Charlie Parker, the black American alto saxophonist who was the driving force behind the bebop jazz revolution, sacrificed his wellbeing, and that of his lover, to the tempting whirlwind of his music. As Parker, Forest Whitaker gives a pumping performance, required to be arrogant but unsteady, cocksure of his muse, yet hooked on drugs. Diane Venora is no second best as his hapless lady, a woman who goes from strutting dancer to empty soul. Director Clint Eastwood is perfectly in tune with his subject, giving the film a properly stifling, claustrophobic atmosphere as it portrays the wild anarchy of bebop, though he overextends the sequences about Parker's personality. The innovative soundtrack, enhancing Parker's recordings using present-day musicians, is a perfect accompaniment.

Saxophone player Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker comes to New York in 1940 and is quickly noticed for his remarkable way of playing. He becomes a drug addict but his loving wife Chan tries to help him.