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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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The Labyrinth of the Human Heart
Few films have so consistently defeated expectations, both on and off the screen, as Neil Jordan's 1992 THE CRYING GAME, a dark and darkly humorous tale of terrorism, guilt, revenge, and the vagracies of the human heart. Producers disliked the script, which they considered both uncommercial and impossible to cast. Filmed on a shoestring budget, it was expected to go nowhere fast--and then became the most talked-about film of its year, alternately fascinating and outrageing audiences and critics around the world, nominated for and winning numerous awards, and going on to become one of the top grossing films of its year.
The film is extremely difficult to discuss because to do so undermines its power for a first-time viewer. In a general sense, it concerns IRA terrorist Fergus (Stephen Rea), who is involved in the kidnapping of English solider Jody (Forrest Whittaker.) Soon Fergus finds himself pursued by the English as well as the IRA, which feels he has betrayed them; he hides himself in the crowds of London, where he is attracted to Jody's girl--the elegant Dill (Jaye Davidson.) But the more Fergus tries to avoid danger, the more it swells around him, threatening to engulf both Dill and himself.
I first saw THE CRYING GAME in its theatrical release and came to the film knowing absolutely nothing about it. It was a remarkable experience because each time I became convinced I knew what the film was about I was wrong: the story, the characters, the dialogue, the cinematography took an unexpected turn and proceeded down a completely unanticipated path. Although I was impressed, I wondered if the film would be as effective on a second or third viewing--but although the movie is filled with a host of twists, it is not superficial; it does indeed hold up to repeated viewings, for each time one sees it one becomes aware of additional nuances that one missed before.
So what, ultimately, is THE CRYING GAME about? It is an extremely difficult film to define, but in the end I think it is about the nature of love. We cannot predict who we will love, who will love us, or what the outcome of that love will be--but even though we may struggle for it or against it, love drives us with a powerful force into situations and conclusions that we may not have anticipated in our wildest dreams. THE CRYING GAME is the labyrinth of the human heart in all its glories and follies and disconcerting effects.
The collector's edition of the film comes with numerous bonuses ranging from an alternate ending to a documentary on Ireland's troubles to various "making of" features. All are worth watching; most interesting, however, is director-writer Neil Jordan's commentary, which covers many aspects of both the film and his career in general. Strongly recommended.
GFT, Amazon Reviewer
Rating: 
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I know the secret ... but ... What does this have to do with the story?
This movie was hyped up quite a bit. What is "the secret"? Once I found out the secret, looking back I wondered what the secret had to do with the flow of the story.
Stephen Rea, who is one of the best of the best actors to portray a world weary soul, is an IRA soldier whose group has kidnapped an Englishman (Forest Whitaker). While holding him captive, Forest tells him about his girlfriend, Dil, in London. Fascinated by his story, Stephen Rea decides to travel to London to meet this woman. They end up falling for each other. However, much to his chagrin, Dil shows that she has a little something extra in the basement. Stephen didn't know, and Dil just assumed that he did already. Oops ...
The story kind of dissolved from there. Stephen finds out, but the point of the tale went away from the IRA plot and that he didn't really care if Dil was a man or a woman. He did care about him, if not in a strange way. I wondered exactly what that had to do with the IRA. It was a twist, to be sure, but it didn't have much relievance.
I give this 3 stars for the original story, Stephen Rea, and the fact that Boy George sang the theme song. Now THAT was original.
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The Crying Game
Irish director Jordan made a big splash with this "Game," a kinky psychological thriller with a twist ending noone could stop talking about. Beyond the surface titillation, Jordan portrays the struggle between emotional and physical desire and more rational issues of loyalty, both political and personal. Rea mesmerizes as the IRA grunt haunted by his previous life, and Davidson is a marvel as the aloof, unapologetically sensual Dil.
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INTRIGUING, SHOCKING, GREAT
This is one of my movie favorites. I remember when I first saw this movie with my husband we had a lively argument about the character, Dil. Then wham!
This movie first introduced me to Forrest Whitaker. I hoped when I saw him in this movie that great things would happen to him because his acting was so convincing. It's good to see my hopes were realized. All the actors in this movie are incredible.
The movie plot starts out in one direction then with a thin thread connecting leads you off into an entirely different direction and back to the beginning plot, seamlessly.
The Crying Game is a very clever movie that revolves around Jimmy and Dil, and the IRA. And, well, something else.
If you have never seen this movie, I recommend you see it. It is highly enjoyable.
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It's Just a Piece of Meat
"The Crying Game"
It's Just a Piece of Meat
Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride
It is hard to believe that it has been 15 years since "The Crying Game" came out. By now everyone knows the story and the "surprise" but it is still amazing to note that the movie is considered as controversial today as it was when it came out in 2002. That appears to be the sign of good cinema. The director, Neil Jordan opened many doors with this film of the unlikely friendship between Fergus, an Irish revolutionary and Jody, a kidnapped soldier from Britain. When things so terribly wrong, Fergus manages to escape and heads for London and Jody's lover, a hairdresser named Dil. Fergus changes his name to Jimmy and starts seeing Dl who has no idea that he is aligned with the revolutionary group. But there are some things about Dil that he doesn't know either.
Stephen Rea as Fergus is amazing. Told from his point of view, he keeps the audience in suspense and involved. This is a special movie. It is hard and perverse and comes close to an "X" rating. There is a lot of sexual content which is stunning in its originality. In many cases the dialog is peppered with four letter words and the violence is both graphic and aggressive. It is quite a ride so if you plan to see it, be prepared. It is the kind of film that you see and talk about for days afterwards. An unknown actor, Forest Whitaker, appeared in the movie and went on to win the best actor Oscar this year. And the movie itself garnered many nominations itself.
Philosophically, the movie is an illustration of unconditional love, something we do not have a lot of in today's world. It helps us to understand humanity and the trails and tribulations of society are dealt with in the film. It s a work of fiction with a definite agenda and is beautiful to watch. Well written and beautifully acted, it draws you in with its profound performances and a very literate script. In fact, everything about this film nears perfection.
