Mind Over Mayhem|Feb. 05, 2020|USA|109 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Comedy;Crime
Description: Birds of Prey is a compelling film that delves into the life of Harley Quinn, portrayed by Margot Robbie. The story begins with Harley recounting her turbulent childhood through an animated sequence. Her alcoholic father repeatedly tried to abandon her, eventually leaving her at a Catholic girls’ school. Despite her rebellious nature, Harley excelled academically, earning a PhD in psychology. It was during her career as a psychologist that she encountered The Joker and fell deeply in love, transforming from Harleen Quinzel into Harley Quinn.
The narrative picks up after Harley and The Joker have parted ways, following her escape from prison with his help, as depicted in the previous film ‘Suicide Squad.’ Although Harley claims to be fine, the breakup takes a toll on her, leaving her isolated in a run-down apartment with a hyena she named Bruce, after Bruce Wayne.
In an attempt to assert her independence, Harley visits the Black Mask club, where she gets drunk and provokes a thug, resulting in a violent altercation. Roman Sionis, also known as Black Mask and played by Ewan McGregor, confronts her but refrains from retaliation, as her association with The Joker still grants her protection. However, Harley overhears women at the club dismiss her worth without The Joker, prompting her to make a bold statement by destroying Ace Chemicals, a place tied to her past with him.
Meanwhile, Detective Renee Montoya, portrayed by Rosie Perez, is investigating a mob hit at a restaurant. The scene shifts to Helena Bertinelli, known as Huntress and played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who executed the hit with a crossbow, earning the moniker “The Crossbow Killer.” Montoya eventually connects the chemical plant explosion to Harley, discovering her J necklace—a clear signal that her relationship with The Joker has ended. This revelation sets the stage for Harley’s newfound vulnerability, marking her as a target in Gotham’s dangerous underworld.
Cast director: Chad Stahelski
Cast actor: Margot Robbie, Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett, Rosie Perez, Chris Messina, Ella Jay Basco, Ali Wong, Matthew Willig, Dana Lee
Original name: Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)