Birds of Prey

Movie Trailer

Release Date
February 7, 2020

Genre
Action, Adventure, Crime

Cast & Crew

• Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn
• Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Helena Bertinelli / Huntress
• Jurnee Smollett as Dinah Lance / Black Canary
• Rosie Perez as Renee Montoya
• Ewan McGregor as Roman Sionis / Black Mask
• Chris Messina as Victor Zsasz
• Ella Jay Basco as Cassandra Cain
• Ali Wong as Ellen Yee

Director
Cathy Yan

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Dead Pigs (2018)

Producer

• Margot Robbie
• Bryan Unkeless
• Sue Kroll

Writer

• Christina Hodson

Budget
$82–100 million

Production Company

• Warner Bros. Pictures
• DC Films
• LuckyChap Entertainment
• Kroll & Co. Entertainment
• Clubhouse Pictures

Running Time
109 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence
• Language throughout
• Some drug use
• Sexual references

Movie Story
Birds of Prey is a vibrant and chaotic action film that centers on the beloved anti-hero Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), following her emancipation from the Joker. After their breakup, Harley finds herself without the protection of her infamous ex-boyfriend, making her a target for many of Gotham City’s criminals. Among them is Roman Sionis, also known as Black Mask (Ewan McGregor), a narcissistic crime lord who seeks to solidify his power in the city.

As Harley navigates her newfound independence, she becomes entangled in a series of events that lead her to cross paths with three other formidable women: Dinah Lance, also known as Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett), a singer with a powerful voice; Helena Bertinelli, the Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a skilled assassin seeking revenge for her family’s murder; and Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), a tough-as-nails detective who is determined to bring down Sionis.

The plot revolves around a valuable diamond that has been stolen by a young pickpocket, Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco), who inadvertently becomes the target of Sionis and his sadistic henchman, Victor Zsasz (Chris Messina). Harley, seeing an opportunity to save her own skin, agrees to retrieve Cassandra in exchange for her own safety. However, as the story unfolds, Harley, Dinah, Helena, and Renee must band together to protect Cassandra and take down Sionis, leading to an explosive and colorful showdown.

Birds of Prey is characterized by its fast-paced action, dark humor, and distinct visual style. The film’s narrative is told from Harley’s perspective, giving it a chaotic and irreverent tone that mirrors her personality. The story explores themes of empowerment, identity, and the bonds that form between women as they fight against a common enemy.

Special Effects
The special effects in Birds of Prey are integral to its over-the-top action sequences and vibrant aesthetic. The film makes use of stylized fight choreography, dynamic camera work, and CGI to create visually striking scenes that are both entertaining and impactful. From Harley’s acrobatic combat style to the explosive final battle at an abandoned amusement park, the effects enhance the film’s comic book feel and add to its sense of fun and unpredictability.

Box Office Performance
Birds of Prey grossed approximately $205 million worldwide, which, while respectable, was below expectations given its budget and marketing. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its performances, particularly Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn, as well as its action sequences and unique style. However, it faced stiff competition and was affected by its R-rating, which limited its audience.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA
• Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “I’m the one they should be scared of. Not you. Not Mr. J. Because I’m Harley freaking Quinn!” – Harley Quinn
• “I’m here to report a terrible crime… this one!” – Harley Quinn
• “You betrayed him. You killed his BFF. And you’re dumb enough to be building a case against him. So unless we all want to die very unpleasant deaths and let Roman go finger-fishing in our faces, we’re gonna have to work together.” – Harley Quinn

Behind-the-Scenes
Margot Robbie, who also served as a producer on the film, was instrumental in bringing Birds of Prey to life, envisioning a story that would showcase Harley Quinn’s character beyond her association with the Joker. Director Cathy Yan was chosen for her unique vision and ability to balance action with character-driven storytelling. The film’s costume design and production design were widely praised for their creativity and how they reflected the personalities of the characters. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of pop, rock, and hip-hop tracks, further amplified the film’s energetic and rebellious tone.

Awards

• Nominated for the Critics’ Choice Super Award for Best Actress in a Superhero Movie (Margot Robbie)
• Nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Comic-to-Film Motion Picture
• Nominated for the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actress (Margot Robbie)

Final Verdict
Birds of Prey is a wild and entertaining ride that brings a fresh perspective to the superhero genre. With its strong female-led cast, dynamic action, and distinctive style, the film offers a fun and empowering experience that sets it apart from other entries in the DC Extended Universe. Margot Robbie shines as Harley Quinn, delivering a performance that is both chaotic and endearing, making Birds of Prey a must-watch for fans of the character and those looking for a superhero film with a twist.

IMDb Rating
6.0/10