Lady Bird (2017) User Reviews (931)

A solid, mature and bittersweet coming-of-age tale that manages to shy away from its genre's conventions

[BrokenBeats94 · 8/10 · 21 July 2018]

Lady Bird is surprisingly set in a post-9/11 Sacramento in 2002 , which is an un-usual but refreshing era for a modern coming-of-age story. While coming of age stories can often fall in to their charming but conventional trappings, Lady Bird shines in that it doesn't shy away from showing the faults of the characters it follows throughout its run time, almost to the point that you want to see even more of their journeys through life.

Lady Bird has excellent cinematography and believable characters with identifiable flaws and traits that really ground the movie. Lady Bird takes influence from the 'mumblecore' sub genre (a drama with emphasis on natural dialogue and personal character relationships over plot) and ties it nicely with a coming of age structure that doesn't over stay its welcome and definitely takes its own path you can relate to as a viewer.

Saoirse Ronan is particularly charming as our main character and bounces well with Laurie Metcalf and Tracy Letts filling in as her parents. The movie addresses a few subjects that aren't touched upon in most conventional coming of age movies, which gives the film a mature feeling. Particularly the 15 certificate in the UK meant the film didn't have to pander towards a younger audience, which is exactly want you want as a viewer of this genre because teenagers swear, talk about sex and abuse alcohol/drugs.

Some viewers may find its general pacing, structure and tone to be not particularly entertaining and up beat as many other coming of age movies but I found it enjoyable, funny and grounded. The soundtrack also wasn't particularly that memorable but does include some nods towards that era and adds some licensed tracks that some may appreciate.

A decent coming of age movie that shakes genre conventions but nothing particularly groundbreaking.

Pure coming of age escapism

[aleeward · 7/10 · 29 September 2018]

This film is a blissful piece of nostalgic joy. I was nowhere near Sacramento in 2002, but whilst watching I genuinely felt as if I was there.

The relationship between Ladybird and her mother is the underlying thread throughout and they pull off a believable dynamic that's fun to see. There are also a bunch of other sub stories that are beautifully woven in.

I highly recommend if you want a nice relaxing film that is not too long and makes you smile at the end.

A teen's life, in all its annoying realism

[Semisonic · 7/10 · 5 March 2018]

Fighting with your parents over your freedom to decide for yourself, struggling with financial difficulties, trying so hard to impress others to actually feel like people care about you and pay attention, doing the stupidest things out of fear of being rejected otherwise.

These things, and a million of other ones, are what an almost grown up human being's life is about. Well, maybe not everywhere and not for everyone, but most of us could surely relate to what Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson goes through. What Saoirse Ronan did to her character is no small feat. With her porcelain doll beauty and those pale blue eyes, she goes out of her typical closed and emotionally restrained character and becomes someone who yells and screams and laughs and cries and breaks things on screen, making Lady Bird so intense that it's unbearable at some points.

Making the character of Lady Bird so intense and hard to handle is probably both the film's best feature and its most serious flaw. In all the multitude of coming-of-age movies, the kid characters are mostly childish and they do dumb things often - but then some uncanny wisdom comes upon them and they grow up in our eyes and suddenly become reasonable and - let's be honest about this - tolerable at last. Lady Bird takes a slightly different road of dropping that sugarcoating and leaving Christine what she is - conflicted, hysterical, inconsistent and, damn, annoying! Just like the character of Christine's mother struggles to write her a letter and to choose words that would both be kind and ring true, so does the audience have a hard time accepting Lady Bird's edgy self. I certainly found it hard to do.

It's curious why we people love the coming-of-age stories. The kids watch them to see that someone does understand and does care about who they are, to see someone else who'd tell them that they are not alone. And we adults watch them to seek hope that those chaotic and erratic creatures we once gave birth to are indeed our kin and that sometime soon you'd get on the same page and would be able to actually talk to each other like responsible people.

In terms of promising the older generations a magical realm in which their progeny will be delivered to their hands all mature and stuff, Lady Bird isn't too reassuring. Nor does it promise us that kids secretly understand everything and it's just a lack of communication - because it's just not true. But there's one thing about this story that redeems all the facepalm moments you experience watching those kids do their kid stuff. That, just like the kids are not alone in their struggle, so aren't their parents. So there's no reason to blame the world on yourself and drown yourself in guilt and anger begotten by it - 'cause you're no more guilty than the other guy.

