This highly original film put screenwriter-director Neil Jordan on the international map. The story begins at a carnival in Ireland with British soldier Jody (Forest Whitaker) kidnapped by IRA terrorists Jude (Miranda Richardson) and Fergus (Stephen Rea). Fergus is assigned to guard Jody, and they become friends. After the kidnapping goes horribly wrong, Fergus escapes to London to track down Jody's girlfriend, Dil (Jaye Davidson), to fulfill a promise to Jody and ends up falling in love with her. The only problem--well, it's not the only problem--is Jude has also come to London with news that the IRA is after Fergus and has a dangerous new mission in mind.
A sensation during its original release for its controversial plot development, THE CRYING GAME went on to win several awards and remains a tender and thrilling viewing experience. Jordan's script bristles with wit and intelligence, and the plentiful symbolic imagery shows the hand of a true artist. Ian Wilson's photography beautifully captures the various locales of London and rural Ireland. Boy George sings the title song, and the rest of the memorable score is by Anne Dudley.
In Neil Jordan's THE CRYING GAME, a British soldier-hostage develops an unlikely relationship with Fergus, his captor and an IRA conspirator. When the kidnapping goes awry, Fergus msut carry out a special mission in London.
Shot in England and Ireland.
Review 1:
4 stars out of 5 -- "Complex and daring, this is both a tense political thriller and moving romantic drama that is hauntingly unforgettable."
Source: Ultimate DVD
p.114 07/01/2006
Review 2:
"...[A] handsome, terrifically acted movie..."
Source: USA Today
p.4D 11/25/1992
Review 3:
"...A film to savor twice....Jordan's script is a marvel of glancing nuance and telling echo....It is a career achievement for Jordan..."
Source: Film Comment
p.67 11/01/1992
Review 4:
"...[Jordan is] a madly unreconstructed romantic....Exceptionally well-acted...[and] both efficient and ingenious..."
Source: New York Times
p.12 09/26/1992
Review 5:
"...The year's most surprising and intriguing movie..."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
p.3 12/27/1992
Review 6:
4 stars out of 5 -- "In retrospect, the film, with its intertwined themes of love and loyalty, violence and the ever-subversive demands of sexual desire, looks central to Jordan's work."
Source: Total Film
p.112 08/01/2006
Review 7:
3 stars out of 5 -- "Jaye Davidson remains striking..."
Source: Uncut
p.126 09/01/2006