Customer Reviews

The Crying Game

5 star:		(66)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

"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.

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.

International customers, please note: this is the version for Puritans, with Jaye Davidson's naughty bits blacked out. As a result, one pivotal scene loses 90% of its punch. Also, on the technical side, there are compression and NTSC artefacts galore, especially in the opening shot. (The film itself rates 5 stars.)

Much was made over a single plot twist when this film was originally released-- a plot twist so widely discussed that the film became something of an international sensation on the basis of that single point alone. This was unfortunate, for The Crying Game has much, much more to recommend itself than a single plot twist alone. Aside from the masterpieces of Hitchcock, I can think of no other film which so completely defeats viewer expectations at every turn.

Much of this effect is due to a remarkable script, which is by turns direct and subtle and repeatedly leads viewers into an "Oh, I get it!" frame of mind-- only to explode any preconception the viewer may have developed. What at first seems one type of film suddenly seems another, leading one from a date at the fair to a terrorist kidnapping to a love story to an assasination plot. Most remarkable of all, the script actually carries it off, pulling you effortlessly from one context to another with never a bump in the road. One really has to see the film more than once appreciate it's complexity.

The script is abetted by amazing camera work, which like the script itself astonishes with a mix of beauty and gritty realism. The performers are top-flight, and the characters have a depth which is generally lacking from most motion pictures. Like them or not, they are singularly believeable, and their reality creates a certain sense of inevitablity in the events which unfold around them. While all the performers are excellent, Miranda Richardson is a standout.

The Crying Game will not be every one's movie; it is an intellectual's game which requires a mature attitude and an open mind. But like it or not, it is a remarkable film which will probably out-live the more popular but considerably less powerful films of the decade.

This is an outstanding and unusual film with a melange of issues. Forest Whitaker, Stephen Rea, and Jaye Davidson all give compelling and moving performances. Miranda Richardson also gives an absorbing performance as a hard nosed IRA terrorist.

The movie begins with IRA terrorists capturing a British soldier named Jodi, affectingly played by Forest Whitaker. One of the erstwhile terrorists, Fergus, sensitively played by Stephen Rea, is on the fringes of the terrorist group and assigned to guard the hapless Jodi. As they spend time together, a curious bond begins to form. Jodi, knowing that he will ultimately be executed, shows Fergus a photograph of his girlfriend, Dil, and extracts a promise from Fergus that he would let Dil know that Jodi was thinking of her at the last. Fergus reluctantly agrees.

When Fergus is finally ordered by his hard nosed IRA associates to shoot Jodi, he hesitates, and Jodi takes off running. Not wanting to shoot him in the back, Jodi manages to make it to a main roadway, where he is run over by a truck and killed. Fergus then deserts his terrorist buddies and goes to make good on his promise to Jodi.

When Fergus finds Dil, poignantly played by Jaye Davidson, she is working in a club and singing "The Crying Game". Fergus gives her a false name and insinuates himself into her graces, as there is a palpable attraction. They begin meeting, going out, and falling in love. Then, the moment of truth ultimately arrives, and Jodi is surely having the last laugh from the great beyond

Just when the viewer thiks that things cannot get any stranger, Miranda Richardson turns up, demanding that Fergus perform another act of terrorism in order to redeem himself for having failed so badly during his last foray into terrorism. To ensure his compliance, Richardson implies that Dil may be a target, should he not cooperate with the new scheme.

Fergus reluctantly agrees to participate in the IRA plot and commits himself to what is, in essence, a suicide mission. Dil, however, interferes with his plan at the eleventh hour, putting both herself and Fergus in danger of a retaliatory attack from Fergus' IRA buddies.

After his plan goes awry, all hell breaks loose. Suffice to say, true love does seem to conquer all. This is one terrific and unusual movie.

I think it was a great movie but a horrendous job of transfering it to a DVD. Not only that, but no subtitles were given which is standard for DVD's. A big disappointment so please do not buy this DVD since this will only encourage the cheapskate studios to continue releasing subpar DVDs.

This is a film that will forever be remembered. Never have I been so intrigued by the characters in a story. Originality and an understanding of human emotions make this one a must see, particularly for homophobic people.

This is a movie of complete originality. It is a rare movie that leaves much of an impression with me. This is one of those films.

I remember the hype surrounding the movie, but I didn't know the "secret" and I'm glad, for it would have completely spoiled the movie for me. I remember the mental gymnastics I went through while watching, trying to figure out what type of movie it was. An inter-racial love story? Nope. A British Army/IRA flick? Nope, not that either. A criminal with a conscience making good? Well, sorta, but not really. Oh, we're back to the inter-racial love story angle. Well, sorta, but not really. When the secret is revealed, you have to go back and rethink all previous conclusions, because everything you thought to that point is upended and you are forced to re-examine everything.

To understate things, the main characters lead complicated lives and do not have easy decisions to make. The decisions they make, while impossible for me to have come to, seem true to the nature of each character and makes for a satisfying conclusion.