So, if you have a bird you love - just set it free, and if it loves you back, it will return some day and somehow.

Refreshing

[Sebastien02 · 9/10 · 18 May 2018]

This coming of age movie is finely written and directed by Greta Gerwig. She loosely bases the story on her own experiences growing up in Sacramento. The main character, Christine, is 17 years old and calls herself « Lady Bird ». I like her free spirit. Saoirse Ronan fully embodies the role, bringing her energy and her sense of humor. She gives a great performance, as does Laurie Metcalf. Both actresses perfectly capture the complex relationship between a mother and her daughter. The rest of the cast is also good, especially Lucas Hedges and Timothée Chalamet who play the boyfriends. The scenes with them are indeed funny and colorful. This bittersweet comedy deserves to be seen. It's a refreshing portrayal of teenage life.

a touching throwback to the adolescent years

[Special-K88 · 11 March 2018]

In the year 2002, Catholic high school senior Christine McPherson, self-named "Lady Bird," is an impetuous girl literally from the wrong side of the tracks who's at a critical stage in her life: she's continually at odds with her mother, despises her mundane life in Sacramento, and wants to go to college on the east coast in a city with culture. Her ordinary life suddenly takes a turn when she has to deal with popularity, discovering boys and romance, and coping with the problems of people other than her own. Cute, quirky, and thoughtful coming-of-age story is one everyone can relate to, with the all-important themes of teen angst, adolescence, and ambition; colorful dialogue, well-drawn characters, and believable situations are only elevated by a talented cast of actors. Twenty-three-year-old Ronan perfectly embodies the spirit of a self-absorbed teenager in all her complexities, making it easy for viewers to recall a similar time period in their lives. ***

Where many movies about teenagers and high school fail, Ladybird is able to succeed

[madisonhall-78685 · 8/10 · 14 May 2019]

Where many movies about teenagers and high school fail, Ladybird is able to succeed... This 2017, Oscar nominated movie, made by female director Greta Gerwig, is a coming-of-age tale that follows Christine McPherson, "Ladybird," in her final year of high school. Ladybird manages to be a realistic and nostalgic take on the experiences of a teenage girl, all while being hilarious to the audience. This is something most high school movies fail at and it can make any actual high school student feel patronized. Ladybird is never patronizing and even celebrates what it's like to be a teenage girl. Saoirse Ronan, Christine, and Laurie Metcalf, Marion, are an amazing duo as Mother and daughter and the chemistry between them is visible. They manage to capture the highs and lows of a mother-daughter relationship at that point in life. The point between childhood and adulthood, where a teenage girl needs her mother, but needs a taste of independence just as much. Relatable and tender, Ladybird is perfect for any small-town teenager who has ever dreamt of something more from life. Christine's drive to get into the college of her choice is both relatable and inspiring. Christine's two romantic relationships throughout the movie, while being funny, can feel all two familiar to any teenage girl. The sudden ending of the movie may leave some viewers unsatisfied, I would argue that it is the perfect ending. Although that chapter of Christine's life is over and the movie is done, it doesn't mean Christine's story is done altogether.

Gerwig makes a statement on the importance of finding your voice

[Mike_Devine · 7/10 · 23 June 2018]

Offbeat and off brand, Greta Gerwig's 2017 major studio directorial debut 'Lady Bird' is a tale of angst, stress and a strive for perfection and acceptance. The 2002-set film showcases Sacramento in all its glory - or perhaps, lack thereof - and puts Academy Award-nominee Saorise Ronan in the driver's seat to make an impact on audiences.

Think of it as a more mainstream, female 'Napoleon Dynamite,' the themes in 'Bird' are common ones that many young adults can identify with during the confusing, competitive high school years. At the center of the film is Ronan's title character (née, Christine), who stops at nothing to escape her hometown for the east coast while battling her mother, Marion (Laurie Metcalf). This rivalry dominates the entire film and helps us understand how one's environment growing up can have a major impact on their choices in life. Between jumping out of moving vehicles, disrupting assemblies at her Catholic high school and struggling with early love, Lady Bird stumbles her way through senior year in pursuit of being part of the "in crowd."

Of course, this premise offers Gerwig a lot to work with, and her signature dramedic, deadpan tone is a constant throughout 'Bird.' Everything from the way scenes are shot to the quirky music selection are dripping with proverbial eye rolls, and they all work. Sure, there are a few moments that could cause general audiences gasp, but most of them are done in a way that is not mean-spirited or in poor taste. Aside from Ronan's A+ performance, others in the supporting cast don't disappoint, from Lucas Hedges to Timothée Chalamet.

