Birds of Passage 2019
Directed by
Ciro Guerra
Made by
Interior13 Cine
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Birds of Passage (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the tumultuous backdrop of the late 1960s, Zaida (Natalia Reyes), a spirited young woman hailing from the esteemed Pushaina lineage, reaches a pivotal moment in her life. She meets Rapayet (José Acosta), who expresses his desire to marry her. However, Zaida’s mother, Úrsula (Carmiña Martínez), demands a substantial dowry reflecting their family’s standing.
The plot thickens when Rapayet encounters a group of white American Peace Corps volunteers who are in dire need of marijuana. Teaming up with his friend Moisés (Jhon Narváez), they visit Rapayet’s cousin Gabriel who cultivates marijuana. Impressed by the quality of their product, one of the Americans proposes a lucrative drug export deal to Rapayet. With the revenue from this venture, Rapayet successfully pays off Zaida’s dowry, although it raises Úrsula’s suspicions about his dealings with outsiders.
Fast forward a few years, Rapayet and Zaida are blissfully married, and their drug export business flourishes into a substantial operation. Moisés encourages Rapayet to branch out and collaborate with other growers, but Rapayet remains loyal to his cousin Gabriel. During a critical transaction, Rapayet discovers that the Americans are involved with rival growers. Tensions escalate when Moisés inflicts violence on two men involved in the deal, prompting Rapayet to intervene and ultimately sever ties with him to maintain their friendship. This decision leads to tragic consequences, as Moisés retaliates by murdering Gabriel and his entire family, forcing Rapayet into a corner where he must take hostile action against his former friend.
With the backing of the Pushaina clan, Rapayet navigates through the chaos by forming a new alliance with Gabriel’s brother, Aníbal (Juan Bautista Martínez), albeit at a steeper price. As the 1970s draw to a close, Rapayet’s family enjoys newfound wealth but faces challenges when they are summoned to Gabriel’s second funeral. Tensions flare between the families when Leonídas (Greider Meza), the youngest son of Úrsula, embarrasses himself and the clan, leading to a series of events that spiral into violence and betrayal.
In an attempt to avert an all-out war, Rapayet sends a messenger with an offer to Aníbal, who, in a shocking turn, executes the messenger, signifying a breach of Wayuu traditions and respect. This breach sends Zaida and their children into hiding as whispers of dissent spread, and disillusioned clans begin to walk away from the Pushaina family, which once stood strong.
With tensions escalating, Úrsula resorts to extreme measures, kidnapping her daughter and grandchildren in a bid to prevent Rapayet from returning home. The situation continues to deteriorate as Aníbal harbors a vengeful spirit, culminating in a brutal assault on Rapayet’s home. The aftermath leaves behind devastation, with only Indira (Aslenis Márquez), the daughter of Zaida and Rapayet, surviving the ravages of clan enmity.
In a final act of desperation, Úrsula urges Indira to escape with Leonídas, but faced with his incapacitated state, she must courageously embark on her journey alone. The tragic end sees Aníbal tracking down Rapayet, sealing the fate of both families, culminating in a cycle of violence and loss beneath the looming shadows of their once-respected traditions.
Timeline
Track the key events of Birds of Passage (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Zaida Meets Rapayet
In the late 1960s, Zaida, a spirited woman of the Pushaina lineage, meets Rapayet, who expresses his desire to marry her. This meeting sets off a chain of events that will dramatically alter both of their lives and their families' futures.
Mother's Dowry Demands
Zaida's mother, Úrsula, demands a substantial dowry from Rapayet, reflecting their family's esteemed standing. This requirement becomes a critical barrier for their relationship, pushing Rapayet towards desperate measures to fulfill it.
Encounter with Peace Corps Volunteers
As Rapayet seeks to raise the dowry, he encounters a group of American Peace Corps volunteers who are in urgent need of marijuana. This meeting exposes him to new opportunities and risks, marking his entrance into the drug trade.
The Drug Deal Proposal
After visiting his cousin Gabriel, who cultivates marijuana, Rapayet is approached by an American who proposes a lucrative drug export deal. This opportunity sets the stage for Rapayet's involvement in the drug business, affecting his future profoundly.
Marriage and Drug Business Growth
With the profits from the drug deal, Rapayet successfully pays Zaida's dowry, leading to their marriage. As their drug business flourishes, Rapayet faces the temptation to expand his operations, which brings new challenges.
Conflict with Moisés
As tensions rise during a critical transaction, Rapayet discovers that the Americans are working with rival growers. When Moisés uses violence to resolve a deal, Rapayet chooses to intervene, which strains their friendship and leads to tragic consequences.
