The Crying Game Movie Review 1992

PR lesson in how to launch a small movie into the hypersphere and ensure critical silence on salient characterization. Jordan's gritty drama is on par with his best, a complex blend of violence, love, betrayal, guilt, and redemption and is not about what it seems to be about much of the time. Wonderful performances by all, including Rea as the appealing, conscience-stricken Fergus; Richardson as the cold, violent IRA moll Jude; and Davidson, in a film debut, as the needy, charismatic Dil. Whitaker is terrific in his 15 minutes of intense screen time. Filled with definite surprises and unexpected pleasures. Title is taken from a top-5 British hit of 1964, three versions of which are heard.

Distribution

Baker & Taylor Inc., 2709 Water Ridge Pkwy., Ste. 500, Charlotte, NC 28217, Phone: (704)357-3500, Toll-free: 800-775-1800, Email: btinfo@btol.com, URL: http://www.btol.com

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 112 minutes.
Originally from Irish.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Director/Star Teams: Jordan & Rea, Terrorism, Technicolor Yawn, Amusement Parks, Cuttin' Heads, Gender Bending, Ireland, Gays, Kidnapped!, Bisexuality

Screenplay

Neil Jordan

Cast

Stephen Rea, Jaye Davidson, Miranda Richardson, Forest Whitaker, Adrian Dunbar, Jim Broadbent, Ralph Brown, Breffini McKenna, Joe Savino, Birdy Sweeney, Andre Bernard

Cinematography

Ian Wilson

Director

Neil Jordan

Music

Anne Dudley

Producer

Stephen Woolley, Miramax Films

Awards

Oscars 1992: Orig. Screenplay; Australian Film Inst. 1993: Foreign Film; Ind. Spirit 1993: Foreign Film; L.A. Film Critics 1992: Foreign Film; N.Y. Film Critics 1992: Screenplay, Support. Actress (Richardson); Natl. Soc. Film Critics 1992: Actor (Rea); Writers Guild 1992: Orig. Screenplay.