Catherine Called Birdy

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source: Catherine Called Birdy

Enough people have gone over the plot so I won't touch on that. I did not read the book, but was excited for this movie when I saw the trailer. It's obvious from the trailer that we are not to expect a history lesson or music by Thomas Moore. The entire cast is wonderful and Bella Ramsey is a joy in this role. Do I think a young woman of that time would get away with acting the way she does, NO! Were girls forced to marry men they didn't want to, pretty much always. RELAX, It's a dreamy movie of "what if a girl could actually take control of her destiny, rather than be treated like a sheep?" Because, let's face it, women were nothing but pawns back in those days, and we haven't come a great deal farther since. Sit back and enjoy it.

Very good and extremely funny and well written. The only character I did not like, was The Suitor played by Russell Brand. I think his acting skills have always been horrible. That's just in my opinion. Every time I watch a movie or show, and find out that he is in it, for me personally, it seems to take away from the story itself. This story however, was extremely well written and the characters were very thought out. The directing is excellent and the cast is very talented. Even though I did not like one of the characters I still highly recommend seeing it. I would have given it more stars, but there was a few times that the storyline lacked in my opinion not much but a little bit.

It is the thirteen century and fourteen year old Lady Catherine, known as 'Birdie', is on the cusp of womanhood. She lives with her parents at their manor in Lincolnshire. She is far from ladylike and when her periods start she tries to hide it, fearing her father will marry her off to a rich suitor as the family coffers are somewhat bare. She is right to be concerned but even after he finds out she manages to put off most of those who her father arranges for her to meet. Meanwhile she realises she has feelings for one of her friends, a peasant boy. I thought this film was a real delight. Birdie is a fun protagonist; sharp-witted and not one to play by the rules without being obnoxious. Bella Ramsey is great in the role. The rest of the cast, which includes many familiar actors, also impresses. It might be argued that England of that time was not as racially diverse as the cast but that hardly matters here as the subject is never mentioned. The whole feel of the film is modern, right down to the choice of modern music and the way people speak... and I don't just mean they aren't speaking the English of Chaucer! The settings are good although Shropshire, where it was filmed, is more rugged that Lincolnshire, it looks more in keeping with the time than most of modern Lincolnshire would; also Stokesay Castle is an ideal period location to use. The story is a lot of fun; the issues Birdie deals with may be of a different era but one can still understand the way she feels. Overall I'd certainly recommend this for all but the youngest children; there is plenty to enjoy and little that offends.

It's not the comedy I was expecting. However, it is delightful due to the actors' performances - the chemistry between Bella Ramsey (who leads the film brilliantly) and all the other actors is so good that it makes up for any weaknesses in the script. Bella Ramsey's performance at the monastery made me laugh out loud as well as Paul Kaye's and David Bradley's performances. I found Birdy's relationship with both her father, played by Andrew Scott, and Uncle George, played by Joe Alwyn, unexpectedly moving. I loved Sophie Okonedo - what a coup to have all these talented actors in this film. I also enjoyed the soundtrack esp. The 'girlish' fantasy scene with her Uncle. Great to have a new family film to enjoy. And can't wait to see more of Bella Ramsey.

It's a shame this film isn't better because it has a great cast and the filming locations in Shropshire provide a gorgeous backdrop. Unfortunately, the story just seems a little silly and the ending is far-fetched, with the father doing a complete reversal of his previous character. He starts out not even knowing what colour his own daughter's hair is and by the end is suddenly putting her needs first. Really? I think the film just skews very young and is probably best aimed at 10-13 year olds rather than grown ups. Maybe that audience would enjoy it more than I did. It's worth a watch just to see how beautiful Stokesay Castle and the Shropshire Hills look on film. More films should be made here.

For a drama putting itself as being "medieval ", it's full of historical inaccuracies, ie knickers, which weren't invented until much later, and fully bound modern books and stationary which quite frankly look ridiculous in this setting. The whole look of the film is too modern in its tone, texture and how it makes use of language, not so much as what is being said but how it's said. Certain casualness with the relationships between characters is too modern and the interplay between the characters is annoying. It tries to make an attempt at being medieval in tone, almost ignorant of how the way the world works, but there was some learning going on. Young people wouldn't have been allowed to have had extended childhoods and would be expected to enter the adult world earlier than now. That wouldn't have made for an entertaining film perhaps but would have been more historically accurate. I had to give up watching this as the annoying characters and inaccuracies overshadowed any expectations I had of finishing the film.

Lena Dunham's newest film Catherine Called Birdy tackles gender norms in the Middle Ages with tact and humor, making it a great introduction to medieval comedy for those of appropriate age to handle the gore and thematic elements. Catherine Called Birdy, as you might expect, follows the 14-year-old Lady Catherine (Bella Ramsey), whose nickname is Birdy. She's a tomboy to the nth degree, playing with her best friend, a goatherd, rolling in mud and dirt and scorning all that the Middle Ages would deem "ladylike" comportment. Her father, Lord Rollo (Andrew Scott), is deeply financially destitute and utterly greedy, so he aims to use his daughter as his path out of financial ruin by marrying her off to a wealthy man for money and land. What ensues is comedy gold, but also empowering, as Lady Catherine fights back against the repressive expectations for women of the time. Lena Dunham's direction and Bella Ramsey's performance really add to this film. Dunham crafts every scene to be perfectly shot and cut, and the young Ramsey shows her talent as Lady Catherine, standing up to injustice and sexism with superb dialogue delivery and emoting throughout the film. I also love how the writers have crafted Lord Rollo's role; besides fueling the main conflict of Catherine Called Birdy, his character flaws make him perhaps the most complex character of the whole film. Andrew Scott works magic as Lord Rollo, especially in the final scenes of the film where the message is hammered in. Catherine Called Birdy promotes standing up to rules you feel are unjust. There are some violent (but not graphic) and disturbing scenes, including a difficult childbirth. I give Catherine Called Birdy 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18. By Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST!