Birds of Prey

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), also known as Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey or simply Birds of Prey, is a 2020 American superhero film based on the DC Comics team, the Birds of Prey. Produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Films, LuckyChap Entertainment, Clubhouse Pictures, and Kroll & Co. Entertainment, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, it is the eighth installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), and serves as a spin-off and sequel to Suicide Squad (2016). It was directed by Cathy Yan and written by Christina Hodson, and stars Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Rosie Perez, Chris Messina, Ella Jay Basco, Ali Wong, and Ewan McGregor. The film follows Harley Quinn, who, after breaking up with the Joker, is threatened by Gotham City crime lord Roman Sionis, and joins forces with Helena Bertinelli, Dinah Lance and Renee Montoya (who go on to form the Birds of Prey) to save Cassandra Cain.

Plot[]

Harley Quinn narrates the events of her life leading up to when, sometime after the Enchantress' defeat,^[b] the Joker breaks up with Harley, throwing her out on the streets of Gotham City. She is taken in by Doc, the elderly owner of a Chinese restaurant. Recovering from her abusive relationship, Harley cuts her hair, adopts a spotted hyena (whom she names after Bruce Wayne), takes up roller derby, and blows up the Ace Chemicals plant where she pledged herself to the Joker.

At a nightclub owned by gangster Roman Sionis, Harley cripples Roman's driver and meets burlesque singer Dinah Lance. Dinah later rescues an intoxicated Harley from an attempted abduction. Impressed by Dinah's skills, Roman appoints her as his new driver. GCPD Detective Renee Montoya investigates a series of mob killings carried out by a crossbow-wielding vigilante. Finding Harley's necklace at the scene of the Ace Chemicals explosion, Montoya notes that Harley is in danger without the Joker's protection. She approaches Dinah about being an informant on Roman for them, but Dinah rejects the offer.

Roman sends Dinah and his sadistic right-hand-man Victor Zsasz to retrieve a diamond embedded with the account numbers to the fortune of the Bertinelli crime family, who were massacred years ago. Young pickpocket Cassandra Cain steals the diamond from Zsasz but is arrested and swallows the diamond. Harley, fleeing from Montoya and several other people she has wronged, is captured by Roman's men. Zsasz informs Roman that Cassandra has the diamond, and Dinah warns Montoya about Cass. As Roman prepares to have Harley killed, she offers to recover the diamond for him. Roman agrees but also places a bounty on Cass. Breaking into the GCPD with a variety of non-lethal grenade launcher rounds, Harley frees Cassandra and the pair escape to the evidence warehouse. They are ambushed by a number of goons but manage to kill them all. She and Cassandra bond while hiding out at Harley's apartment.

Doc is approached for information by the "crossbow killer", who is revealed to be Helena Bertinelli. Having survived her family's massacre and becoming trained as an assassin, Helena has been targeting each of the gangsters responsible for the murders of her family. Quinn's apartment is bombed by criminals looking for Cass, after Doc betrayed Harley and sold them out. Harley calls Roman and offers to turn Cassandra over in exchange for his protection, agreeing to meet at an abandoned amusement park. Dinah notifies Montoya of the rendezvous, while Zsasz notices Dinah's treacherous text message en route to the park and informs Roman. Devastated by Dinah's betrayal, Roman dons his ritualistic mask from which he gets his villainous nickname, Black Mask. At the park, Montoya confronts Harley but is knocked out of a window. Zsasz arrives and tranquillizes Harley before holding Dinah at gunpoint. He is killed by Helena, who reveals Zsasz was the last of her family's killers.