'Lady Bird' was not a monster hit, but it has the building blocks to become a cult classic for this generation, similar to the way 'Dynamite' did nearly 15 years ago, and sets up Gerwig and Ronan to become even bigger stars than they already are.

Character Is The Thing

[damian-fuller · 9/10 · 18 December 2017]

How refreshing and invigorating to meet new people. Familiar and new all at the same time. Familiar because the extraordinary Saorise Ronan connected me to her soul, as soon as she appeared on the screen. Remarkable. She is, without question, one of the best actresses of her generation. She has exceptional support here, Laurie Metcalf as the mother determined to keep her feelings at bay, Lucas Hedges, providing one of the most moving, truthful moments in the film and allowing Saorise Ronan to give us a masterful class in empathy. Timothee Chalamet proves in a very short space of time that he is here to stay. His Elio in Call Me By your Name will be considered one of the great breakthrough performances in film history. Tracy Letts plays the father with irresistible humanity and then, of course, a heartfelt congratulations to the writer, director Greta Gerwing -

I expected more to be honest

[jtindahouse · 6/10 · 27 February 2018]

I kind of like films like 'Lady Bird'. Coming of age, teenage dramas where the characters have infinite charm and deal with things we all remember fondly (or not so) from our adolescence. A particularly fond one from recent memory was 'Edge of Seventeen'. I like them as films, but they have to be something truly superb to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. For me 'Lady Bird' was not quite that good.

I never read any other opinions or reviews of films before I review them myself, so as to make my review as purely mine as possible. I read in the trivia section though that this has been a nearly perfectly reviewed film. I'm going to be fascinated to read a number of those reviews. That's not to say I can't see someone giving this a good review - it's a perfectly good film after all - but for no one to have found fault in it is incredulous to me.

Saoirse Ronan has been nominated for Best Actress in a Lead Role. She was good without really blowing me away. She had charm and innocence and likability down, but she wasn't given a whole lot of emotion to work with in her character. It's hard to see her winning. Laurie Metcalf was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress and again there simply wasn't enough for her to work with to have any chance of winning the award. She did well with what she was given, but never blew me away by any means.

I would describe 'Lady Bird' as forgettable. A solid, well made, well acted film that I will likely never recall ever again. There is nothing there that will stick with me. When I think back on the great Best Picture nominees over the years (even the ones that didn't win, 'Amour' 'The Green Mile' etc.) they have moments that will stick in my memory until the day I die. 'Lady Bird' had nothing like that in any way, shape or form. Not a bad film, I had just hoped for more.

Very nice movie

[mrokiriko · 8/10 · 26 July 2019]

It's funny, sad and heartwarming at the same time, like the real life is. So many emotions combined with fine editing and great storytelling. So many pieces with small stories about adulthood, first steps in independent life, child dreams, first love interests, heartbreaking moments with people around and the main storyline about true hard love between mother and daughter. This story really resonated in me. In each character I found someone I know. Post graduation problems and love that is not always easy to show and understand from another.

A funny coming of age story

[prkiberisavljevic · 7/10 · 21 February 2018]

I love Saoirse Ronan in this movie. She is hilarious,almost crazy. I loved how she portrayed her character ,Christine "Ladybird". She is different from everybody in the school,kinda like a nerd,except she is not a nerd. She portrays a girl that is not so popular in high school,and is a bit quirky. Her relationship with her mother is another story this movie tells. On the surface,she and her mother despise one another and can't agree to almost anything,but that is not true. They always fight because they are similar,and they have really strong independent personalities that just can't be contained. For me,their relationship was beautifully portrayed,with so many layers and so much depth. This movie is very heart warming and I enjoyed in it,probably because I am in my twenties and struggle with same problems as Ladybird. It's a very nice movie,fun and easy to watch. Totally recommend it.

A beautiful coming of age movie

[chaz-76862 · 10/10 · 29 March 2018]

I went into seeing this movie without any idea what this movie was about. I knew that it was a coming of age tale but that was about it. As I walked away, I knew I had just seen something great.

Firstly, the script was amazing. The dialogue between the characters was very flowing and felt very real. I felt invested in the characters and the situations they were going through because the script showed them as honest human beings. When a film does that, you know its good.

