Rare Birds (2001)
A quirky Canadian comedy-drama set in Newfoundland, where a desperate restaurateur and his neighbor cook up a feathered scheme to put their town on the map.
Rare Birds - Movie Information
- Original Title: Rare Birds
- Release Year: 2001
- Directed by: Sturla Gunnarsson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Romance
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 9, 2001 (Canada - R)
- Alternative Titles: Rare Birds - Selten schräge Vögel! (DE), Due cuori e una cucina (IT)
- Production Companies: BIG Pictures, Pope Productions
- Production Countries: Canada
Rare Birds - Plot
A down-and-out restaurateur and his neighbor hatch a plan to lure bird watchers to their small Newfoundland town and increase tourism by announcing the presence of a rare duck.
Rare Birds - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the feathered scheme unfold in this Newfoundland comedy:
Fortune can make a man do some pretty fowl things.
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Rare Birds - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sturla Gunnarsson
Main Cast
- William Hurt
- Andy Jones
- Molly Parker
- Vicky Hynes
- Greg Malone
- Michael Chiasson
- Leah Lewis
- Sheila McCarthy
- Mark Critch
- Pete Soucy
Writers
- Edward Riche
Producers
- Paul Pope
- Janet York
Rare Birds - FAQs
What is Rare Birds about?
Rare Birds is a Canadian comedy-drama about a struggling restaurant owner in Newfoundland who, with his eccentric neighbor, fabricates a sighting of a rare duck to attract bird watchers and revive local tourism. The film blends deadpan humor with small-town charm and unexpected complications.
Who are the main actors in Rare Birds?
Rare Birds stars William Hurt as Dave, the down-on-his-luck restaurateur, and Andy Jones as Phonse, his inventive neighbor. The supporting cast includes Molly Parker as Alice, Sheila McCarthy as Claire, Greg Malone as Buster Bartlett, and Mark Critch as Dougie.
Is Rare Birds based on a true story or book?
Rare Birds is based on a novel of the same name by Canadian author Edward Riche, who also wrote the screenplay adaptation. The story is fictional, though it draws on the distinctive culture and landscape of Newfoundland, Canada, to ground its quirky premise in an authentic regional setting.
Who directed Rare Birds?
Rare Birds was directed by Sturla Gunnarsson, an Icelandic-Canadian filmmaker known for his work across both documentary and narrative features. Gunnarsson brings a dry, observational sensibility to the film that suits the deadpan humor and rugged Newfoundland setting perfectly.
When was Rare Birds released?
Rare Birds had its Canadian release on September 9, 2001. The film is a Canadian production, and its premiere in Canada marked its initial theatrical run, showcasing the Newfoundland-set story to domestic audiences before broader distribution.
Where can you watch Rare Birds online?
Rare Birds is available to rent or buy on several digital platforms, including Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for a full list of current streaming and purchase options in your area.
What genre is Rare Birds?
Rare Birds blends Comedy, Drama, Mystery, and Romance into a distinctive Canadian film that defies easy categorization. Its quirky premise and deadpan wit place it firmly in the tradition of offbeat regional comedies, while its dramatic undercurrents and romantic subplot add emotional depth.
How long is Rare Birds?
Rare Birds has a runtime of 99 minutes, or 1 hour and 39 minutes. The film moves at a comfortable pace that allows the Newfoundland setting and the eccentric characters to breathe, making it an easy and enjoyable watch from start to finish.
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