Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that The Birdcage is a fun, comedic romp in an adult setting: a South Beach nightclub with a drag show. There's some strong language: "F--k" and variations are used about a dozen times; other profanity is infrequent and includes "a--hole" and "s--t." Characters are frequently seen drinking, usually with a meal or in celebration, but sometimes characters comedically guzzle from a bottle. Two characters are occasionally depicted smoking. A lot of extras in the background are scantily clad, and some phallic home-decor items are seen. Some viewers upset by Robin Williams' death may feel a chill when his character says almost in passing that he's going to kill himself.
Sexual
Content
South Beach-area background people are scantily clad and occasionally seen semi-nude from the back in G-string swimwear. Household helper Agador's bare bottom is seen once when he's also wearing a thong. A nightclub performer is seen grabbing his crotch in a dance number. A home is decorated with a lot of phallic artwork, and primitive statues with prominent, erect penises are seen.
Violence
Early on Armand breaks down a door in a scene played for comedy. A dinner-party discussion includes a reference to killing abortion doctors. Some viewers upset by Robin Williams' death may feel a chill when his character says almost in passing that he's going to kill himself.
Language
Most frequently used, about a half-dozen times, is "f--k" and variations. Other strong language used a few times each includes "a--holes," "s--t," and "fag." Used once or twice each: "bastard," "bitch," whore," "goddamn," "prick," "ass," "damn," and "son of a bitch."
Social
Behavior
Be true to yourself and your loved ones. If you try to hide who you are or lie about who you are to others, you'll only make matters worse by hurting yourself and those you care about. Keep an open mind when you meet someone who seems really different or strange. We're all just people who want the same opportunities for happiness in life.
Consumerism
Time, People, and Newsweek magazines are mentioned once.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Armand smokes in several scenes, as does his adult son Val. Adults frequently drink champagne, scotch, and wine, including the 20-year-old son, and they're sometimes seen comedically swigging from bottles. Some scenes take place in a nightclub, and drinks are served to patrons. Armand takes a pill once with his morning coffee. Albert asks for tranquilizers before a performance, but he doesn't know that Agador's really just giving him aspirin.
