Boys Don't Cry Reviews

Diffrent

When Brandon Teena, a young man with an infectious, aw-shucks grin and an angelic face that's all angles, wanders into Falls City, Nebraska, he takes to the town as if it's a second skin. In little time he's fallen in with a gang of goofy if temperamental redneck boys, found himself a girlfriend, and befriended enough people to form something of a small family. In fact, it's the best time Brandon's ever had. However, there are shadows looming over Brandon's life: a court date for grand theft auto, a chequered criminal record, and a seemingly innocuous speeding ticket that could prove to be his undoing. Why? Because as it turns out, Brandon Teena is actually Teena Brandon, a woman masquerading as a man. This fascinating story was based on real-life events (as documented in The Brandon Teena Story) that occurred in 1993 and ended in tragedy: Brandon's rape and murder by two of his supposed friends. Despite this horrible outcome, however, in the hands of director Kimberly Peirce (who co-wrote the unfettered screenplay with Andy Bienen), Brandon's story becomes not oppressive or preachy, but rather oddly and touchingly transcendent, anchored by Hilary Swank's phenomenal, unsentimental (and Oscar-winning) performance. Swank inhabits Brandon's contradictions and passions with a natural vitality most actresses would refuse to give themselves over to. Brandon's deception is doomed from the start, but Swank's enthusiasm is infectious, and when Brandon starts romancing the sloe-eyed Lana (a pitch-perfect Chloë Sevigny), he finds a soulmate who wants to transcend boundaries and fated identities as much as he does. The last part of the film, when Brandon's true identity is discovered, is truly painful to watch, but in between the agony there are touching moments of sweetness between Brandon and Lana, who wrestles with the truth of who Brandon actually is. You'll come away from Boys Don't Cry with affection and respect for Brandon, not pity

Words are not enough

I remember reading about brandon teena on 'remembering our dead' and i was disgusted by the sheer closed mindedness of fellow people. I saw there was a DVD retelling the history and rented it to see how they captured the story.

Like an arrow.

It pierced my heart all over and hurt all over again. It's sickening to know that he/she wasn't and isn't the only people this is happening to as well, it's still going on! (2005) the attacks and murders i mean.

Open your eyes, watch the movie. Graphic - maybe, but maybe that's what this world needs. I congratulate them for making the story as close to the truth as they did and made a really good job at it.

Too bad i forgot to watch the commentory before sending it back ;-; i'm going to have to rent it out again soon.

Brilliant performances

not perfect but when viewing the director's commentary (which I don't usually do) I was amazed to hear how this was shot on a low budget. Utterly convincing and ultimately tragic tale about prejudice and ignorance.

CRAP(Why have'nt they got no stars?)

This is one of the worst movies ...EVER

Save yourself the time of watching it

[Highly rated reviewer]

wow

This is a very depressing story but with such superb performances that you just have to watch it till the end.

Amazing But Harrowing

This film is absolutely amazing. It forces you to get into the heads of all the character and yes whilst it may be graphic (and it is) it needs to be done. There should be more movies like this that aren't afraid to show things how they really are. The final parts of the movie hurt in so many ways and you're left coming away with a new found respect for Brandon.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Gave up

It may be a sad story but after 40 mins, I found no empathy with any of the characters and lost interest.

Bit slow, but stay with it!

The movie starts out really slow. But once you get into it, it's worth it. Hilary Swank is very convincing in her role of playing the male version of herself. The movie shows you the intricacies of being born male with female parts - it does get graphic. The ending is predictable but as you come to know Swank's character, you wish it wasn't.

Harrowing, but should be seen

I saw this film because of Hilary's performance, which is amazing and well worthy of the Oscar she now holds.

This true story adaptation is based on small towm prejudice, but taken to the highest level which results in a very sad tale indeed.

There are parts of this film which are very distressing and uncomfortable to watch. After watching the whole film, I actually felt as though I had been on the journey with her, which literally pulled at my heart strings and made me cry with sadness.

If you are prepared to see a piece of art which is not the usual drama/action film, this should definately be seen.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Hooray for Hilary

This film was recommended to me by a friend and I must admit that I only ordered it in the end because of the other excellent films that have starred Hilary Swank.

The film was abrasive, grisley, disturbing and violent and Hilary certainly earned her Oscar for her mature and realistic performance.

The photography was dark for a very dark plot, but the cast and the Director worked hard to bring a hell of story to the screen.

The Sound of Music this is not, but I was impressed by this film based upon a true story.

I can confirm that Boys can cry as I had to watch 'Singin' in the Rain' afterwards to regain my equilibrium. Well worth the money but keep the Prozac handy!