# Lady Bird

> 2017 film directed by Greta Gerwig

**Wikidata**: [Q27480769](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27480769)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Bird_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lady-bird

## Summary
*Lady Bird* is a 2017 American comedy-drama film directed by Greta Gerwig, marking her solo directorial debut. The coming-of-age story follows a high school senior navigating family, identity, and young adulthood in Sacramento, California. It received widespread critical acclaim, earning a 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and multiple awards, including the National Board of Review's Top Ten Films of 2017.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *Lady Bird* (also known by the alias *Ladybird*)
- **Release Year**: 2017
- **Director**: Greta Gerwig
- **Genre**: Comedy-drama, drama film
- **Production Company**: A24 (American independent entertainment company)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Runtime**: 94 minutes
- **IMDb Rating**: 7.4/10
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 99% (critics), 88% (audience)
- **Metacritic Score**: 93/100
- **Box Office Gross**: $78,986,478 (domestic), $48,958,273 (international)
- **Budget**: $10,000,000
- **Awards**:
  - National Board of Review: Top Ten Films (2017)
  - Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay (Greta Gerwig)
  - National Board of Review Award for Best Director (Greta Gerwig)
- **Cast**: Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird), Laurie Metcalf (Marion McPherson), Tracy Letts (Larry McPherson)
- **Setting**: Sacramento, California (2002–2003)
- **Themes**: Mother-daughter relationships, socioeconomic class, Catholic schooling, self-discovery
- **Wikidata ID**: Q27131943
- **IMDb ID**: tt4925292
- **TMDb ID**: 362657
- **Freebase ID**: /m/000lwkp
- **AllMovie ID**: v650544
- **Box Office Mojo ID**: ladybird
- **Letterboxd ID**: lady-bird
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: lady_bird
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 50 language editions
- **Official Hashtag**: #LadyBirdMovie
- **Twitter Handle**: @LadyBirdMovie
- **Facebook Page**: LadyBirdMovie
- **Instagram Handle**: ladybirdmovie
- **YouTube Trailer ID**: yBIPcwJ03V4
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11c1q47h03
- **Wikidata SPARQL Query Equivalent**: `?item wdt:P31/wdt:P279* wd:Q11424` (for films)

## FAQs
**What is *Lady Bird* about?**
*Lady Bird* is a coming-of-age film about Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson, a rebellious high school senior in Sacramento, California, who clashes with her mother while navigating friendships, first love, and her dreams of attending college in New York. The film explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and socioeconomic struggles.

**Who directed *Lady Bird*?**
The film was directed by Greta Gerwig, an American filmmaker and actress known for her work on *Little Women* (2019) and *Barbie* (2023). *Lady Bird* marked her solo directorial debut and established her as a major voice in independent cinema.

**What awards did *Lady Bird* win?**
*Lady Bird* was included in the National Board of Review's Top Ten Films of 2017 and won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay. Greta Gerwig also received the National Board of Review Award for Best Director.

**What is the significance of the title *Lady Bird*?**
The title refers to the protagonist’s self-given nickname, "Lady Bird," which she adopts as an act of self-reinvention. It reflects her desire for independence and her complex relationship with her mother, who refuses to call her by that name.

**How did *Lady Bird* perform at the box office?**
The film grossed $78.9 million domestically and $48.9 million internationally, making it a commercial success despite its modest $10 million budget. Its critical acclaim and word-of-mouth popularity contributed to its strong box office performance.

**What role did A24 play in *Lady Bird*?**
A24, an American independent entertainment company founded in 2012, served as the production and distribution company for *Lady Bird*. Known for backing unconventional films, A24 helped bring Gerwig’s vision to a wider audience.

**Is *Lady Bird* based on a true story?**
While not strictly autobiographical, *Lady Bird* draws heavily from Greta Gerwig’s own experiences growing up in Sacramento, California. The film’s setting, themes, and emotional core reflect her personal journey, though the characters and events are fictionalized.

**What themes does *Lady Bird* explore?**
The film delves into themes of mother-daughter relationships, socioeconomic class, Catholic schooling, self-discovery, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood. It also examines the tension between personal ambition and familial expectations.

## Why It Matters
*Lady Bird* matters as a defining work of modern coming-of-age cinema, offering an authentic and deeply personal portrayal of adolescence, family, and self-discovery. Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning widespread acclaim for its sharp writing, emotional depth, and relatable characters. The film’s success helped solidify Gerwig’s reputation as a leading filmmaker and contributed to the growing influence of female directors in Hollywood. Additionally, *Lady Bird* highlighted the importance of independent cinema in telling diverse, nuanced stories that might otherwise be overlooked by major studios. Its cultural impact extends beyond film, inspiring discussions about mother-daughter relationships, socioeconomic mobility, and the universal struggle for self-identity.

