"Catherine, Called Birdy"

This is one of those rare instances when the movie might have improved on the book just a tad.  The book, by Karen Cushman, is good.  In diary form, it tells the tale of a very normal 14 year old girl.  Except she isn't normal, exactly.  She is the daughter of a destitute lord in the year 1291.  The man needs to marry the girl off to save his lands.  She is not amenable.  In the book, we see Birdy's feelings through her writing.  Yes, there is a spirit of rebellion but it is subtle.  This is a young woman, in a period of time, who can think what she wishes but in the end must bend to convention.  In the book, she does.  Resigning herself to her women's role in a man's world.  In the film, things are more complicated.  By seeing people, expressions, we learn that there are shadings, edges to the characters not explored in the diary form of the book.  Birdy is more openly rebellious.  Her father is both beastly and human.  No one fits into the mold.  Directed by Lena Dunham, this movie manages to straddle the modern and ancient by retaining language and dress but includes a contemporary soundtrack and adds in a few anachronistic bits.  The bridge works well and makes the whole thing very approachable and real.  Viewers of today will not only see Birdy's plight, they will feel it.  Lead Bella Ramsey, the intriguing Andrew Scott as her father, and the engaging, layered Lesley Sharp as the nurse are only the beginning of an outstanding cast.  Every actor brings something to the table.  It's bravas all around and ten thumbs up.