Boys Don't Cry
Boys Don't Cry

Movie spotlight

Boys Don't Cry

2000
Movie
100 min
Polish

A young aspiring violinist unwittingly becomes involved with a criminal gang.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes88%
Metacritic86/100
Google Users88%
Director: Kimberly PeirceGenres: Biography, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

This film recounts the tragic true story of Brandon Teena, a transgender man from Nebraska who, in the early 1990s, lived as a man and sought to escape his past and find love. His double life is exposed when he is raped and subsequently murdered by two acquaintances after they discover his biological sex.

Critical Reception

Boys Don't Cry was met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its powerful performances, sensitive direction, and unflinching portrayal of transgender issues and violence. It is widely regarded as a landmark film in LGBTQ+ cinema and a significant work of independent film.

What Reviewers Say

  • A raw and devastating portrayal of a true story.

  • Hilary Swank delivers a career-defining performance.

  • The film is praised for its honest and empathetic handling of its subject matter.

Google audience: Audience reviews frequently highlight the film's emotional impact and the exceptional acting, particularly Hilary Swank's portrayal of Brandon Teena. Many viewers found the story to be incredibly moving and important, though also deeply disturbing due to the tragic events depicted.

Awards & Accolades

Won Academy Award for Best Actress (Hilary Swank), nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Chloë Sevigny). Numerous other awards and nominations, including Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for Swank.

Fun Fact

Hilary Swank famously took a pay cut and insisted on using her own money to fund the production's budget so that the film could be made as authentically as possible, including allowing her to transform physically for the role.

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