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Stephen Rea, Jaye Davidson, Miranda Richardson, Forest Whitaker, Jim Broadbent ... see more see more... , Adrian Dunbar , Ralph Brown , Andre Bernard , Brian Coleman , Breffni McKenna , Joe Savino , Tony Slattery , Birdy Sweeney , Chris Rea , Susie Figgis , Jack Carr

In this successful psychological thriller, a reluctant agent of the Irish Republican Army discovers that some people just aren't who you expect them to be. Fergus (Stephen Rea) is an IRA "volunteer" w... read more read more...ho, despite personal misgivings, takes part in the kidnapping of a black British soldier, Jody (Forest Whitaker), stationed in Northern Ireland. The IRA hopes to use Jody as a bargaining chip to win the release of IRA operatives behind bars, but, while guarding Jody, Fergus becomes fast friends with his prisoner. Jody makes Fergus promise him that if he dies, Fegus will look in on his girlfriend, Dil (Jaye Davidson), and see if she's all right. Jody escapes, and Fergus doesn't have the heart to shoot him; as fate would have it, Jody runs from the woods into a street only to be run over by a British police vehicle, which then flushes out the IRA compound. Fergus escapes to London, where he's wanted by the law for Jody's kidnapping and also by his former girlfriend, IRA operative Jude (Miranda Richardson), who thinks he knows too much to fall into the hands of the British authorities. Good to his word, Fergus tracks down Dil, and soon the two outcasts find themselves entering into a love affair, although Fergus discovers that Dil is not the sort of woman he thought she was. Writer/director Neil Jordan won an Academy Award for his screenplay; the title song, which was a U.K. hit for Dave Berry in 1965, was re-recorded for the film by one-time Culture Club vocalist Boy George with backing by the Pet Shop Boys. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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76% liked it

28,797 ratings

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100% liked it

45 critics

R, 1 hr. 52 min.

Directed by: Neil Jordan

Release Date: November 25, 1992

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DVD Release Date: January 13, 1998

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Stats: 1,429 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,429)

  • FrizzDrop
    January 31, 2012
    FrizzDrop
    Two different things fused together that you wouldn't think would fit make a film that evokes the troublesome violence of war, the bonds of friendship which cannot be diminished by political loyalties, and the nuanced differences of love and sex. The political atmosphere of the f... read moreilm plagues it in the beginning, throwing in an undertone of revolution and an honest look at the IRA's contribution to wartime travesties, and the bloodshed they must inflict and endure to win out. Though this makes up a huge chunk of the first part of this film it's not the predominant theme. It's more of a complex yet convenient plot device to satisfy the need to give the main character a great dollop of guilt, enough to fuel the rest of the plot. The main reason it's set where it is and holds the weight of political intrigue and rebellion is because it was written and directed by native Neil Jordan. It's a universal story that could have been put in multiple times of war or revolution and been just as interesting. It's the sordid time of the nineties that made this film a sleeper hit and jacked up its box office total. Besides that there is also a big reveal in the plot which changes the tone of the film and shocked a lot of audiences who made this film famous through word of mouth. The film itself is not as shocking by the standards of the times we live in. This was in part a story about love triumphing over the intense reflections of Irish extremist society and also the world view of sexuality and gender roles. Maybe that's being too general a message or meaning for this complex look at several mainstream issues. None of them are directly addressed or explored to its fullest capacity, so I have to look at this film solely for its story. In all, nothing was too over the top, offensive, or revealing about the state of the world's affairs, but it was an interesting and topsy-turvy view of the bonds between people. Most of all the film is about Fergus (Rea), his guilt at the fate of Jody, and his ensuing want to protect his girlfriend, who he subsequently protects in lieu of Jody. The plot itself was collectively successful in showing Fergus through every stage of his denial and acceptance of the circumstances. In the end he ultimately sacrifices everything to clear a murky conscious, and if this is the true point of the film it's undoubtedly the most powerful part.
  • fb619846742
    August 27, 2011
    fb619846742
    A well-constructed though massively over-rated thriller about an IRA "volunteer" (Stephen Rea) who starts a relationship with a striking female (Jaye Davidson) who is the girlfriend of a hostage (Forest Whitaker) he once looked over and shared a special bond with. It gets major b... read morerownie points for its twist (which, even if you see it coming, like me, it still is executed terrifically), as well as the simply superb performances leading the way (both Rea and Davidson knock the ball out of the park in their respected turns). However, it takes a while to get going, and some of the plot does not make total since (why the IRA wants Rea back to do that "one last job" - seems cliche). However, still a very watchable film, thanks to the chemistry between Rea and Davidson, as well as its clever take on human sexuality and what loving a person is all about, even if they aren't what you think.
  • SarahG1988
    July 4, 2010
    SarahG1988
    This incredibly underated British drama
  • sononothing
    June 27, 2010
    sononothing
    Before starting my review of The Crying Game I must let you know that if you know the big plot twist in the film it isnâ??t a major turning point in the film and doesnâ??t take away from the overall experience. If you donâ??t know the twist, then forget I said anything.

