Rating: 
Summary: One of Jordan's best films along with "Mona Lisa"
Review: Still an amazing film over a decade later, The Crying Game continues to resonate with power due to its themes of obsession and redemption. Jordan's film plays tricks with its twisting plot structure and change in tone similar to its inspiration Vertigo. Stephen Rea plays Fergus a gunman for the IRA who helps take a soldier named Jody (Forest Whittaker) hostage. They plan on trading him for a senior member of the IRA being taken by the British. Fergus later becomes obsessed with Jody's girlfriend Dil (Jay Davidson) a hairdresser by day who performs in a bar in the evenings lip synching her favorite songs. Fergus begins to fall in love with Dil. Is it guilt that drives him into her arms? He's not sure. Suddenly, Fergus and Jude are thrust into the middle of the conflict between the IRA and the British. Fergus gets sucked into Jody's life and becomes obssessed with helping Dil and seeing more about the life of the man he kidnapped.
The plot is far more complex than the synopsis I've given. If you haven't seen the film (or heard about it), do yourself a favor to read as little about the plot as possible. While the surprises in the plot don't define the film's quality, they do involve the viewer in the story. So keep it simple and just rent the movie (or buy it if you've seen it before). With strong performances from Rea as the world weary Fergus, Richardson as the aggressive and hateful Jude, Whitaker as Jody and Davidson as Dil, The Crying Game demonstrates Jordan's uncanny skills as a storyteller and film director. The fact that it wasn't recognized with only an Oscar for writing is a crime considering what was released the same year.
With a crisp, clear image The Crying Game looks particularly good in this DVD transfer. The bright colors and grainy textures of the original film are well reproduced. Although the darker sequences of the film occasionally look a bit murky, the transfer looks exceptionally good overall. The 5.1 surround sound mix and 2.0 mix both have great presence.
We get the originally shot ending of the film which differs substantially from the final version. The BBC's Channel 4 originally agreed to back the film but only if Jordan would write and shoot a different ending from the final version (the one that's seen in the film is the original version as written). This version is included from a VHS rough assembly of the film so doesn't have the best picture quality but does provide an idea of what the film might have looked like. Northern Troubles is a documentary looking at Ireland from two different view points; an Irish Catholic and Protestant Loyalist who drove the filmmakers around to interview people about the making of the film. Interestingly, it provides considerable insight into the current and past political troubles of this beautiful country. Images of violence and conflict appear everywhere throughout the landscape. The Making of The Crying Game bundles together a number of featurettes to produce a documentary that provides a comprehensive look at the film's production. Featuring Stephen Rea, Neil Jordan and many of the principle production members, it can be viewed in one sitting or watched as individual featurettes. Stephen Wooley the producer of the film discusses the nasty reception that the film received at Cannes by American distributors.
There's also a discussion of Miramax's part in effectively marketing a very difficult film to an audience used to popcorn thrillers. Wooley discusses the press reception and how Miramax used this for a brilliant marketing campaign that captured the attention of audiences but also focusing encouraging viewers to not discuss the "secret" of the film. We also get the original trailer and a featurette on Madame Jojo's today.
Neil Jordan provides a comprehensive commentary track focusing on the visual images that inspired the story including the places from his childhood that showed up in the film. Jordan also discusses the twists in the plot so, by all means, watch the film prior to listening to it with the commentary track.
Lion's Gate has done a great job of updating and upgrading this terrific film for DVD. The previous version looked very good as well but the image quality in this anamorphic transfer gives it the edge. The inclusion of a commentary track, documentary and featurettes gives viewers an idea of the world that The Crying Game occurs in. The crisp, sharp image quality and overall transfer looks exceptionally good as well making this essential for fans of the movie.