Montoya returns and a stand-off ensues, until they realize Roman has arrived with a small army of masked criminals, known collectively as the False Face Society. Using Quinn's old gear, the makeshift team successfully withstand and repel their attack. During the battle, Cass is captured by Roman, while Montoya is shot. She survives due to her wearing Harley's bulletproof bustier. Dinah reveals her metahuman ability of supersonic-level screaming, defeating an additional number of mobsters aligned with Roman. Harley gives chase on roller skates, and with assistance from Helena and her motorcycle, the pair pursue Roman. At a nearby pier, the final confrontation occurs. Taking aim at a shadowy figure in the distance she believes to be Roman, Harley wastes her last bullet as Roman appears from behind the figure, which is revealed to be a statue. Roman holds Cassandra hostage and prepares to kill her. However, Cassandra pulls the ring from a grenade she had taken from Harley’s weapons chest earlier, slipping the grenade in Roman’s jacket. Harley throws Roman from the pier just before the grenade detonates and kills him.

In the aftermath of destroying Roman's criminal empire, Montoya quits the GCPD. With the money with the accounts hidden inside the diamond, she joins Dinah and Helena in establishing a team of vigilantes – the Birds of Prey. Harley and Cassandra sell the diamond to a pawnshop and start their own business.

In a post-credits audio sequence, Harley is about to reveal a secret about Batman to the audience, but the film ends mid-sentence.

Cast[]

Margot Robbie as Doctor Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn
Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Helena Bertinelli/Huntress
- Ella Mika as young Helena Bertinelli
Jurnee Smollett-Bell as Dinah Lance/Black Canary
Rosie Perez as Detective Renee Montoya
Chris Messina as Victor Zsasz
Ella Jay Basco as Cassandra "Cass" Cain
Ali Wong as Assistant District Attorney Ellen Yee
Ewan McGregor as Roman Sionis/Black Mask
Michael Masini as Officer Drago
Charlene Amoia as Maria Bertinelli
Paul Lasa as Franco Bertinelli
Robert Catrini as Stefano Galante
Dana Lee as Doc
Bojana Novakovic as Erika
Steven Williams as Captain Patrick Erickson
Derek Wilson as Detective Tim Munroe
François Chau as Mr. Keo
Miyuki Matsunaga as Mrs. Keo
Anna Mikami as Miss Keo
Matthew Willig as Happy
Talon Reid as Roman's Goon
David Ury as Dave Murray
Sara Montez as Kathrine
Isabel Pakzad as Shallow Friend #2
Daniel Bernhardt as Sionis' Chauffeur
Kc Strubbe as Naïve Teammate
Jacky Shu as Skeptical Teammate
Paloma Rabinov as Bitchy Teammate
Joe Bucaro III as Carlos Rossi
James Henry Williams Jr. as Ace Chemical Police Officer
Bruno Oliver as Sal
Keisha Tucker as Roller Derby Girl
Jeremy Denzlinger as Desk Sergeant
Charles Carpenter as Processing Officer
Daniel Cole as Patrol Cop
Jesse Bush as Patrol Cop
Eddie Alfano as Helena's Bodyguard
Chris Carnel as Desk Sergeant
Buddy Sosthand as Coffee Cup Cop
Tim Sitarz as Donut Cop
Shawn Balentine as Key Card Cop
Shahaub Roudbari as Smarmy Guy
Pramode Kumar as Irate shopkeeper
Christine Engh as Elderly Woman
K.K. Barrett as Doctor Aguilar
David Bianchi as Sionis Henchman #1
Simon Rhee as Cell Guard
Terrence Julien as Cell Guard
George Crayton as Prisoner
Caleb Spillyards as Prisoner
Qiang LI as Prisoner
Panuvat Anthony Nanakornpanom as Prisoner
Sala Baker as Prisoner
Christian Womack as Prisoner
Bryan Sloyer as Prisoner
Kofi Yiadom as Mercenary
Efka Kvaraciejus as Mercenary
Sam Hargrave as Mercenary
Dennis Keiffer as Mercenary
Andy Hoff as Erika's Date
Eric Michael Cole as Disgruntled man
Oakley Lehman as Mercedes Gang
Richard King as Mercedes Gang
Tim Rigby as RR Passenger
Unknown actor as Ralph Murray
Unknown actor as Pino Bertinelli
Unknown body double as Joker (obscured}

Future[]

Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn returned in The Suicide Squad (2021). In April 2020, Cathy Yan said that she would be interested in directing a sequel that would explore Harley Quinn's relationship with Poison Ivy. In February 2021, Robbie discussed working on another project featuring Quinn with The Suicide Squad director James Gunn.
In August 2021, Cinelinx reported that a Black Canary solo spin-off film was in development with Smollett returning as Lance and Misha Green will write the film for HBO Max.

