Cast
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Hilary Swank
as Brandon Teena
Chloë Sevigny
as Lana Tisdel
Peter Sarsgaard
as John Lotter
Brendan Sexton III
as Tom Nissen
Alicia Goranson
as Candace
Alison Folland
as Kate
Jeannetta Arnette
as Lana's Mom
Rob Campbell
as Brian
Matt McGrath
as Lonny
Cheyenne Rushing
as Nicole
Robert Prentiss
as Trucker
Josh Ridgway
as Kwik Stop Cashier
Craig Erickson
as Trucker in Kwik Stop
Stephanie Sechrist
as April
Jerry Haynes
as Judge
Crew
Director
- Kimberly Peirce
Writer
- Kimberly Peirce
- Andy Bienen
Producer
- John N. Hart
- Eva Kolodner
- Christine Vachon
- Jeffrey Sharp
Reviews
John Chard
You don't seem like you're from around here.
It's one of those films that any film lover has to see to judge for themselves. A critical darling and an award winner, it's a film of undoubted emotional power. It is based on the tragic case of Teena Brandon (Hilary Swank) who was raped and murdered in 1993, it would become one of the significant cases of hate crime in American history.
From the off Kimberly Peirce's film sets out its stall that we are in bleak territory, and so it proves. It dangles little shards of light, but constantly it proves uncompromising and unpleasant. There's a nagging irk that main characters are very thinly drawn, where motives are given short shrift, and this is bizarre given that the pic runs for nearly two hours. However, the performances of both Swank and Chloë Sevigny are outstanding, and Peirce handles the darkest scenes in the movie with a grace and tact that deserves applause.
A tale that needed to be told, even in truncated form, Boys Don't Cry is fine cinema making. 8/10
Feb 22, 2016
Asa_movies
The atmosphere completely different from that nowadays. This was probably the first time for man to express his own feelings and sexual identity in public. So, it was something like a Big Bang for people who experienced fact that some of their kith are "such a weirdos".
If you compare understanding of people today and only about 2 decades ago you can see that struggle for freedom and equality always exists, but they're a bit different. I may say the sexual revolution has just started and, if you compare some movie from 2000th, 2020th and (probably) 2040th, you will see people are starting to be more aware of changing in global sexual situation and, what is more important, it won't be taboo topic in the future.
Kimberly Pierce made Teena Brandon being born-girl, living-boy. Teena was a very brave person, worth living more than "boys from gangs" without any drop of emotion and understanding others, in themselves.
Person is changing during his life. People are changing during universal time. This is part of so called evolution. Not necessary revolution!
Be who you are :)
..................................................................................................
THE BLUEST EYES IN TEXAS
The lonesome Texas sun was setting low
And in the rear view mirror I watched it go
I can still see the wind in her golden hair
I close my eyes for a moment, I'm still here
The bluest eyes in Texas
Are haunting me tonight
Like the stars that fill
The midnight sky
Her memory fills my mind
(Where did I go wrong)
Did I wait too long
Or can I make it right
The bluest eyes in Texas
Are haunting me tonight
Another town, another hotel room
Another dream that ended way too soon
Left me lonely way before the dawn
Searching for the strength to carry on
The bluest eyes in Texas
Are haunting me tonight
Like the stars that fill
The midnight sky
Her memory fills my mind
(Where did I go wrong)
Did I wait too long
Or can I make it right
The bluest eyes in Texas
Are haunting me tonight
For every heart you break
You pay a price
But I can't forget the tears
In her blue eyes
The bluest eyes in Texas
Are haunting me tonight
Like the stars that fill
The midnight sky
Her memory fills my mind
(Where did I go wrong)
Did I wait too long
How can I make it right
The bluest eyes in Texas
Are haunting me tonight
The bluest eyes in Texas
Are haunting me tonight
.................................................................................................
Review written by Asa_movies (Tanja)
Apr 3, 2017
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Boys Don't Cry examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Kimberly Peirce brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Boys Don't Cry took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 118 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 175 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Boys Don't Cry shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Haymaker, which focuses more on action than character development, Boys Don't Cry offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Men of the Night and Torrey Pines explore similar territory, Boys Don't Cry stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 2, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Budget: $2,000,000
- Revenue: $11,540,607