Secondly, the acting. The acting was so honest and down to earth that the characters became even more developed and towards the end I began to feel for them. They really sold the comic moments and the felling of growing up and discovering yourself.

Finally, the cinematography. While I was watching this I didn't pay too much the the cinematography, partly because I was more invested in the story, but upon thinking about it, it was beautiful. I was shot in a way that kept the audience interested for its whole run time and at no point was I thinking about anything else.

Overall, this film will go down as one of my favourites for being real, heart felt and beautiful.

Flies and Nests into Your Heart for an Extended Stay

[trevor-82944 · 6/10 · 17 November 2017]

We each have nicknames given to us by loved ones. My dad always called my sister "boop" (for reasons unknown), and he called me "TFF" for "Trevor-fo-fevor;" one friend of mine went by his middle name "Xavier," and another calls his daughter "goose." Nicknames always become so personal because they say practically everything about the bond between the name's owner and the name's caller.

So what could be told about a girl who gave herself the nickname Lady Bird? One, she has high self-dependency. Two, she seeks image confidence. Three, she feels too distanced from mom and dad to accept their nicknames. Indeed, you learn even more about Lady Bird as her graduation impends- class of 2003.

Lady Bird just wants to fly away from dull old Sacramento for college on the East Coast; her disrespect upon the confused adults seems understandable enough, since 9/11 still dawdles fresh in the nation's memory. However, Lady Bird only knows Sacramento's restrictive side. Director/writer Greta Gerwig, along with the small production crew, pays off their united vision in a humble, down to earth fashion similar to an early 2000's comedy. Gerwig's often slow/often fast approach documents Lady Bird's problems under the awkward pressure of growing up into the unknown: awareness about weight gain, knowing who her real friends are, uncertainty about sexuality, plus more you survived in your youth.

Lady Bird's oppressive school adds but an extra layer of confusion. The familiar details of a religious institution restrict every teen's need for self-discovery: dancers keep ten inches apart for the Holy Spirit, skirts below knee level, etc. Lady Bird expresses her attitude about the rules by the way she casually eats the communion wafers as if they were goldfish crackers.

Yet the girl's shaky maternal bond most allows the coming of age story's real heart to bloom. Right away the two argue in the car about college, a disagreement she ends by opening the door to the pavement. Now a pink cast on her forearm, a profanity written on toward the one she accuses as responsible, explains their whole relationship. Contrary to Lady Bird's assumptions, mother truly loves her, as expressed through a clear balance between disciplined silence and a compassionate ear to keep Lady Bird's head on straight. You may even notice a subtle role reversal, proving Lady Bird's invisible likenesses to her family. So I wholeheartedly recommend Lady Bird for any mother-daughter night out.

While the script's more personal than usual, it still comes off one- sided, mainly against Lady Bird's overly oppressive Catholic school experience. Both inside and outside the school, Lady Bird's rebellious actions, such as shoplifting, play either for cheap laughs or to cast a stark shadow over religion. Her two older adoptive siblings also contribute little plot importance besides forgettable reactions about her attitude. These two piercing studded emos of ethnic color should have been more down-to-earth voices of reason, ones different from the parents or teachers, but this opportunity is missed.

Gerwig's approach predominantly passed the opportunity of true love for Sacramento as a location. Remember that song about West Virginia? A love letter about the state's old life: older than the trees and younger than the mountains? No comparable love for the city of Sacramento resolves Lady Bird's matters in a satisfying fashion by the end.

An added complaint goes to the crew's decision to cast 23-year-old Saoirse Ronan to play a teenager, even though she looks too old to play someone underaged. A couple of the other actors halt the enjoyment, particularly Lucas Hedges' (Manchester by the Sea), clumsy performance as Lady Bird's little turtle-dove.

Although many other strong performances keep the production's awards thirst hydrated, especially Oscar-bound Laurie Metcalf, who vigorously plays Mrs. Lady Bird. Stephen Henderson, the underrated thespian from Fences, satisfies as well as the school's cheerful old drama coach.

So, if I had a nickname for Lady Bird, it would still embrace the initials LB, for "Loving Believability," as you believe the low points and love the high points. Everyone itches at some desire to leave home, so we each could use a comforting soul like Lady Bird by our side.

Sorry...

