War of the Birds

War of the Birds

Year: 1990

Runtime: 68 mins

Language: Danish

Director: Jannik Hastrup

AnimationFamily

Fagin, a bad bird, attacks a wren couple’s nest in an idyllic forest, destroying all their eggs but one. The lone hatchling is adopted by an owl patterned after W. C. Fields. A seagull named Armstrong, two mice and a sparrow band in a counter‑offensive against Fagin. Romance blooms, and a jazzy score underscores this whimsical animated ornithology show.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen War of the Birds yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – War of the Birds (1990)

Explore the full timeline and setting of War of the Birds (1990). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Forest, Nearby City

A peaceful forest serves as the birds’ home, with a tall nest high in a tree and a close-knit community of feathery neighbors. The forest offers shelter and danger in equal measure, from storms to predators. Betty’s trip to a nearby city introduces a glimpse of urban life and the wider world beyond the trees.

🌳 Forest 🏙️ City 🐦 Birds

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:32

Main Characters – War of the Birds (1990)

Meet the key characters of War of the Birds (1990), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Oliver - young (voiced by Emil Tarding)

Oliver is a curious, hopeful chick who grows into a capable leader. He dreams of flying and, after his egg survives, learns to make plans, trust friends, and face danger to protect those he loves. His journey from vulnerability to resolve drives the film’s action and heart.

🐣 Protagonist 🌱 Growth 🪶 Flight

Olivia - young (voiced by Sofie Bredesen)

Olivia is an energetic sparrow who befriends Oliver and develops romantic feelings for him. She is resourceful and brave, helping to navigate markets and dangers in town. Her optimism and loyalty make her a crucial ally in the plan to defeat Fagin.

🕊️ Companion 🌱 Growth 💞 Love

Betty - bluebird (voiced by Lisbet Dahl)

Betty acts as a nurturing foster mother who adopts Oliver’s egg and becomes a stabilizing, protective presence. She demonstrates courage in peril and guides the young birds through early dangers until her sacrifice changes the course of events.

🛡️ Protector 💖 Caregiver 🌟 Mentor

Walter - owl (voiced by Ove Sprogøe)

Walter is the resident owl who helps guard the youngsters and shares stories that spark Oliver’s dreams. He serves as a cautious mentor figure and a reliable anchor for the fledglings.

🗣️ Mentor 🧭 Guide

Fagin - villain (voiced by Claus Ryskjær)

Fagin is a violent, predatory villain who terrorizes the forest birds and kills to maintain control. He challenges Oliver’s resolve with cunning and raw aggression and serves as the driving force for the protagonists’ quest.

💀 Villain ⚔️ Threat

Armstrong - seagull (voiced by Per Pallesen)

Armstrong hosts a lively party that becomes a turning point, offering Oliver hope and a way to win support from other birds. He embodies resilience and bravado, encouraging the young birds to take action against Fagin.

🎵 Lyrical 🗣️ Social

Fredrick - mouse

Fredrick is a loyal, cautious ally who alongside Ingolf helps set the trap for Fagin. He shows how small creatures can be crucial in strategic plans and survival.

🐭 Ally 🧠 Clever

Ingolf - mouse

Ingolf dreams of flying and joins the group in the effort against Fagin. He provides a sense of curiosity and courage, but his attempts are tempered by caution and friendship.

🐭 Ally 🧠 Courage

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:32

Major Themes – War of the Birds (1990)

Explore the central themes of War of the Birds (1990), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Courage

Oliver learns to stand up to a predatory foe and lead his friends. The group relies on careful planning, trust, and sacrifice to outwit Fagin. The story shows that courage can grow from hope and teamwork rather than sheer strength. Each setback tests their resolve and strengthens their bond.

🤝 Friendship

A circle of unlikely allies—Betty, Walter, Armstrong, Fredrick, and Ingolf—bands together to defend their nest. Shared risks deepen bonds and teach the young birds that support from others makes difficult plans possible. Olivia’s wit and loyalty help drive the group forward, turning fear into action. The theme celebrates friendship as a source of resilience.

💔 Loss

The threat of Fagin casts a shadow over the forest, forcing the birds to cope with loss and fear. The death of Betty and near-disastrous encounters test Oliver and Olivia’s strength and purpose. Surviving the storm and the final confrontation, the community redefines what family means after tragedy. The ending emphasizes resilience and the hope that life continues after loss.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:32

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of War of the Birds

Don't stop at just watching — explore War of the Birds in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what War of the Birds is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

War of the Birds Summary

Read a complete plot summary of War of the Birds, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

War of the Birds Summary

War of the Birds Timeline

Track the full timeline of War of the Birds with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

War of the Birds Timeline

More About War of the Birds

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about War of the Birds: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About War of the Birds