---
title: "Birdcage Inn"
year: 1998
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/birdcage-inn-1998"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 2777
imdb_id: "tt0190268"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 101
community_rating: 6.4
vote_count: 70
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Birdcage Inn (1998) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/birdcage-inn-1998

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Birdcage Inn is a 1998 South Korean drama film directed by Kim Ki-duk, released domestically in October 1998 and later screened at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 1999. The story follows a young prostitute named Jin-a who moves into a seaside motel operated by a dysfunctional family, where she struggles with her circumstances and the family's treatment before forming a bond with the daughter, Hye-mi.

The film explores themes of love, betrayal, personal growth, and redemption against the backdrop of the sex industry. It stars Lee Ji-eun, Lee Hae-eun, and Ahn Jae-mo, and carries an 18+ content rating due to its mature and violent subject matter.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A young prostitute moves into a seaside motel, forming an unlikely bond with the owner's daughter."

### Why Watch
- Directed by South Korean director Kim Ki-duk
- Explores the complex dynamics between Jin-a and the motel owner's daughter Hye-mi
- Screened at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 1999

### Caveats & Content Note
- Features content rated 18+ including sexual violence, rape, nudity, and violence
- Tone & Suitability: This 18+ drama film explores difficult themes including the sex industry, family relationships, and violence.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #seaside-setting, #dysfunctional-family, #unlikely-bond, #personal-growth, #south-korean-cinema

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV | Amazon Video |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | Tubi TV | None |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | Tubi TV | None |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Kim Ki-duk
- **Networks / Studios**: Boogui Cinema

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Lee Ji-eun** as *Jin-a*
- **Lee Hae-eun** as *Hye-mi*
- **Ahn Jae-mo** as *Hyun-woo*
- **Jeong Hyeong-gi** as *Gecko*
- **Son Min-seok** as *Jin-ho*
- **Lee In-ok** as *Mother*
- **Jang Hang-seon** as *Father*
- **Lee Yoon-geon** as *Detective*
- **Pang Eun-jin** as *Woman on beach*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where to stream Birdcage Inn?
Streaming availability is not provided in the sources.

### Q: Whether it is worth watching?
It is worth watching for viewers interested in the early work of South Korean director Kim Ki-duk.

### Q: What is the binge duration?
Birdcage Inn is a feature film with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.

### Q: What are the essential episodes?
Birdcage Inn is a feature film rather than a series with episodes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Birdcage Inn — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/2777)
- [Birdcage Inn (1998) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0190268/fullcredits/)
- [Birdcage Inn - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birdcage_Inn)
- [Birdcage Inn (1998) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/2777/cast)
- [Birdcage Inn Full Cast & Crew - MyDramaList](https://mydramalist.com/5945-birdcage-inn/cast)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*