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

This is the eighth film in the DC Extended Universe.
This the ninth highest grossing film of 2020.
This is DC's first female group-led film.
This is the first theatrical film centering on Birds of Prey.
Jurnee Smollett-Bell does her own singing in the film.
This is the first superhero film to be directed by an Asian director.
Harley adopts a hyena in this film as a pet. In Batman: The Animated Series (1992) and the comics, she kept two hyenas named Bud and Lou (named after comic duo Bud Abbott and Lou Costello).
This is the DCEU' second R-rated film, after Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - Ultimate Edition.
Being produced under the working title of "Fox Force Five." Fox Force Five was the name of a fictional television show that never made it past the production of its pilot in the movie Pulp Fiction (1994).
This is the first DCEU ensemble since Justice League.
Before Ewan McGregor was cast as Black Mask, Nicolas Cage, Sharlto Copley and Sam Rockwell were considered to play Black Mask. Rockwell passed on the role, but was considered the "archetype" for the casting.
The Penguin was originally intended to be the main antagonist of the movie, but was scrapped due to his appearance in The Batman (2021) portrayed by Colin Farrell.
The egg sandwich that is made for Harley Quinn is not made with chicken eggs, but instead with duck eggs, as Margot Robbie is allergic to chicken egg whites (she gets migraines from them).
When Cassandra Cain is in the police station, she's asked by Montoya if she can speak. In the Batman comics, Cassandra doesn't talk because she was raised by her "father" to focus on the language of body movements to make her a more skilled fighter.
It has been rumored that Birds of Prey (2020) will be the second movie of a "Harley Quinn Trilogy". The first movie was Suicide Squad (2016) and the third movie is to be Gotham City Sirens.
The shot of Harley Quinn as a roller-skater is lifted straight from 2013's Harley Quinn #1, and she has a number "92" - referencing the year of her debut in Batman: The Animated Series.
Harley only has a single hyena rather than two because the effects for its photorealistic animation were so intensive they could only afford one.
Harley Quinn was introduced on the big screen in Suicide Squad (2016) with Margot Robbie portraying her and giving birth to the creation of millions of Harley Quinn Halloween costumes. With this new chapter comes a different look for her character. Quinn won't be seen as an object of desire, which is very much on purpose. "That's what happens when you have a female producer, director, writer," says Birds of Prey costume designer Erin Benach. Robbie added, "Yeah, it's definitely less male gaze-y." Robbie had discussed how uncomfortable her outfits were for Suicide Squad, so that has all been altered for this film/
In the comics, Barbara Gordon was one of the founding members of the Birds of Prey, first as Oracle and later as Batgirl in the New 52 reboot. While Gordon doesn't appear in the film, Cassandra Cain, who served as Batgirl in the comics for a time prior to the New 52 reboot, does appear.
In the comics, Cassandra Cain was mute when she first appeared, and only gradually acquired the ability to speak. In Cassandra's first scene in the police station, it seems at first that the movie version might also be mute, but then she coughs to clear her throat and speaks normally for the rest of the film.
During the flashbacks to her violent past, we see Helena in a church, praying with a rosary. In the comics, Helena is a devout Catholic who carries a rosary on her, even when in costume.
Renee is the first canonically gay character in either a Marvel or DC movie and when we're introduced to her ex-girlfriend (played by Ali Wong) it's a nice nod to the queer history of the character who once dated Kate Kane's Batwoman.
