Review of The Crying Game (1992) by Ben F — 03 Nov 2012

It really is no over exaggeration when people call "The Crying Game" surprising. If you haven't seen the film, and you're looking at all of the trailers and what have you, they tend to mention that you won't see whats coming. They are absolutely correct about this. The overlaying premise of the film is easy to perceive and detect, but the content of the main plot-line emerges like a ferocious lion. Anyway, Neil Jordan provides the audience with a wonderfully written script and wonderfully crafted direction. With great acting all around as well, "The Crying Game" is a true gem.

A bunch of IRA operatives kidnap a black British soldier and interrogate him for a while. One of the IRA members is having second thoughts about the operation, and he becomes quite close with the hostage during the whole ordeal. After the hostage is killed by accident, the IRA member has to fulfill his promise to the soldier to seek out his girlfriend and notify her of what happened. I don't really want to give the rest of the story away, because like I said, its not like I can exactly type out what this film is about. It demands to be seen. But for the most part, the operatives past comes to haunt him, and he has to find a way to survive.

The acting as I stated earlier, is phenomenal. Stephen Rea is absolutely fantastic. Jaye Davidson and Miranda Richardson both due excellent jobs as well. This film wouldn't have worked without the powerhouse acting that we were given. Forest Whitaker was also good for his short roll. Most of the great acting is due in part to the great script by Neil Jordan. He really did craft something truly original and thought provoking.

It's not really a film that can be summed up in words. "The Crying Game" truly represents a film that is more than meets the eye. Its thought provoking, and genre bending. With a wonderful story, beautiful acting, and well-crafted direction, its a film to truly recognize for its excellence.