Rating:
Summary: Haunting Human Drama Diguised as A Political Thriller
Review: "When I was a child I thought as a child, when I became a man I gave up childish things." The words of the captive(Stephen Rea) to his prisoner(Forrest Wittikar) the night before he has to shoot him. He has (unwisely) formed a human bond with his prisoner, and its easy to see way, because Jodi as played by Whittikar is a lovable, open hearted and kind man. Even though he is only in the movie for 20 about minutes, Whittikars performance haunts the rest of the film, we come to understand more of his character once we meet the love of his life he left behind, Dill(Jaye Davidson). Caught between the two is Stephen Rea's Fergues, who with those soulful heart broken eyes of his, discovers the gift and troubles Jodi has left him by telling him about his girlfriend. When Dill sings the crying game in the pub, we can feel real pain in "I know all there is to know about the crying game" because she like Fergues (who's lost his faith in the cause he's fighting for)and Jodi are very lonely people. This is a truly beautiful and original film, its tone is rather sad because Fergues's past will defintely come back to claim him and we know this, but it deserves to be owned not just watched because like the best of movies its impact is not lessened on repeated viewings. Jodi's character gains that much more poignance once we know about Dill, therefore when you watch the movie again, the opening scenes are that much more powerful. Finally I have to mention the great muusical score and an unforgettable story told by Jodi and then by Fergues about the frog and the scorpion that bookends the film. The Crying Game is a great film.
Rating:
Summary: first there are kisses, then there are sighs
Review: All of the actors in this are first rate. Stephen Rea is likable as the sad eyed IRA terrorist/construction worker/boyfriend while Jaye Davidson's debut as the mysterious, tenderhearted Dil is worthy of an Oscar. Their relationship is fragile, turbulent and ultimately heartbreaking. Miranda Richardson (playing femme fatale Jude) is the third person in this love triangle. Her catfight with Dil in the Metro is especially catty and delicious.
J: Young love as they say.
D: Doesn't come your way much, I suppose.
J: I don't go looking for it.
D: Well, maybe you'll get lucky ... some day.
J: Bit heavy on the powder, isn't she?
D: A girl's got to have a bit of glamor.
J: Right, as long as she can keep it.
MEOW ....
Even after the secret is revealed, Jimmy and Dil resume their
romance ... albeit reluctantly on Jimmy's part. Does Jimmy really love Dil? On one hand, he gallantly defends her from his boss who called her a "tart." Jimmy still kisses her goodnight and wipes away her tears. OTOH, he forbids her from calling him "honey" and "baby." How far will he go for her? His sacrifice in the end shows us what the human heart is capable of.
TCG can be viewed as 2 films in 1: political thriller and romance. In this post, I've focused on the relationship, but the entire film is intriguing and original.
I've watched this 15 times and still love it :)
Rating:
Summary: One of my VERY favorite movies
Review: I never bothered to watch THE CRYING GAME in its entirety because of a silly History teacher who told us about it and informed us of the plot twist. Then one day, out of boredom I came upon it just starting on HBO. Since there was nothing else on, I decided to watch it.
I still don't know what it is about this movie that I love so much. The movie is dark, and melacholy, and the mood of the film never lets up. Although Forest Whitaker's character is only in the film for the first ten minutes you can feel his presence throughout.
Of course the one memorable scene for most people is Dil's revelation, but there are other scenes that are more intimate. Jody telling Fergus the story of the Scorpion and the Frog is wonderful; but an even better scene is when Jody asks Fergus to tell him a story, and Fergus replies: "When I was a child, I thought as a child.." The acting, setting, mood and deliverance of these two scenes are pitch perfect.
To me the most fascinating thing about the movie is Fergus' feelings for Dil. Even though he is disgusted with the revelation he is still drawn to her. He loves her, even though he knows her truth, and yet his horror of it all never eases up on him.
The Crying Game isn't just about the twist or the IRA. It's much more complex and thoughtful. Ten stars, all around!!!
Rating:
Summary: I'm loud, darling, but never cheap.