[enterprise77 · 3/10 · 14 December 2017]

I wish I could agree with the high-scoring reviews, but I cannot. This movie seemed flat, monotone, mildly entertaining. The lead was perfunctory...another disgruntled teen who desperately wants to get out of her home town and fly to the East Coast "where there is culture". New Hampshire and culture? Hmmm... Lady Bird clashes with her mom (Laurie Metcalf...who deserves 10 stars by herself). So, a teen clashes with her mom...wow...news flash. Dad loses his job...and seems to be just fine with that, even though they are running out of money. Weird. The supporting cast seems to be chosen to complete a requisite menu of characters: the overweight but beautiful-inside best friend, the gorgeous and wealthy but shallow new friend, the handsome but...surprise...gay boy. Somehow this lack of originality does not drive a strong story line. The crash and burn ending is, well, the only twist in this story...so, back home she goes, and realizes she really does love Sacramento. Perhaps Sacramento is a metaphor for almost every town in America, but the story never hints at that. So, sorry, this one just did not resonate with me.

A sweet, heartwarming coming-of-age tale.

[breheneyjames · 8/10 · 3 March 2018]

'Lady Bird' is written and directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Saoirse Ronan as Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson. "Lady Bird" is name she gave herself as a rebellious act against her mother Marion played wonderfully by Laurie Metcalf. Lady Bird even remarks near the end film that 'some people won't believe in God but they'll just accept a name given to them by their parents'. Ronan's title character is one of the most rebellious and defiant lead characters of the year topped only by Frances McDormand's Mildred Hayes in 'Three Billboards'. It's very entertaining and at times poignant to watch her verbally spar with her mother over something as tedious as straightening a bed cover in a hotel room. This is testament to both the cast and Gerwig's script which keeps things feeling fresh and new in every scene.

Although I do like this film I don't quite love it like most people do and all the enormous praise it has received over the past few months as lead to being considered one of if not the best film of the year. For me it's not quite up there although it was very pleasant and entertaining to watch. There is a great sense of place present in the movie and it's clear that Gerwig and her title character really do actually love Sacramento as the latter begins to realize when speaking with a nun (Lois Smith) at her school towards the end of the film.

The movie has a great ensemble cast including Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges and Timothee Chalamet who all give decent turns as their respective vital characters. However, it really is carried by Ronan and Metcalf and the best moments are when they are sharing scenes together. It is crazy to think that Ronan who is good in literally everything is on her third Oscar nomination with this film. But then again considering the talent she has maybe it's not crazy at all but expected. So all in all, 'Lady Bird' is a sweet, heartwarming coming-of-age tale that pulls you in with its intriguing script and keeps you their with its magnetic performances.

Mothers and Daughters and growing up in Sacremento.

[graupepillard · 6/10 · 19 November 2017]

Greta Gerwig, usually disappoints me - as an actress and now in her writing and directorial debut, LADY BIRD, a coming-of-age film about a seventeen-year-old girl growing up in Sacramento "…the Midwest of California…" (the best line in the film,) and the love/hate relationship she has with her working-class family and peers. Social distinctions figure prominently in Gerwig's cinematic world of "ironic class strivers." I keep wondering why I am left cold by her words and her characters and eventually understood that LADY BIRD is too self-consciously trying to be inclusive - inclusive of every contemporary issue - touching upon a diversity of characters and situations with momentary episodic flashes.The touch is light, illustrating concerns rather than delving into them, giving us tokenism - glossing over deep pain and longing with a CliffsNotes diminution.

Saoirse Ronan is excellent as Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson - a nickname she gives herself to appear distinctive. I am sympathetic to the aspirations of a young, self- involved teenager searching for a path to glamour and excitement. Youth is an innocent time - one open to endless fantasies - reality has not yet penetrated the hermetic world of dreams. The "firsts" of the teen years - first kiss, first sexual experience leading to the loss of virginity, first self-awareness of one's own ethical and moral values, and the critical realization that the world is not always spinning for you alone - solely for your personal gratification.

The film opens with Lady Bird and her mother - a wonderful performance by Laurie Metcalf - who is driving and listening to Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath on audio tape - both simultaneously weeping, moved by the beauty of the spoken words; their mirrored responses reflect their enduring affection. And suddenly the mood is shattered and we see the other side of their relationship - a mother who works double shifts as a psychiatric nurse to supplement the family income so that her daughter can go to a private Catholic school; the burden of monetary expenses weighs heavily on her shoulders. The ever-present resentment that comes with sacrifice is often unleashed on her oblivious daughter in a torrent of sarcasm, humiliation, and disparagement.

