Birdy (1984): A Little Too Literal?

Okay film fans, I finally got around to watching "Birdy" (1984). I know, I know, I'm super late to the party. But I'd heard so much about it, especially how Matthew Modine plays Birdy so intensely, and I was intrigued. The whole idea of someone becoming that consumed by the idea of flight... it's definitely powerful, and the actors did a great job. But I have a question for those who've seen it: Did anyone else feel like it was almost too literal? I mean, the symbolism is laid on REALLY thick, right? Like, we get that he's trying to escape, that he feels trapped by the war, by expectations, etc. But all the close-ups of actual birds, the way they filmed his movements mimicking them... sometimes it felt like they didn't trust the audience to understand the subtext. I’m a big believer in using symbolism in film adaptations, but I think they might have overdone it in Birdy. I'm especially curious what people thought of the ending. Did you find it hopeful? Or just kind of...weird? Because honestly, I'm torn. It's visually striking, sure, but after everything, it felt a bit like a cop-out. Like the movie just said, 'Okay, here's your metaphor, bam!' instead of letting us feel it organically. Anyone else have similar thoughts? I still really liked it mind you, but how do you feel about it?