Great performances by the principal actors: Stephen Rea, Jaye Davidson, and Amanda Richardson.

This movie was overlooked at Oscar time that year, with Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven winning Best Picture that year. Jaye Davidson was criminally overlooked for an Oscar as well.

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.

THE CRYING GAME has been described as many things, and all of them probably true. Even after 15 years after its initial release, it remains writer-director Neil Jordan's insurmountable masterpiece. Not many casual moviegoers seem to know about this one, but serious film buffs hold this dramatic gem along the greatest cinematic landmarks. This film hasn't changed the landscape of moviegoing as we know it, but it's impacted the souls of those who've embarked on its journey.

And what a journey it is...one so intriguing and fascinating that longtime fans still refuse to give away its secrets. When THE CRYING GAME was marketted back in 1992, Miramax and Jordan urged audiences to not reveal the plot twists. That audiences respected their wishes is an unbelievable acheivement. The acheivement was so remarkable that even though I didn't see this film until 2003, I instantly knew that my blabbering wouldn't ruin just a few cheap shocks. No no no, to talk about THE CRYING GAME in too much detail is to deprive audiences of a legitimate emotional connection with the characters.

Let's get the plot setup out the way; if I weren't to include it, I'd be talking to myself when I want others to share my experiences. Several IRA operatives kidnap a British soldier, holding him for ransom. As Jody (the British soldier) is held captive, an IRA volunteer named Fergus reluctantly befriends his target. Basically, it's Stockholm Syndrome backwards --- rather than the victim embracing his/her captor, Fergus is eager to use the carrot rather than the stick. As things develop poorly for Jody, Fergus ends up looking for Jody's lover, Dil. From there, I will reveal no more...

The word "unpredictable" is an understatement. To call THE CRYING GAME a tale of love or loyalty does not do this film justice. This masterpiece deserves to be known as a "drama" in the truest sense. Webster's definiton is:

"A COMPOSITION IN VERSE OR PROSE INTENDED TO PORTRAY LIFE OR CHARACTER OR TO TELL A STORY USUALLY INVOLVING CONFLICTS AND EMOTIONS THROUGH ACTION AND DIALOGUE AND TYPICALLY DESIGNED FOR THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE."

A story like THE CRYING GAME's might not be plausible in our physical world, but the triangle involving Fergus, Jody, and Dil is every bit as interesting as a romantic or spiritual connection can be. When the definition refers to "a composition in verse or", I think Neil Jordan's film is constructed in acts very similar to PSYCHO. Although we don't meet very many characters, Jordan seems to keep reinventing what they're about. The central focus or narrative is in a constant growth, which is interesting considering Fergus is almost in every shot.

Another interesting note about the verses: Jordan's selection of music is appropriate on a variety of levels. He uses "The Crying Game" in several versions, each telling a different story. Percy Sledge's "When A Man Loves A Woman" opens the movie, and takes on new meaning if you watch the film several times (aside from the obvious "joke"). Anne Dudley's score for the film is a jack-of-all-trades, using military drums for intensity, and classier & seductive instruments for reflection and discovery. It's a rather wonderful music soundtrack.

The verses and prose continue with unbelievable sequences of dialogue. Just listening to these characters talk is an absolute joy.

"I can't help it. It's in my nature."
When a headbagged Jody tells his captor the fable of how a scorpion betrays a frog after being helped across a pond, we relate to Fergus. We realize the visceral impact of the story, but not the cerebral effect. We react, but do not understand. THE CRYING GAME works as a tease, but each time delivers a payoff, and each payoff is an unexpected development.

I think most of this movie's fans' favorite narrative tool is Col, Dil's preferred bartender. In Dil's early scenes, instead of talking directly to Fergus across the bar, she thinks aloud to Col, which the drink-server relays Dil's comments to Fergus.

DIL: "Ask him if he likes his haircut."
COL: "She wants to know, sir, do you like your hair?"
FERGUS: "Tell her I like it fine."

And to finally on comment on THE CRYING GAME's dramatic "theatricality", the pacing is tight with its 2-hour length. The film works a variety of tones from comedy to violence, from love to hate, and from love and loss. The presentation isn't corny like an American filmmaker would've treated this subject. We believe in the story not only because of Jordan's sensibilities, but also because this story has yet to be replicated. Few screenplays command such respect from future artists.

I could go on and on about this work of genius. Thankfully, I still haven't given away anything. THE CRYING GAME's truest admirers haven't, either. And once you've watched the film, you'll come up with clever ways to entice newcomers into the fold, while struggling to keep a tight lip.

DVD EXTRAS
---This Special Edition DVD includes a making-of documentary, which includes interviews from Stephen Rea, studio execs, Neil Jordan, and even two military officers from both sides of the Northern Ireland conflict. Jaye Davison (who played Dil) is noticeably absent, but Davison has been long-removed from the spotlight, so that's not a surprise. There's also an alternate ending that the studios insisted upon. The Alternate ending isn't terrible, but Jordan's original ending is vastly superior.