Greta Gerwig is at her best in the scenes between mother/father and daughter. A lovely tenderness exists which is often choked and stifled by the exigencies of financial straits.The underpinnings are there for a truly fine movie, but in the rush to cast a wide net, Gerwig compromises her subjects' humanity, placing a veil of bromides over what could have been profound interactions. Maybe next time. I hope so.

Great performances and a strong story

[bdan35 · 9/10 · 20 June 2018]

More closer to life than anything in recent memory. Complemented by great performances. Not groundbreaking but truly heartfelt, from all levels. So subtle yet ultimately so affecting.

Good Directorial debut !

[Lewis_Heather787 · 7/10 · 29 December 2017]

When you hear all the fantastic praise that a new Oscar bait film is getting, you should probably watch it. Even though I'm personally not the target audience or demographic for this film I still ended up liking the film quite a bit.

The biggest accomplishment and positive in the film is the directing by Greta Gerwig, which for a first time directing is an outstanding achievement. You honestly would not be able to tell if this was directing by an all time great or a newcomer. She has done an amazing job directing the film in this regard it has no faults at all. With this being her first film she has an extremely bright and interesting future ahead and I'm definitely now keen to see what she does next.

The other main positive of the film are the performances which across the board are fantastic, however there are a couple of standouts. Firstly Saoirse Ronan who is fantastic in the film and brings such heart to the character of Lady Bird. For me personally this is one of her best performances that she has done and only increases her reputation. Hopefully this will open up the door for her to get bigger roles more often, she is brilliant. The other standout in the film is Lady Bird's mother played by Laurie Metcalf, she is again incredible in the role and brings elements to her character that I think everyone will recognise in their own mother. She hopefully will get some awards buzz and maybe even a nomination.

Unfortunately though and I know that this is my own personal problem and fault that I feel this is film maybe a little overrated. This is partially to due my fault because well this isn't my type of film, I know thats not the films fault. I could never really connect to the story of the film but again thats my own opinion and fault, but I can understand how and why people really do connect with the story. Lastly the film is good is just nothing amazing or ground breaking in any sense so thats where I'm a little......not disappointed...... let down by the film because I was expecting a lot more considering the praise.

Overall its 70% out of 100 or 7 out of 10 its a good film and its a brilliant starting point for Greta Gerwig's directing career. As well as bringing us great directing it gives us two great performances that will really leave an impression on you after watching it. However because I couldn't connect to the film that much it didn't hit me as hard as it should emotionally, but again thats my problem really not the films. Best directing Oscar Nomination?

Nicely Autobioed

[Vlad_Imirivan · 8/10 · 25 June 2018]

"Lady Bird" is a sensitive autobiographical account of growing up in Sacramento, California.

Her recounting of the way she tested her boundaries with both her family and her parochial school is pleasing in some respects but teeth-grating in a couple of others.

As a result, some of its content, particularly a sexual encounter in which the title character is a bit shy of her 18th birthday, necessitates a restrictive classification. The scene is not lurid, but that's the point Gerwig is making: Nothing this girl does as she explores her limits as a daughter and student, however misguided, is capable of shocking anyone except herself.

This is particularly true at the all-girls parochial school Christine McPherson -- who insists that everyone call her Lady Bird -- attends. It's headed by the compassionate, good-humoured Sister Sarah Joan (Lois Smith), who tries to help Christine identify her talents.

When Sister Sarah Joan suggests Lady Bird has "a performative streak," she lands a part in the school musical and thinks she's found a caring boyfriend in fellow actor Danny O'Neill (Lucas Hedges). But their relationship ends abruptly when, in another uncomfortable passage of the film, she sees him kissing another boy at the cast party.

She then pursues Kyle Scheible all the way to a discreetly handled carnal moment that does not conclude the way Christine was expecting it to.

Lady Bird is eager to get out of her dull hometown, which she compares to "the Midwest of California." And she hasn't set her sights on the kind of state-subsidized university her cash-strapped family can afford, aiming instead at somewhere she imagines will be more cultured.

Even then, Sister Sarah Joan is onto her, though. Reading one of her college-application essays, she remarks, "It's clear how much you love Sacramento." "I guess I pay attention," Lady Bird responds. To this, the nun asks, "Don't you think they're the same thing?"