## Notable For
- **Solo Directorial Debut of Greta Gerwig**: Marked her transition from actress and co-writer to a celebrated director.
- **Critical Acclaim**: Achieved a 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 93/100 Metacritic score.
- **Award-Winning Screenplay**: Won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay.
- **National Board of Review Recognition**: Named one of the Top Ten Films of 2017.
- **Commercial Success**: Grossed nearly $128 million worldwide on a $10 million budget.
- **Cultural Impact**: Sparked conversations about mother-daughter relationships and socioeconomic class.
- **Authentic Setting**: Filmed and set in Sacramento, California, reflecting Gerwig’s hometown.
- **Strong Female Lead**: Saoirse Ronan’s performance as Lady Bird was widely praised.
- **A24 Production**: Demonstrated the company’s commitment to unconventional, high-quality storytelling.
- **Influence on Coming-of-Age Genre**: Redefined modern coming-of-age films with its emotional honesty and nuanced characters.

## Body
### Overview and Synopsis
*Lady Bird* is a 2017 American comedy-drama film directed by Greta Gerwig. The story follows Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson (Saoirse Ronan), a high school senior in Sacramento, California, who navigates the complexities of adolescence, family, and self-identity. The film is set in 2002–2003 and explores her strained relationship with her mother (Laurie Metcalf), her first romantic experiences, and her aspirations to attend college in New York. The title *Lady Bird* refers to the protagonist’s self-chosen nickname, symbolizing her desire for independence and self-reinvention.

### Production and Development
- **Director**: Greta Gerwig, who also wrote the screenplay. *Lady Bird* marked her solo directorial debut after co-writing and co-directing previous films like *Frances Ha* (2012) and *Mistress America* (2015).
- **Production Company**: A24, an American independent entertainment company known for producing and distributing unconventional films. A24 was founded in 2012 and has become a major player in the independent film industry.
- **Budget**: The film was made with a budget of $10 million, a modest sum for a feature film, which contributed to its status as an independent production.
- **Filming Locations**: The film was shot in Sacramento, California, Gerwig’s hometown, adding authenticity to the setting and themes.

### Cast and Characters
- **Saoirse Ronan** as Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson: The protagonist, a rebellious and ambitious high school senior.
- **Laurie Metcalf** as Marion McPherson: Lady Bird’s mother, a nurse who struggles with her daughter’s defiance and aspirations.
- **Tracy Letts** as Larry McPherson: Lady Bird’s father, who supports her dreams but faces financial struggles.
- **Lucas Hedges** as Danny O’Neill: Lady Bird’s first boyfriend, who grapples with his own identity.
- **Timothée Chalamet** as Kyle Scheible: A pretentious but charismatic classmate who becomes Lady Bird’s second love interest.
- **Beanie Feldstein** as Julianne "Julie" Steffans: Lady Bird’s best friend, who provides emotional support and comic relief.

### Themes and Motifs
- **Mother-Daughter Relationships**: The film explores the complex and often fraught dynamic between Lady Bird and her mother, highlighting themes of love, conflict, and mutual misunderstanding.
- **Socioeconomic Class**: Lady Bird’s family struggles financially, and her desire to attend an East Coast college reflects her aspirations to escape her working-class background.
- **Catholic Schooling**: The film depicts the rigid and sometimes hypocritical environment of a Catholic high school, which shapes Lady Bird’s worldview and rebelliousness.
- **Self-Discovery**: Lady Bird’s journey involves questioning her identity, values, and future, a universal experience for adolescents.
- **Sacramento as a Character**: The city of Sacramento serves as more than just a setting; it becomes a symbol of both comfort and confinement for Lady Bird.

### Reception and Awards
- **Critical Reception**: *Lady Bird* received widespread acclaim, with critics praising its writing, direction, and performances. It holds a 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 93/100 score on Metacritic.
- **Awards and Nominations**:
  - **National Board of Review**: Named one of the Top Ten Films of 2017.
  - **Independent Spirit Awards**: Won Best Screenplay (Greta Gerwig).
  - **National Board of Review Award**: Best Director (Greta Gerwig).
  - **Academy Awards**: Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Saoirse Ronan), Best Supporting Actress (Laurie Metcalf), and Best Original Screenplay.
  - **Golden Globe Awards**: Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress – Musical or Comedy (Saoirse Ronan).
- **Box Office Performance**: The film grossed $78.9 million domestically and $48.9 million internationally, making it a commercial success despite its independent status.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy
- **Influence on Coming-of-Age Films**: *Lady Bird* is often cited as a modern classic in the coming-of-age genre, influencing subsequent films with its emotional honesty and nuanced characters.
- **Representation of Female Stories**: The film’s focus on a young woman’s perspective and its exploration of mother-daughter relationships contributed to broader discussions about female representation in cinema.
- **Greta Gerwig’s Career**: The success of *Lady Bird* solidified Gerwig’s reputation as a major filmmaker, leading to her directing *Little Women* (2019) and *Barbie* (2023).
- **A24’s Reputation**: The film further established A24 as a leading producer of high-quality, unconventional films, contributing to the company’s growing influence in the entertainment industry.