    A Britis... read moreh solider named Jody (Forrest Whittaker) is kidnapped by IRA terrorists and held for ransom, mainly a prisoner exchange. While being held at a small, deserted farmstead in the woods he befriends Fergus (Steven Rea), one of his captors who butts heads with his fellow IRA colleague Jude (Miranda Richardson). After the abrupt death of Jody and an attack by British troops, Fergus travels to London to fulfill a promise he made Jody to look in on the love of his life Dil (Jaye Davidson). A relationship blossoms between this rough and tumble singer and the ex-IRA terrorist that is threatened to be torn apart by his past.

    Like films such as Full Metal Jacket, The Crying Game feels like two films combined into one. Opening in Ireland and the events with Jody, the picture drops us into a completely different world in which clubbing and living the lifestyle are king. There is nothing left for Fergus to fight for in this rich new land, except for Dil and the ghost of Jody that seems to haunt him as he goes along. Neil Jordan delivers a film that is hypnotic in the way it operates and flows from scene to scene, even though we stay in the same familiar places in each section of the film.

    Steven Rea is magnificent as the confused terrorist Fergus, originally confused by the war he was involved in and now confused by his relationship with Dil. Rea has real presence on the screen and achieves that sympathy that an actor in such a situation needs. Among the rest of the cast this is a well performed film with little to be ashamed about. Itâ??s a fantastic film that travels without us going anywhere because of its performances.

    Of course The Crying Game is remembered for one thing. Itâ??s much more than that one particular scene and it still doesnâ??t change the overall tone of the film. A great film from the early 1990â??s when movies were starting to climb from the doldrums of the 1980â??s.
  • FilmFanatik
    June 14, 2010
    FilmFanatik
    An excellent and stellar piece of work. I'm bummed Stephen Rea didn't get too many more offers for more lead roles...he's fantastic.
  • 76Majikat
    December 31, 2009
    76Majikat
    A thoroughly enjoyable Romantic Thriller with a difference. It?s a little disappointing that most people know the catch to this film, however if you?re one of those people who don?t know, watch before you find out.

    This really is a story of two parts, the first setting the in... read moretial story, the second really working on the present storyline, with reprocussions of the past.

