Fire Birds (1990)
Nicolas Cage and Tommy Lee Jones take to the skies in this adrenaline-charged military thriller pitting elite Apache pilots against a ruthless drug cartel.
Fire Birds - Movie Information
- Original Title: Fire Birds
- Release Year: 1990
- Directed by: David Green
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Adventure
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 25, 1990 (United States - PG-13), October 19, 1990 (United Kingdom), July 12, 1990 (Germany - 12)
- Alternative Titles: 阿帕奇戰紀 (HK), Wings of the Apache (UK)
- Production Companies: Nova International Films, Touchstone Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Fire Birds - Plot
A joint task force operation between the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Army has been formed to dismantle one of the largest drug cartels operating in South America. Multiple attempts to assault the cartel's mountainous compound have been thwarted by a Scorpion-attack helicopter piloted by a cartel leader, Eric Stoller (Bert Rhine). After having several aircraft shot down, most notably a pair of UH–60 Black Hawks and their AH–1 Cobra escorts, the army turns to the new AH–64 Apache attack helicopter, which can match its enemies' maneuverability and firepower.
Fire Birds - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Apache helicopters in action:
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Fire Birds - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- David Green
Main Cast
- Nicolas Cage
- Tommy Lee Jones
- Sean Young
- Bryan Kestner
- Dale Dye
- Illana Diamant
- Peter Onorati
- Marshall R. Teague
- Gregory Vahanian
- Cylk Cozart
Writers
- Step Tyner
- Paul F. Edwards
- Dale Dye
- Nick Thiel
- John K. Swensson
Producers
- Bill Badalato
Fire Birds - FAQs
Where can you stream Fire Birds (1990)?
Fire Birds is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Hoopla offers it for free to eligible library cardholders.
Is Fire Birds based on a true story?
Fire Birds is not based on a specific true story, but it draws inspiration from real-world U.S. military counter-narcotics operations in Latin America during the late 1980s. The AH-64 Apache helicopter featured prominently in the film is a genuine U.S. Army attack helicopter used during that era.
Who are the main actors in Fire Birds?
Fire Birds stars Nicolas Cage as Jake Preston, Tommy Lee Jones as veteran instructor Brad Little, and Sean Young as fellow pilot Billie Lee Guthries. Supporting cast includes Dale Dye, Bryan Kestner, Peter Onorati, Marshall R. Teague, Gregory Vahanian, and Cylk Cozart.
Is Fire Birds similar to Top Gun?
Fire Birds is frequently compared to Top Gun (1986) due to its military aviation setting, training sequences, and romantic subplot. However, it replaces fighter jets with AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and frames its action around a counter-narcotics mission rather than aerial combat between rival nations.
What is Fire Birds (1990) about?
Fire Birds follows a joint DEA and U.S. Army task force attempting to destroy a powerful South American drug cartel. After conventional aircraft are shot down by a cartel-operated Scorpion helicopter, elite pilots are trained on the advanced AH-64 Apache to match the enemy's firepower and end the threat.
What is the age rating for Fire Birds?
Fire Birds is rated PG-13 in the United States, meaning it may contain material unsuitable for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious. The film includes intense military action sequences, aerial combat, and themes related to drug trafficking.
How long is Fire Birds?
Fire Birds has a runtime of 85 minutes, making it a lean, fast-paced action film. Its relatively brief running time keeps the pacing tight, moving quickly from training sequences to the climactic helicopter combat mission against the South American drug cartel.
Who directed Fire Birds and who composed the score?
Fire Birds was directed by David Green and produced by Touchstone Pictures and Nova International Films. The film's score was composed by David Newman, whose propulsive music underscores the aerial action sequences. Cinematography was handled by Tony Imi.
More About Fire Birds
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