The Painted Bird 2020
During the tumultuous period leading up to World War I in Eastern Europe, a young boy journeys through a harsh and unforgiving land. He struggles to survive, encountering extreme violence and brutality at every turn. Along his perilous journey, he experiences both the worst of human nature and fleeting moments of kindness, ultimately grappling with the painful reality of being an outcast in a world consumed by conflict.
Does The Painted Bird have end credit scenes?
No!
The Painted Bird does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Painted Bird
Explore the complete cast of The Painted Bird, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
Stellan Skarsgård
Hans
Harvey Keitel
Udo Kier
Miller
Julian Sands
Barry Pepper
Aleksey Kravchenko
Alla Sokolova
Olga
Antonín Masek
David L. Price
Denisa Pfauserová
Jitka Cvancarová
Ludmila
Lech Dyblik
Lekh
Michaela Dolezalová
Miller's wife
Nina Sunevic
Marta
Ostap Dziadek
Peasant
Pavel Kríz
Petr Kotlar
Petr Vanek
Stanislav Bilyi
Villager
Tim Kalkhof
Zdenek Pecha
Labourer
External Links and Streaming Options
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Ratings and Reviews for The Painted Bird
See how The Painted Bird is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Painted Bird stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
The Movie Echo Score
As an artistic achievement, The Painted Bird presents an uncompromising wartime odyssey marked by striking imagery and a searing emotional tone, but its relentless brutality and episodic structure have elicited mixed reactions. The film’s masterful black-and-white cinematography and thrilling direction are frequently praised, yet extended runtime and uneven narrative purpose leave some viewers fatigued. Ultimately, The Painted Bird stands as a powerful but challenging cinematic experience.
The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Painted Bird
Art & Craft
In terms of art and craft, the film excels with its meticulously composed black-and-white imagery and polished direction, creating a haunting visual tapestry. Observers commend the 35mm cinematography for its nuanced lighting and unearthly beauty, while production design and editing maintain a coherent tone. The result is a standout demonstration of cinematic artistry.
Character & Emotion
When it comes to character and emotion, performances are generally solid but lack sustained depth, resulting in limited emotional progression. Positive notes include compelling portrayals of the central child that evoke empathy, yet critics observe an absence of character arcs and an elusive narrative heart. The net effect is capable acting overshadowed by uneven emotional resonance.
Story & Flow
In terms of story and flow, the film’s episodic structure and extended runtime pose significant challenges to narrative coherence and pacing. Multiple reviewers highlight its relentless series of vignettes with minimal connective tissue, describing a sense of inertia that saps engagement. Though the concluding moments offer thematic insight, the overall journey remains uneven and arduous.
Sensory Experience
When it comes to sensory experience, the film’s meticulous sound design and evocative score complement its striking visual style, forging an immersive atmosphere. Critics praise the resonant audio choices that amplify tension, while the unified black-and-white palette creates cohesive imagery. The combined sensory elements deliver a powerful, otherworldly ambiance that reinforces the film’s emotional intensity.
Rewatch Factor
In terms of rewatch factor, the film’s unrelenting portrayal of brutality and lengthy runtime limit its appeal for multiple viewings. While audiences acknowledge its unforgettable imagery and thematic resonance, the oppressive tone and episodic narrative deter repeated engagement. The lasting impression is one of impressive craft tempered by a formidable challenge to viewers considering a return.
72
Metascore
5.7
User Score
81%
TOMATOMETER
71%
User Score
7.3 /10
IMDb Rating
71
%
User Score
3.6
From 69 fan ratings
5.00/5
From 1 fan rating
Take the Ultimate The Painted Bird Movie Quiz
Challenge your knowledge of The Painted Bird with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
The Painted Bird Quiz: Test your knowledge of The Painted Bird with this challenging quiz!
What format is the film shot in?
Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Painted Bird
Read the complete plot summary of The Painted Bird, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
Based on the acclaimed novel by Jerzy Kozinski, THE PAINTED BIRD presents a haunting black and white vision of Eastern Europe during the brutal final days of World War II. The narrative revolves around The Boy, who is entrusted to the care of an elderly foster mother by his persecuted parents. Tragically, the old woman dies soon after, leaving The Boy to navigate the perilous countryside alone, moving from village to village and farmhouse to farmhouse.
Throughout his harrowing journey, The Boy endures unimaginable brutality inflicted by ignorant and superstitious peasants, alongside witnessing horrific violence from both German and Russian soldiers. A poignant moment in the film illustrates this theme: a peasant captures a bird, paints it, and releases it back into its flock, only for it to be viciously attacked by its own kind for being different. This brutal act serves as a compelling reminder to The Boy that in a world governed by fear and prejudice, being different can be a death sentence.
Amid the chaos, however, glimmers of compassion break through. A German soldier spares The Boy’s life, a priest advocates for him, and eventually, he finds a mentor in a Russian sniper. This sniper, while kind to The Boy, is merciless towards their enemies. Additionally, The Boy experiences fleeting moments of tenderness when he is seduced by an older girl, only to later discover that her affections were manipulative.
As the war finally comes to an end, The Boy has transformed into a cold and unyielding figure, forever changed by his experiences. In a bittersweet reunion with his frail father, hints of the original, sensitive child still linger in his eyes, suggesting that despite the scars left by his past, there remains a flicker of hope for the future.
Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Painted Bird
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The Painted Bird Themes and Keywords
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The Painted Bird Other Names and Titles
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