Review: I will always remember this film from the classic Simpson's episode where Mayor Quimby nearly gives away the ending. Also, the hordes of jokes that were simultaneously also released during the same time as this film. You couldn't go anywhere without hearing something about the almighty of almighty cliffhangers. This film had viewers up in arms, whether it disturbed or excited, this film caused a reaction. Director Neil Jordan did a spectacular job of bringing to life, not only some key issues, but also the cast of this film. Everything, from the song, to the actors did a Oscar-worthy job of bringing this story to life.
In my review of Dead Man Walking, I talked about how Oscar likes to award those who give us that "warm fuzzy" feeling, well, this is yet another example of how the Academy turns it head. Just like Sophia Coppola, Jordan's brilliant film only took home the award for best Screenplay when it should have taken home so much more.
The Crying Game is a brilliant story that did not get the respect that it deserved. This is a must-see for anyone with a passion in films.
Grade: ****** out of ******
Rating:
Summary: THE ENDING WE ALL WANTED!!!!
Review: Let me start by saying that I am a guy that loves his action, horror, sci-fi, explosion, special affect, mindless rollercoaster ride, types of movies; and have always had the sexist, narrow minded, ignorant, views concerning "Romantic Chick Flicks". However, (as much as I hate to say it) 'THE CRYING GAME', might well be one of my all time favorite movies. This movie relies on simply an awesome story, and acting, that will take ones breath away (in more ways than one). I believe this movie should be required viewing for any acting class, or any student of acting looking to broaden their skills, outside the contemporary norms. I truly believe the only reason JAYE DAVIDSON (who I would say played one of the most convincing and moving roles ive ever seen)didn't win the OSCAR was due to the fact that he embarassed the judges who pick the winners to this yearly Hollywood farce; in that he a virtual unknown, could come out of no where, and put on a performance that shook almost every person that watched the movie. Its funny, the hard part about talking about this movie is found in not wanting to give the "SPOILER" to those that havent seen it (thus I will wrap this up). The Collector's Edition is a gem, for in it we the many fans (and you know who you are) get to see the alternate ending we really wanted (well at least the one I wanted haha). Yet, after some consideration, I was left to understand (sadly) that Neil Jordan got it right the first time. So if you're like me and you've seen the 'GAME' more than once, or was left with a feeling of disappointment at the ending of the movie, check the COLLECTOR'S EDITION just to see what could have been. And to those who haven't seen it, if you are looking for a movie that will challenge everything you've ever believed in regards to love, sexuality, and the inner beauty of what makes us who and what we are, or simply want to see some of the most memorable acting that has ever graced the silver screen, make it a point to rent or buy this movie ASAP.
Rating:
Summary: "Ask him if he likes his new haircut."
Review: The Crying Game is by far the most provacative and stimulating film of the year when it came out. It features great performances from Miranda Richardson, Stephen Rea, Forest Whitaker, Jim Broadbent, and the unforgetable Jaye Davidson! It's a very original supense thriller that deals with love, sex, and revenge. It's not for all audiences, and you must watch it at your own risk, because I have heard that some people didn't make it pass halfway of this film, just like the shock that Fergus(Rea) had to go through.
Jody(Whitaker) was seduced and abducted by the (Jude)Miranda Richardson and her fellow partner(Rea) in crimes. He was gunned down when he tried to escaped. Fergus went to find Jody's girlfriend at the Metro, there he met the sultry and beautiful Dill(Davidson), and later she gave him a haircut. Fergus didn't tell her that he was involved in the hostage of her dead boyfriend. He soon got romantically involved with Dill, depite the fact that Richardson would inevitably mess things up. Fergus helped Dill get rid of her current money greedy bad boyfriend, who was abusive to her and constantly wanted her to "perform" for him. Yes, Dill is a great hairdresser by day, and a fabulous performer by night. Her best number is The Cryig Game. Just when Fergus was falling in love with Dill, she had an unexpected surprise for him.......
Jim Broadbent is great, even though he has very little screen time. He plays a seen-it-all bartender, who was a good friend to Dill, and his favorite line was: "Who knows the secret of the human heart."
