The Crying Game (1992)

Great movie
I saw this movie when it came out in 1993. Its not for everyone and is a strong "R" movie but keeps you guessing.

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

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