Review of Boys Don't Cry (1999) by Samantha R — 08 Feb 2010
Ah boy...
No pun intended. This is one tough movie to watch. The material is controversial and complicated to some. Heck it's complicated for everybody in that it isn't easily dismissed and certainly isn't simple. There are so many layers to what makes a person who they are. Blah Blah Blah I know. :) It's so damn complicated. Movie review website? Yeah probably not the place. lol No lectures. :).
This is the true story of a person who was brutally raped and murdered by two men who personify ignorance and fear. Despite a person's lack of comfortability with transgenders or anything remotely different with regard to gender identity, you can't help but realize the two men accused of the crime are the real non-human beings here. The movie itself is simple in how it was shot. Nothing extraordinary in the direction except that it was spot-on. Anything more would have seemed polished, not as real. The acting is superb. I still can't look at Peter Sarsgaard and not cringe. What a creep. He was too good for his own good. :).
This is one tough sit. It is absolutely brutal. Uncomfortable at almost every level. I didn't know the true story before seeing it yet felt like Brandon (Swank) was in constant danger. And oh man,...those scenes. Looked quite realistic. Really well done. Unfortunately. :) Very tough material but wow is it worth it. Hillary Swank soooo deserved her Oscar for her portrayl of Teena Brandon (Brandon Teena). Just remarkable.
Not sure I could sit through it again myself but I'm glad I saw it the one time. :).
This review of Boys Don't Cry (1999) was written by Samantha R on 08 Feb 2010.
Boys Don't Cry has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
