The Birdcage

A comedy about honesty and family

The Birdcage is the American remake of the 1978 French classic La cage aux folles , itself based on a 1973 play. Director Mike Nichols adapted the story for South Beach, Miami. Robin Williams plays Armand Goldman, owner of the nightclub The Birdcage. Nathan Lane plays his life partner Albert, the club's headliner as a drag queen. Together, they form a couple that has been together for years.

What happens if your son marries the wrong person?

When Armand's son Val announces that he wants to marry Barbara, the daughter of ultraconservative Senator Kevin Keeley (Gene Hackman), the family finds themselves in an awkward situation. To ensure the introduction goes smoothly, Armand and Albert try to pass themselves off as an 'ordinary' family. This leads to a series of funny and touching situations.

Film with a broader meaning

Critics point out that the film derives its strength from the theme of family: the portrayal of a loving, long-lasting relationship between two men and the fact that parents ultimately do everything to make their children happy. The Birdcage grossed over 185 million dollars worldwide.