Yellow Birds is a movie that hit the screens in 2017, directed by Alexandre Moors. It is a war drama film based on the novel of the same name by Kevin Powers. The film revolves around two young soldiers who are sent to fight in Iraq and their experiences during and after the war. However, many viewers have been left wondering if Yellow Birds is based on a true story or not.
What’s Yellow Birds Movie about?
The Yellow Birds is a gripping war drama film that tells the story of two young soldiers, Bartle and Murph, who find themselves in the midst of the Gulf War under the command of Sergeant Sterling. As they navigate through the terrors of war, Bartle becomes increasingly haunted by memories of his time in combat and struggles to come to terms with what he has seen and done.
Throughout the movie, audiences are taken on a journey through both physical and emotional landscapes as Bartle grapples with PTSD while trying to make sense of his experiences. Despite being fictional characters created by author Kevin Powers, The Yellow Birds is based on his own personal experience serving in Iraq as a machine gunner for a year.
Is Yellow Birds Movie a True Story?
Based on Kevin Powers’ novel of the same name, Yellow Birds is not entirely a true story but was inspired by events that took place during the Iraq War. The author served as a machine gunner with the US Army in Iraq in 2004-2005. He used his experiences to write an emotionally charged book that delves deep into themes such as loss, grief, guilt, and trauma.
Why is it called The Yellow Birds?
The title of the book, The Yellow Birds, is a reference to a military marching cadence that soldiers use during training. In the lyrics of this cadence, as anyone who served in the military would know, “the yellow birds” refer to bullets that fly overhead during combat. The title serves as a metaphor for the dangers that soldiers face while serving their country.
Cast and Characters
The cast of this film is led by Alden Ehrenreich in the role of John Bartle, while Tye Sheridan portrays Daniel Murphy. Jennifer Aniston also stars as Murphy’s mother in the movie.
Apart from these lead actors, there are many other talented performers who play significant roles in the film. Toni Collette plays Capt. Anderson, a military officer assigned to investigate the disappearance of Bartle and Murphy. Jack Huston stars as Staff Sergeant Sterling, while Jason Patric plays Captain Stone.
The characters bring depth and emotion to the story making it more impactful for viewers. Many people have wondered whether The Yellow Birds is based on a true story or not. While it was inspired by Kevin Powers’ novel of the same name which draws heavily from his own experience serving in Iraq, it should be noted that certain aspects were altered for dramatic purposes when adapting it into a screenplay for this movie adaptation.
Cinematography and Visual Effects
Cinematography and visual effects play a crucial role in bringing any story to life. In the case of The Yellow Birds, the filmmakers utilized these tools to illustrate the harsh realities of war and its impact on soldiers. The movie’s cinematography captures the desolate landscapes, gritty battle scenes, and emotional turmoil of its characters.
Additionally, visual effects were used to intensify these elements further. Explosions, gunfire, and other action sequences were enhanced with digital effects that created a more realistic experience for viewers. Furthermore, color grading was employed to give each scene a distinct mood or tone that reflects the characters’ state of mind.
The Music of ‘Yellow Birds’
The music of ‘Yellow Birds’ plays a significant role in the movie. The score is subtle and haunting, perfectly capturing the mood of the film. The soundtrack includes original music by Adam Wiltzie, half of the ambient duo Stars of the Lid. The score features melancholic strings and sparse piano melodies that evoke feelings of loss and grief.
The movie’s use of music also helps to convey its themes about war and their impact on soldiers. The soundtrack includes tracks from artists such as Radiohead, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan. These songs are carefully curated to underscore key moments in the story, adding emotional weight to each scene.
Fun Facts About ‘Yellow Birds’
One interesting fact about Yellow Birds is that it was filmed on location in Morocco, which provided an authentic Middle Eastern setting for the film.
Another fun fact about Yellow Birds is that it boasts an impressive cast of actors, including Jennifer Aniston and Toni Collette. Aniston plays a mother struggling to cope with her son’s disappearance during his deployment to Iraq, while Collette plays a military investigator tasked with uncovering what happened to him. The film also features rising stars Alden Ehrenreich and Tye Sheridan as soldiers who befriend each other during their deployment.
Themes and Message of the Film
The film “Yellow Birds” is a powerful and emotional portrayal of the impact war has on soldiers. Through its themes and message, it highlights the harsh realities of battle and the psychological toll it takes on individuals. The film emphasizes the importance of brotherhood, loyalty, and trust among soldiers in times of adversity. It also alludes to the idea that sometimes soldiers are forced to make difficult decisions that have life-changing consequences.
One of the main messages conveyed in “Yellow Birds” is that there are no winners in war; everybody loses something or someone they care about. The film serves as a poignant reminder that wars affect not only those directly involved but also their families and loved ones back home who suffer silently from their absence or loss. Additionally, “Yellow Birds” highlights how trauma can change people forever, especially when they experience things like survivor’s guilt and PTSD.
In conclusion, while “Yellow Birds” is not based on a true story, it resonates deeply with audiences due to its realistic portrayal of war’s devastating effects on soldiers’ lives. It encourages viewers to reflect on what happens beyond the battlefield and inspires empathy for those who fight for our freedom every day. Overall, this movie offers an important perspective on one of humanity’s most destructive activities: warfare.
Awards and Accolades for the Movie
The film has received critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of war and the mental toll it takes on those involved. It has been recognized with several awards and accolades, including the Grand Jury Prize at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
In addition to its success at Sundance, The Yellow Birds also received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was praised for its emotional depth, thought-provoking themes, and outstanding performances from its cast. The film was nominated for several awards throughout the year, including Best Picture at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Overall, The Yellow Birds movie is an impressive achievement that stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in cinema. Its numerous accolades are well-deserved and reflect just how impactful this film has been on viewers around the world. Whether you’re a fan of war movies or simply appreciate powerful dramas that make you think, this is one movie that should not be missed.
Where to Watch
If you’re interested in watching the Yellow Birds movie, there are several options available to you. The film was released in 2018 and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also purchase or rent the movie on platforms such as Google Play, YouTube, iTunes, Vudu, and Microsoft Store.