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The Crying Game on DVD (1992)

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Average rating: (69%)
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3.5
 
Starring: Miranda Richardson | Stephen Rea | Forest Whitaker | Jaye Davidson | Jim Broadbent | Adrian Dunbar
Director: Neil Jordan
Studio: MGM ENTERTAINMENT
Run time: 107 mins
Certificate: 18
User collections: THE classics | Intelligent Faves
Genres: Drama
Languages: English
Hearing-impaired: English
Released: 16/09/2002

Brief synopsis of The Crying Game

This highly original film put screenwriter/director Neil Jordan on the international map. The story begins at a carnival in Ireland with British soldier Jody (Forest Whitaker) kidnapped by IRA terrorists Jude (Miranda Richardson) and Fergus (Stephen Rea). Fergus is assigned to guard Jody, and they become friends. After the kidnapping goes horribly wrong, Fergus escapes to London to track down Jody's girlfriend, Dil (Jaye Davidson), to fulfill a promise to Jody and ends up falling in love with her. The only problem--well, it's not the only problem--is Jude has also come to London with news that the IRA is after Fergus and has a dangerous new mission in mind.
A sensation during its original release for its controversial plot development, THE CRYING GAME went on to win several awards and remains a tender and thrilling viewing experience. Jordan's script bristles with wit and intelligence, and the plentiful symbolic imagery shows the hand of a true artist. Ian Wilson's photography beautifully captures the various locales of London and rural Ireland. Boy George sings the title song, and the rest of the memorable score is by Anne Dudley.

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Critics Reviews

Rating of 4 stars out of 5 Radio Times

Virtually ignored on its release, this offbeat tale went on to become a monster hit in America and even earned an Oscar for best original screenplay for writer/director Neil Jordan. It's a beguiling, eccentric blend of romantic drama and political thriller, and at its centre is a charismatic performance from Stephen Rea. He plays an IRA terrorist who flees to London after the botched kidnapping of a British soldier, played somewhat unconvincingly by Forest Whitaker. Ridden with guilt he locates the dead man's former lover (an extraordinary performance from Jaye Davidson that was deservedly rewarded with an Oscar nomination) and finds himself falling in love. After a series of Hollywood flops, this marked a major return to form for Jordan. And the future also looked rosy for Davidson, who won a major role in Stargate but has done little of significance since.

Rating of 3 stars out of 4 Halliwell's Film Guide

Complex and brilliantly successful examination of matters of identity and gender.

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Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 5 starsOne of the best British films

A customer from Uxbridge , 27/03/2004

The British Film Industry has always been a bit hit or miss. This film is a definite hit.

Just about everyone knows the twist in the film, but even so, this is still an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable film. If you don't know the twist, the definitely get this film out, watch and enjoy.

If only we could make more like this.

  14 out of 16 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 starsA brit flick, not a chick flick...

x7rmd from Surrey , 25/02/2005

This movie is different. If you are open minded and can cope with 107 minutes of quality british drama then it's a must see.

In brief an exceptional film with a twisting plot involving race, politics, murder, love, lust & sexuality.

Boy George's haunting cover of Dave Berry's theme song is the high point of the soundtrack as well as accompanying the film's famous 'surprise'.

This film is certainly not a casual viewing but is well worth the effort.

  11 out of 12 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 starsGreat drama

Hoffa from Lincolnshire, UK , 23/05/2004

This film was more topical when it was made, as things seem to have improved over the last few years. Some IRA terrorists mess up the kidnapping of a British soldier. This leads to some unlikely relationships developing. The film has a good pace and contains a good mix of drama, humour and action. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a dramatic story.

  7 out of 10 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 stars

Sandra#5 from MAIDSTONE , 15/05/2004

When you know the twist, you view the film in a different light, but the first time I saw this It was a bit of a shocker.

  3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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