Lady Bird isn't rebellious enough to roll her skirt, but she enjoys exploring taboos. She nonchalantly snacks on Communion wafers, for instance, while gossiping with a friend in the back room of a chapel. When another student expresses understandable shock, Lady Bird assures her that the hosts are unconsecrated.

But Immaculate Heart High School does have a nonnegotiable code of deportment. So when Lady Bird interrupts a pro-life lecture with "Just because something is ugly doesn't mean it's morally wrong," she earns a brief suspension. The point isn't explored further. This is depicted as just another expression of Lady Bird's adolescent -- and, so the script's tone suggests, largely unjustified -- discontent.

Gerwig herself is not Catholic but attended a Catholic high school, and Lady Bird, although it's not made explicit, is in the same situation. She's not rebelling against church teachings, though, as much as life in general and her place in it.

Lady Bird's mother, the perpetually stressed Marion , with whom she bickers, works double shifts as a psychiatric nurse because husband Larry is out of work.

Gerwig takes care to show that Lady Bird is capable of rapid emotional shifts while willing to accept her mother's point of view. She ends one argument with Marion early in the film by hurling herself out the of the car they're driving in. Later, she stops another by cooing over a prom dress at a thrift store.

It's no spoiler to point out that the movie's conclusion, during which Lady Bird has finally achieved her dream of college in New York, shows a very strong old-school moral compass at work. It's a redeeming wrap-up. But the problematic material that precedes it requires thoughtful discernment by grown viewers well-grounded in their faith.

cc K.Jensen

Average and nothing out of the ordinary

[The_Polish_Commoner · 6/10 · 1 March 2018]

The movie itself is decent, average, not really keeping you at the edge of your seat. Basically can be summed up by the following: "a teen girl is going through her senior year of a Catholic high school, not seeing eye to eye with her mother she wants to study at a lib arts college in NYC. She ditches her friend for the popular kids, then reunites with said friend. In the end she graduates high school, gets into college in NY and moves there." and that is more or less it. Very unsophisticated story. Boring at times. Actually made me wonder how is this movie different from half of the stuff they show on Lifetime or Hallmark. The film is funny from time to time, but also makes me wonder about the reality of what is presented. The family of the protagonist is struggling financially despite her mother working double shifts and the father having an MBA from UC Davis. Granted it's not Harvard or Stanford, but an MBA typically does make your career prospects increase. Her brother, a math graduate from Berkeley, can't seem to find a job, and it's because of the piercings in his face. Is that a big surprise? Has no one told him beforehand? Maybe the parents should have shed some light on the fact that you must look presentable whilst going to a job interview. Completely unrealistic. The acting itself was enjoyable. We can see in Ronan a rising star, although I actually preferred her performance in Brooklyn. It's a movie possibly worth seeing if you have nothing to do in the evening and feel like going to the cinema.

Funny, biting and never anything less than human

[DJKwa · 8/10 · 11 February 2018]

Funny, biting and never anything less than human, Lady Bird is an assured directorial debut for indie darling Greta Gerwig. Through her writing and directing, she seems to have absorbed the best qualities of frequent collaborator Noah Baumbach while infusing the film with a personality that feels decisively her own. The characters feel real, the dialogue is snappy and full of witty interplay and it's all neatly packaged into a brisk 93 minutes meaning Lady Bird never looses its edge.

In the titular role, Saoirse Ronan stars as Christine McPherson, a rebellious seventeen year-old who dyes her hair pink, eats communion wafers like snacks and insists that everyone call her Lady Bird. Living in the anaemic suburbs of Sacramento, California (as characterised by an opening quote from Joan Didion), the film follows Christine as she navigates her last year at a Catholic high school from shifting friendships, first loves and, of course, prom.

Despite containing all the requisite elements, calling Lady Bird a coming of age story feels reductive as the film ruminates on parenthood just as much as it does on adolescence. Christine's strained relationship with her mother is an integral part of the story and the depth afforded to her parents ensure they are not simply ancillaries to Christine's own personal growth.

Her mother, Marion (Laurie Metcalf), struggles to accept Christine for who she is, juggling her responsibilities as a mother with her willingness to provide unconditional love. She tells her daughter, "I want you to be the very best version of yourself that you can be", to which Christine replies, "What if this is the best version?"

On the other hand, Christine's relationship with her father, Larry (Tracy Letts), is less tempestuous but marked by a brewing sadness. Having recently lost his job and struggling with depression, Larry has to come to terms with the fact that his daughter will soon move out to go to college. The poignant scene the two share together on Christine's eighteenth birthday is pronounced by the mutual understanding that the transition into adulthood means letting go.