Renee Montoya is presented in a more comic book-accurate fashion, right down to being the DCEU's first out lesbian character. She appears to end Birds of Prey as an active vigilante, perhaps taking up her comic book codename "The Question." The last scene shows both Black Canary and Huntress in familiar costumes from the comics.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead's casting was praised, because she resembles the character. It also helps that she's a popular choice in many a comic book fan-casting for years since Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010).
Black Canary appears in a nightclub dress with a fishnet design. In the comics, Black Canary's classic superhero outfit involves fishnet stockings.
Cathy Yan is the first Asian woman to direct a superhero movie. She is second woman to direct a DC film after Patty Jenkins.
This is the first theatrically released film in the DC Extended Universe to be Rated R, although the Ultimate Edition of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) was given the R rating by the MPAA.
Jurnee Smollett was inspired by Black Canary as seen on Injustice 2 (2017) for her role in this movie.
Officer Timm Dan Cole is named after Bruce Timm, the co-creator of Batman: The Animated Series (1992), where Harley Quinn made her debut.
Both Lady Shiva and Katana were rumored to be in the film. Karen Fukuhara would have reprised her role as Katana from Suicide Squad (2016).
The first live-action film appearance of Renee Montoya, a character introduced in Batman: The Animated Series (1992). A previous live-action version appeared on Gotham (2014) played by Victoria Cartagena. A similar character, Anna Ramirez, appeared in The Dark Knight (2008) played by Monique Gabriela Curnen.
Before Mary Elizabeth Winstead was cast, Cristin Milioti, Margaret Qualley, and Sofia Boutella were rumored to be in the running for the role of Huntress. Previously, Alexandra Daddario had been rumored as well.
This is one of three female lead, female-directed comic book movies coming out in 2020. The others being Wonder Woman 1984 directed by Patty Jenkins and Black Widow directed by Cate Shortland. Additionally, the ensemble cast picture The Eternals, directed by Chloé Zhao, has Angelina Jolie (Thena) as its top-billed star.
Huntress has the least screen time of the Birds, but she has become the most popular of them, causing many to demand a standalone Huntress film.
Jurnee Smollett-Bell, who played Black Canary in the movie, is the second actress from the sitcom Full House to play the character. The first was Lori Loughlin, who played Carolyn Lance/Black Canary in the short-lived television series.
Two cops in the film are named Dimm and Tini, referencing Harley's creators Bruce Timm and Paul Dini.
Before Jurnee Smollett was cast, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Janelle Monáe were rumored to be in the running for Black Canary. Previously, Vanessa Kirby, Jodie Comer, and Blake Lively were rumored as well.
John Leguizamo had discussions for the part of Victor Zsasz before Chris Messina was cast.
Live-action debut of Cassandra Cain. She is the first character to have a solo ongoing series as Batgirl in 2000. Cain has also taken the aliases of Black Bat, Kasumi and currently, Orphan.
Helena's Huntress mask has retractable lenses similar to Selina Kyle's in The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
The first DC Extended Universe film to not be in 3D.
Both Jurnee Smollett and Ella Jay Basco were in at least one Grey's Anatomy (2005) episode.
Peyton Elizabeth Lee was rumored for the role of Cassandra Cain.
This is the second time that both Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead are working together after the two met on Fargo (2014).
Lady Gaga was offered a lead role in the film, but she turned down the offer.
Cinematic debut of DC Comics heroes Huntress and Black Canary, the latter after being adapted several times for live-action television.

Suicide Squad
Suicide Squad (2016), Birds of Prey (2020), The Suicide Squad (2021)

DC Extended Universe
Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Suicide Squad (2016), Wonder Woman (2017), Justice League (2017), Aquaman (2018), Shazam! (2019), Birds of Prey (2020), Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), The Suicide Squad (2021), The Batman (2021), Black Adam (2021), The Flash (2022), Shazam! 2 (2022), Aquaman 2 (2022)