    Another great performance from Rea and an original piece.
  • SirPant
    September 24, 2009
    SirPant
    A stunning film, one of my favourites of all time. People seem to have problems with the 'Secret' and badmouth it thanks to it being profusely spoofed by inferior comedies looking for a cheap laugh. If you have yet to see it, please watch it soon and without bias, it?s an absolut... read moree classic.
  • DragonEyeMorrison
    September 29, 2007
    DragonEyeMorrison
    Builded way too much around it's plot twist to make this stand as nothing more than a novelty of it's time.
  • fernandorafael
    August 15, 2007
    fernandorafael
    i made a promise to my friends that my reviews weren't gonna be that long, so i'll try to make it quick...The Crying Game, a great movie from director Neil Jordan (Interview With The Vampire, Breakfast on Pluto)...it's a great mixture of drama, thriller and romance that takes ove... read morer you right from the start...it has a nice script and photography and really good performances by Jordan's signature actor, Stephen Rea, Forest Whitaker, Miranda Richardson and Jaye Davidson...great movie, and about that "twist", it wasn't a real shocker, i mean, you could see miles away it was a gut (oops!) haha.. get over it, this movie is really old ( i was 2 when it came out) haha
  • webalina
    May 20, 2007
    webalina
    This is an excellent film, despite the big deal with "the twist", which I figured out before I saw the film. The friendship between Stephen Rea (always good) as an IRA member and Forrest Whitaker as Jody, the soldier the IRA kidnaps, is moving, as it leads to Rea promising Whita... read moreker he'll watch over his girlfriend. That's where things get really interesting. It was fun to sit in the theatre and hear everyone's reaction to the "reveal" who weren't prepared for it.

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Critic Reviews

Jonathan Rosenbaum
February 13, 2012
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

This thriller gives you an entertaining run for your money and some offbeat frissons along the way. Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
September 7, 2011
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

After luring us into what appears to be a classic they-gazed-at-each-other-across-an-empty-bar romantic setup, Jordan undermines our expectations so thoroughly that it's as if we've rediscovered our i... Full Review

Todd McCarthy
October 18, 2008
Todd McCarthy, Variety

An astonishingly good and daring film that richly develops several intertwined thematic lines, The Crying Game takes giant risks that are stunningly rewarded. Full Review

Vincent Canby
May 20, 2003
Vincent Canby, New York Times

The physical production is as lush as the film's romantic longings. Full Review

Hal Hinson
January 1, 2000
Hal Hinson, Washington Post

The Crying Game ventures into such exquisitely unique territory that you feel giddy from the pleasure of being allowed to travel along. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Reasons remain to watch this movie: the development of Fergus and the fine performances, most notably Whitaker and Richardson, who plays her character with just the right number of screws loose. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

If you're waiting for something explosive to happen, that may be the case, but if you're absorbing the meticulous and subtle character interaction, the pacing is perfect. Full Review

February 13, 2012
Film4

Review Those unacquainted with The Crying Game should note that it is well acted, original in intent rather than execution, and in possession of a narrative about-turn so insane that the film is guara... Full Review

Emanuel Levy
April 26, 2007
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

Neil Jordan's daring, mesmerizing film combines a Hitchcockian thriller and a spellbinding love story with a twist set against intriguing political circumstances; don't reveal the ending to your friends. Full Review

Tasha Robinson
October 6, 2006
Tasha Robinson, AV Club

The Crying Game's effectiveness comes not from the big reveal, but from the expertly crafted story that frames it and makes it into a meaningful reversal rather than a sudden isolated shock. Full Review

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    • Dil: Y'see, I'm not a young thing any longer.... Funny the way things go. Don't you find that, Jimmy? Never the way you expected.
    • Jody: ...and as they both sink beneath the waves, the frog cries out, "Why did you sting me, Mr. Scorpion? For now we both will drown!" Scorpion replies, "I can't help it. It's in my nature!
    • Fergus: Have you ever tried to pick up your teeth with broken fingers?
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The Crying Game Trivia

  • Which director links the movies "Interview with the Vampire", "Breakfast on Pluto", "In Dreams", "The Butcher Boy", "Michael Collins", "The Crying Game", and "Mona Lisa"?  Answer »
  • in the movie slither , what culture club song is being "performed" durring the kareoke scene?  Answer »
  • this actress/actor was in interview with the vampire,v for vendetta,in dreams and the crying game  Answer »
  • Jaye Davidson, who played the Egyptian god Ra in Stargate, also played a pivotal character in which movie?  Answer »
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