful and surreal carpet soaring on the wind of thought-provoking parables.

The plot is both enriching and enchanting, a journey through the interplay of animation, existentialism, and mythology. Unraveled in a parallel universe, within an enormous Bird World inhabited by bird societies, the inhabitants live bound by the law that prevents them from venturing past the horizon. The commandment is simple: What lies beyond the horizon is unknown, full of ambiguous terrors and uncertainties. Our protagonists are four unlikely birds: Huppu, Kondor, Aurora, and Bat. The adventure begins when these bird characters, each unique in character traits and burdened by personal fears, accidentally get thrown out into the forbidden world beyond the horizon.

Huppu, played by Alicia Vikander, is a paranoid and attention-seeking bird while Kondor, voiced by Jeremy Irons, is a blue-feathered, incessantly assertive disciplinarian. There's also Aurora, displaying a compassionate and nurturing character, and Bat, Khalid Abdalla's figurative character, a knowledge-seeking, curious kind. The narrative is largely based on their navigations of this unknown world and their struggle for survival, during which they meet different birds harboring various political and sociological ideologies.

While "Birds Like Us" is an animated film, it does not limit itself to being a tale exclusively for kids. It dives deep into philosophy, existentialism, and the quest for freedom and truth. Among the many themes it explores, the idea of fear stands out: The fear of uncertainty, the fear of freedom, and the fear of unknown worlds.

Also, captured beautifully are the complex negotiations between freedom and order, knowledge, and ignorance, self-preservation, and community well-being, making it an intriguing watch for adults as well. The film invites us to question our own convictions and beliefs, similar to how these bird protagonists are prompted to question theirs throughout their enthralling journey.

The character development in "Birds Like Us" is brilliantly illustrated, with the use of vivid and expressive animation, artfully portraying the characters’ emotion and growth. Throughout the film, each protagonist experiences a personal evolution triggered by their circumstances, reflecting the human capacity to adapt and grow in the face of adversity.

What strikes one about this film, apart from its intellectual depth, is its visual spectacle. The rich, surreal animation style draws intensely from the aesthetics of Persian art, reflecting the movie's source inspiration. The palette of vibrant colors, masterfully employed to delineate the Bird World and the realm beyond, turns the voyage into a visual feast. This movie is some sort of a beautiful kaleidoscope, where existential drama, visual appeal, and vocal skills tumble together and reflect upon one another, providing a mesmerizing and thought-provoking experience for its viewers.

The voice acting, comprising the talents of Jeremy Irons, Alicia Vikander, and Khalid Abdalla, adds depth to the already multilayered narrative. Jeremy Irons infuses Kondor with a commanding stubbornness, a patriarchal rigidity that is simultaneously intimidating and vulnerable. Alicia Vikander brings an impeccable sense of drama to Huppu, the paranoid bird on the edge. Khalid Abdalla illuminates Bat with the light of curiosity, giving the character a captivating blend of wisdom and innocence.

In conclusion, "Birds Like Us" offers far more than a simple narrative of four birds. It is a striking blend of rich animation and deep philosophical questions. With the sterling voice cast led by Jeremy Irons, Alicia Vikander, and Khalid Abdalla, the movie takes us on an unparalleled journey into a world where profound questions on existence and reality reverberate with the chirping of its avian characters. This movie, therefore, is a must-watch for not only those in love with animation but also those who appreciate philosophical introspection and surreal storytelling.