IMDb > Boys Don't Cry (1999)
Boys Don't Cry
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Overview

User Rating:
7.6/10   31,974 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 7% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Kimberly Peirce (written by) &
Andy Bienen (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Boys Don't Cry on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
29 October 1999 (Canada) more
Genre:
Tagline:
A true story about finding the courage to be yourself.
Plot:
The story of the life of Brandon Teena, a transgendered teen who preferred life in a male identity until it was discovered he was born biologically female. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Won Oscar. Another 42 wins & 27 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(87 articles)
Birthday Suits and a Ballsy Actress
 (From FilmExperience. 18 November 2009, 8:47 AM, PST)

Ariel Schrag's "Potential" will shoot this spring
 (From AfterEllen.com. 11 November 2009, 3:00 PM, PST)

User Comments:
Unflinchingly honest, disturbing, and heart-breaking more (402 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
Take It Like a Man (USA) (working title)
more
MPAA:
Rated R for violence including an intense brutal rape scene, sexuality, language and drug use.
Runtime:
118 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Canada:18 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:18+ (Quebec) | Canada:18A (British Columbia) | Canada:R (Alberta/Manitoba/Ontario) (Canadian Home Video rating) | USA:R (Approved No. 36926) (edited for re-rating) | Philippines:R-18 | USA:TV-MA (TV rating) | Argentina:18 | Australia:R | Finland:K-16 (director's cut) | France:-16 | Germany:16 (bw) | Hong Kong:IIB | Italy:VM18 | Japan:PG-12 | Netherlands:16 | New Zealand:R18 | Norway:15 | Portugal:M/18 | Singapore:R(A) | South Korea:18 | Spain:18 | Sweden:15 | Switzerland:16 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:16 (canton of Vaud) | UK:18 | USA:NC-17 (original rating) | Brazil:18 | Iceland:16
Filming Locations:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The movie is based on the life of Brandon Teena. more
Goofs:
Factual errors: October 27, 1993 fell on a Wednesday, not a Friday. more
Quotes:
Brandon: Lana, you are one cranky girl. more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "TransGeneration" (2005) more
Soundtrack:
Burning House Of Love more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
35 out of 50 people found the following comment useful.
Unflinchingly honest, disturbing, and heart-breaking, 20 February 2000
8/10
Author: doeadear from California

I was stunned by the simplicity and power of this fine film. It tells the true and tragic story of Teena Brandon/Brandon Teena, a woman living as a man in a small town in Nebraska. No matter what your personal opinions may be, this film does not preach. It tells the story in a matter-of-fact, honest and gritty way, but leaves you shaking your head in shock that such anger and hatred exists in these modern times, for someone who is "different" merely because of their sexual preference.

Relative newcomer Hilary Swank gives a heartfelt and courageous performance as Brandon. I say courageous not only because of the subject matter, but also because she is able to strip away her youthful, movie star glamour and become the character she plays. She is entirely convincing. Also, she shows a tremendous amount of guts for being able to get through the gut-wrenchingly violent rape scene. This was a brave choice, and a wise one.

Chloe Sevigny plays Lana, the girl Brandon loves. She is the only person who truly understands Brandon. Brandon finds himself in a world of drunken trailer trash and convicted felons. No one is free from guilt, but there is always the unspoken sin of being different. Hilary Swank and Chloe Sevigny play their tastefully erotic love scenes without seeming self-conscious. So many actors of their generation might be afraid to tackle these types of roles, but they do their jobs with aplomb.

The film was another that haunted me the day after seeing it. Kimberly Peirce manages to make a simple film about a very difficult subject, and she doesn't resort to Hollywood gloss or preachiness. It is a risky film, very difficult to watch in places, with several very violent and disturbing scenes. It is a story that needs to be told, and with the two Oscar-nominated performances from Ms. Swank and Ms. Sevigny, it succeeds.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Boys Don't Cry (1999)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
He or She? lizhepps
What exactly WAS Brandon Teena?? blantonbrenda
Where are they now? stang0233
Did John love Lana? swlitzy
Respect for Hilary. Kimzy
I really didn't like Lana's mom!! loopylauseng
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