The film is remarkably well balanced in its depictions of both sides of the coming-of age narrative. The trials and tribulations experienced by both Christine and her parents' is why Lady Bird will likely feel relatable to audiences of all ages. Even so, Gerwig has stated that she wrote the character of Lady Bird as the opposite to how she was in high school. Perhaps then, Lady Bird feels relatable, as through Christine she has crafted a character for the rebellious, non-conformist streak within all of us.

Better safe than sorry

[axapvov · 6/10 · 16 February 2018]

Greta Gerwig had time to polish the script, it shows. It seems it was done by 2013, so she had time to asbsorb it as well. That´s the first noticeable thing. There isn´t a wasted moment in "Lady Bird" and the pace is relentless all the way, like a mainstream version of the first minutes of "Frances Ha". There´s confidence in the chosen scenes so it quickly goes from one thing to the next and the film feels like a "greatest hits" from a trimmed screenplay. Lady Bird gradually evolves from an odious brat in the hilarious first scene to a grown-up and we see her every step of the way.

Saoirse Ronan is perfect for the role but I think it´s Laurie Metcalf who really dignifies the whole thing and takes it to another level. The mother-daughter relationship is the main focus although it´s well balanced with other aspects like first romances, friendships and school issues. Greta Gerwig takes advantage of her wide experience and the film is focused and doesn´t feel like a debut. It´s quick, pleasant to watch and confident about the semi auto-biographical material. She takes bits of Wes Anderson, Noah Baumbach and Woody Allen (oh, the irony) and makes something else although it doesn´t really have a strong personal voice.

"Lady Bird" goes through the motions relying a bit too much on the script. It´s too frantic to let any moment breathe. It´s focused on not making any mistake and therefore feels like a safe effort without any stand-out scene. Without the mother character, it would be just another, slightly above average, feel-good comedy about a regular girl. Most of the originality comes from the uncommon setting in Sacramento. She insists on how bad she has it but still goes to college. She gets everything she sets her eyes on, so it´s a rather comfortable ride.

Overrated

[fateema-64564 · 5/10 · 5 March 2018]

I've heard only good reviews about this film and I have to admit, I was excited to see what was it all about. After watching it though I have to say it was a bit disappointing.

The plot is supposed to be this coming of age story, about a young high school student who's coming into terms with who she is and what she wants to do. Yet, I didn't find it interesting for the main fact that it is hoarded to death! How many times have we seen this concept in movies? The sidetracked high school teen wanting to get with the "in" crowd, going through phases of "rebellions", trying to be oh so "edgy" and "cool" just to realize that she was doing more harm to those who actually cared about her towards the end. We have seen this more than once already, so Lady bird offers nothing original or creative.

The financial issues are meant to be centre stage in this movie, and I have to say they do play a bigger role than just people talking about them but even that is quite minor and does nothing but serve as a dramatic/plot device that is just easily discarded as the movie rolls. I mean her family is supposed to be struggling financially since the setting is that of the early 2000s, yet LadyBird still manages to afford and go to a "private" catholic school that is filled with rich students, she can still get a new dress to go to prom, her family lives in Sacramento, CA not exactly the cheapest state out there and they seem to be pulling off just nicely. Yes, they might not be as well off as the rest of the crowd living around them but they're doing just fine! To me the financial issues just seemed surreal and unrealistic. They're more Middle class than poor.

The ending is just anti-climatic. She finally gets what she wants, LadyBird never struggles to get what she wants. She never have to study hard or pull off hardships to make her dreams come true, aside from being suspended for being a jerk at school, dating a few jocks and throwing fits at her mom. She has it pretty easy. Her character is bratty and it's very hard for anyone to sympathize or relate to her as a person. I know I didn't.

Would I recommend this film to anybody? Not really. There are many other movies with a similar theme so it is very likely that you have come across one of these films before. LadyBird just draws the same elements from most high school/teen dramas and repackage them into a different setting with different characters and that is it. The plot is rehashed and recycled, it makes the film quite forgettable.

Sweet bird of youth...

[mhmt_korkmaz · 9/10 · 25 February 2018]

Everything seems so cliche but flows so naturally and profoundly. Character development, sisters and brothers, moms and dads, friends and lovers.. This movie sucks you into a well forgotten past, full of memories of youth. Story very well told, mission accomplished.