Forest Whitaker only appeared in the early part of the film as well as in Fergus' imagination sequence. He was very good when he held hostage, and he conveyed all the fear of his character.
Miranda Richardson gave a scene stealing performace. The accent, the mysterious and dangerous looks were perfect for her nasty [...].
Stephen Rea got his best actor nomination for his character that was torn between good and bad, and vulnerability.
Finally, this movie made Jaye Davidson a star, and it gave everyone something to talk about. I thought she should've gotten the Oscar, because she was incomparable. The stage performing scene was great, so was the love scene, and definitely the scene when she shot (Jude)Miranda Richardson to bits as she shouted at her'" You killed my Jody, didn't you ******* bitch? You used your little **** and *** to seduced my Jody...." She was so riveting in this scene, and for someone who's making a debut in film, it was trully sensational!
Rating: 
Summary: Twist and turns and more twists and turns
Review: The movie starts with Forest Whitaker (playing an English soldier with an accent that does not suit him) gets kidnapped by the IRA. You think the movie will be about the kipnapper and him bonding. It ends earlier however and the kidnapper has to flee to England. FW has asked him to take care of his 'girlfriend' which he does. There he finds out the real secret...It's a great movie with many great twists in the plot. It's a little slow at times but beware of all the changes in the storyline. There might be some things you did not expect...
Rating:
Summary: What's Love Got to Do with it?
Review: The only other phenomenon around this film bigger than the movie's brilliant "plot twist" is trying to explain why we love it. In review after review, one sees, "I'm not sure what it is about this film..." Well, for as long as we've been around, human beings have hungered for connection and love, the very fuel for romance and drama. And I think the mystique of this film is that it allows us, vicariously, to experience that most compelling of loves, unconditional love. The characters in this film, uniquely in recent cinematic history, share with us a story of unconditional love that draws us in and breaks our hearts open, but never without a touch of humor.
Kudos to writer/director Neil Jordan for his creative vision. Apparently inspired by a news article about IRA operatives enticing and entrapping British soldiers with sex, Jordan created one of the most intriguing storylines put to celluloid. Whether it's the political thriller that bookends the film and is always lurking in a BMW nearby, or the entrancing love story that unfolds in the center, this film is from start to finish about how human nature guides and colors our relationships. Probably the film's thesis moment is an exchange between two characters: the "Scorpion and the Frog" story versus a quotation from the Bible, "...I put an end to childish ways," which not by accident comes from Paul's famous "love passage" in I Corinthians. One character has become resigned to the fate of human nature; another believes in the possibility of change.
Those who don't recall or never paid attention should know that Oscar nominations were made for Stephen Rea (Best Actor) and Jaye Davidson (Best Supporting Actor). Forest Whitaker is good, at moments remarkable (he was on top of the game at the time), but not always convincing as soldier Jody (it could just be the accent). Miranda Richardson is coldly right-on all through the film as the steely IRA "volunteer." The dialogue is tight, witty, and convincing. There are incredibly touching moments shared between Rea and Whitaker, and then Rea and Davidson. Now-recognizable actors Jim Broadbent as the bartender and Ralph Brown as the cast-off train-wreck lover "Dave" are a stitch as supporting characters.
But it is Rea's humorously understated "Fergus" and Davidson's delightfully sensual "Dil" who make this thing work. Both imperfect everyday people with a nature for love and kindness, they make choices about their lives that place them in the midst of people who don't love, but rather are driven by passions that harm. Eventually, their circumstances elicit a surprising response from one of them, but then, love can do that. And the way they choose to love one another unconditionally, despite various revelations through the film that would drive most people away from one another, sucks us in and keeps us riveted all the way. One of the best films I've ever seen.
Rating:
Summary: A Perfect Plot Twist
Review: This great movie has a perfect plot twist and so much more. I have watched the movie 5 or 6 times. Even though I know the plot twist that does not detract me from enjoying this well-written and well-acted movie again and again. Also, the musical score is exquisite.
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