### Related Entities and Connections
- **Greta Gerwig**: The director and writer of *Lady Bird*, known for her work in independent cinema and her collaborations with A24.
- **A24**: The production and distribution company behind *Lady Bird*, recognized for its support of unconventional and artistically ambitious projects.
- **Saoirse Ronan**: The lead actress, who has become one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation.
- **Lady Bird Johnson**: While not directly related to the film, the title *Lady Bird* shares a name with the former First Lady of the United States, who was known for her environmental advocacy.
- **Comedy-Drama Genre**: *Lady Bird* is part of a broader tradition of films that blend humor and drama to explore complex emotional themes.

### Technical Details and Identifiers
- **IMDb ID**: tt4925292
- **TMDb ID**: 362657
- **Freebase ID**: /m/000lwkp
- **AllMovie ID**: v650544
- **Box Office Mojo ID**: ladybird
- **Letterboxd ID**: lady-bird
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: lady_bird
- **Wikidata ID**: Q27131943
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11c1q47h03
- **YouTube Trailer ID**: yBIPcwJ03V4
- **Official Hashtag**: #LadyBirdMovie
- **Twitter Handle**: @LadyBirdMovie
- **Facebook Page**: LadyBirdMovie
- **Instagram Handle**: ladybirdmovie

### Release Dates and Distribution
- **Premiere**: The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on September 1, 2017.
- **Theatrical Release**:
  - United States: November 3, 2017 (limited), December 1, 2017 (wide)
  - United Kingdom: March 2, 2018
  - Germany: April 19, 2018
- **Home Media**: Released on digital platforms and DVD/Blu-ray in early 2018.

### Critical Analysis and Themes
- **Authenticity and Relatability**: Critics and audiences praised the film’s authentic portrayal of adolescence, family dynamics, and the struggles of self-discovery.
- **Female Perspective**: The film’s focus on a young woman’s experience and its exploration of mother-daughter relationships were highlighted as significant contributions to cinema.
- **Socioeconomic Commentary**: The film’s depiction of Lady Bird’s working-class background and her aspirations to escape it added depth to its themes of ambition and identity.

### Conclusion
*Lady Bird* is a landmark film in modern cinema, celebrated for its emotional depth, authentic storytelling, and strong performances. Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut resonated with audiences and critics, earning widespread acclaim and numerous awards. The film’s exploration of mother-daughter relationships, socioeconomic class, and self-discovery has solidified its place as a defining work of the coming-of-age genre. Its success has had a lasting impact on independent cinema and the careers of those involved, particularly Gerwig and Saoirse Ronan.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. [Source](https://malvernecinema.com/movies/lady-bird/)
3. IMDb
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5. The Movie Database
6. Lady Bird. Rotten Tomatoes
7. [Source](http://nmhh.hu/dokumentum/198182/terjesztett_filmalkotasok_art_filmek_nyilvantartasa.xlsx)
8. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4925292/releaseinfo/)
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13. Google Knowledge Graph
14. [Source](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/lady-bird-how-greta-gerwig-created-2002-tell-her-coming-age-story-1055561)
15. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt4925292/)
16. [Source](https://bbfc.co.uk/releases/lady-bird-2017)
17. Entertainment Identifier Registry
18. [Source](http://www.kijkwijzer.nl/index.php?id=26&i=288871)
19. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
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25. [Source](http://cnc.abt.ro/registru/index.aspx?pageID=3&filmID=15886)
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27. [Source](http://fpbquery.fpb.org.za/erms/film_details.aspx?ref=80434)
28. Bechdel Test Movie List
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31. Danish Film Database
32. [Source](https://www.rcq.gouv.qc.ca/RCQ212AfficherFicheTech.asp?intNoFilm=408671)
33. [Source](http://www.ifco.ie/en/ifco/pages/103FD8F00039900C)
34. [Lady Bird (2017) MBTI Personality Type - Movies](https://www.personality-database.com/profile?pid=2&cid=3&sub_cat_id=1077)
35. TheTVDB
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37. FilmVandaag.nl