Betrayal and Retaliation
Moisés reacts to Rapayet's severed ties by retaliating and murdering Gabriel and his family. This betrayal places Rapayet in a precarious situation and forces him to consider dangerous actions to protect his own family.
Forming New Alliances
In the chaos that follows, Rapayet seeks to rebuild his alliances by partnering with Gabriel's brother, Aníbal. This new partnership comes at a high cost, revealing the complexities and dangers of the drug world.
The Funeral Summons
As Rapayet's family enjoys wealth, they are called to Gabriel's second funeral, igniting tensions between their clan and Gabriel's family. This event triggers a series of violent encounters and deepening conflict amongst the families.
Breach of Tradition
In an attempt to prevent war, Rapayet sends a messenger to Aníbal with a peace offering. Aníbal's brutal act of executing the messenger represents a significant breach of Wayuu traditions, escalates tensions, and affects both families.
Zaida and Children Hide
Following the escalation of conflict, Zaida and her children are forced into hiding as whispers of betrayal and dissent spread throughout their community. This act underscores the growing fear and instability within their families.
Kidnapping Incident
Úrsula takes extreme measures by kidnapping her daughter and grandchildren in an effort to keep Rapayet from returning home. This moment illustrates the lengths to which she will go to protect her family amidst growing chaos.
Aníbal's Assault
Amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions, Aníbal launches a brutal assault on Rapayet's home. The violent encounter leads to significant devastation, marking a turning point in the conflict between their families.
Indira's Survival
In the aftermath of the violence, only Indira, the daughter of Zaida and Rapayet, survives the brutal clash. Her survival symbolizes the tragic consequences of their family's turmoil and the ongoing cycle of violence.
Final Attempt to Escape
In a desperate act, Úrsula urges Indira to escape with Leonídas, but Indira must flee alone. This pivotal moment encapsulates the despair and breakdown of family ties amidst their disastrous feud.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Birds of Passage (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Zaida (Natalia Reyes)
Zaida is a spirited woman from the Pushaina lineage, whose choices significantly influence her family's fate. Initially hopeful and trusting, she grapples with the consequences of her husband's actions as their lives spiral into violence and tragedy. Her resilience is tested as she navigates family loyalty and the need for survival.
Rapayet (José Acosta)
Rapayet is ambitious and resourceful, initially drawn into the drug trade to provide for his family. His deep-rooted loyalty to his kin is challenged as conflicts arise, making him a complex figure struggling between ambition and morality. His decisions have profound ramifications, ultimately leading to tragic outcomes.
Úrsula (Carmiña Martínez)
Úrsula is a powerful matriarch whose traditional values and protective nature drive much of the tension within the family. Her desperation to uphold family honor leads her to extreme actions, showcasing the lengths a mother will go to in order to protect her children amidst discord.
Moisés (Jhon Narváez)
Moisés serves as the catalyst for escalating conflicts, driven by ambition and impulsive actions. His violent tendencies bring about significant strife, pushing Rapayet to confront his allegiances. Ultimately, he embodies the tragic consequences of unchecked greed and rivalry.
Aníbal (Juan Bautista Martínez)
Aníbal is a complex character whose motivations evolve throughout the story. Initially a figure of potential alliance, his vengeful spirit ultimately leads him to embody the cycle of violence, driving home the tragic repercussions of strained family ties.
Indira (Aslenis Márquez)
Indira represents the future generational struggle, shaped by the violent legacy and familial conflicts that engulf her life. As the sole survivor of the clan's enmities, her journey emphasizes the lasting impacts of these conflicts on innocent lives.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Birds of Passage (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Late 1960s - 1970s
This time period was marked by significant sociopolitical upheaval globally, influencing local cultures and economies, especially in rural areas. The rise of the drug trade drastically altered relationships and dynamics among communities, leading to both newfound wealth and violent conflicts.
Location
Pushaina
Pushaina is a culturally rich region known for its esteemed indigenous lineage, especially among the Wayuu people. The landscape is characterized by its connection to traditional lifestyles and agricultural practices. The area becomes a focal point for the unfolding drama, blending familial ties with turbulent external influences.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Birds of Passage (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Justice
The theme of justice permeates the narrative as characters navigate loyalty, betrayal, and violent retribution. Rapayet's choices to distance himself from Moisés and his eventual confrontations highlight the moral complexities faced when upholding family honor in the midst of crime.
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Family
Family bonds are both a source of strength and conflict throughout the film. The push and pull of familial loyalty versus individual ambition create devastating consequences, culminating in heart-wrenching losses that redefine the characters’ lives and legacies.
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Conflict
The narrative illustrates the descent into conflict as personal ambitions collide with clan traditions. As rivalries intensify and respect is breached, the ensuing chaos reveals the fragility of relationships that are once thought to be unbreakable.
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