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The Crying Game is famous for its shocking twist, but this thoughtful, haunting mystery grips the viewer from start to finish. Read critic reviews

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The Crying Game Photos

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Movie Info

Irish Republican Army member Fergus (Stephen Rea) forms an unexpected bond with Jody (Forest Whitaker), a kidnapped British soldier in his custody, despite the warnings of fellow IRA members Jude (Miranda Richardson) and Maguire (Adrian Dunbar). Jody makes Fergus promise he'll visit his girlfriend, Dil (Jaye Davidson), in London, and when Fergus flees to the city, he seeks her out. Hounded by his former IRA colleagues, he finds himself increasingly drawn to the enigmatic, and surprising, Dil.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    mystery and thriller
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Neil Jordan
  • Producer:
    Stephen Woolley
  • Writer:
    Neil Jordan
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $60.7M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    British Screen Productions, Palace, Channel Four Films, Eurotrustees
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround, Dolby SR

Cast & Crew

Stephen Rea
Fergus
Miranda Richardson
Jude
Forest Whitaker
Jody
Jim Broadbent
Broadbent
Ralph Brown
Dave
Adrian Dunbar
Maguire
Jaye Davidson
Dil
Andree Bernard
Jane
Neil Jordan
Director
Neil Jordan
Writer
Nik Powell
Executive Producer
Stephen Woolley
Producer
Simon Boswell
Original Music
Anne Dudley
Original Music
Chris Lowe
Original Music
Geoff Stephens
Original Music
Neil Tennant
Original Music
Ian Wilson
Cinematographer
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Critic Reviews for The Crying Game

All Critics (66) | Top Critics (22) | Fresh (62) | Rotten (4)

View All Critic Reviews (66)

Audience Reviews for The Crying Game

  • Nov 29, 2014
    The Crying Game is an example of a film that has crumbled under the weight of its age. Though it can still be appreciated for the shock it carried upon its release, it's got precious little to retain the attention of modern viewers who've become accustomed to the twists and turns of mystery cinema.
    Isaac H Super Reviewer
  • Jul 27, 2012
    Mostly known for "the big reveal," which is kind of a shame, since there are quite a few different intriguing elements in Neil Jordan's mediation on sexual politics. Also, is there a more quietly effective actor than Stephen Rea? Not many other actors can be both understated and powerful the way he can.
    Jonathan H Super Reviewer
  • Apr 06, 2012
    Its cinematography and look is refreshing, yet its originally unique twists quickly become tedious, especially in the rather awkward 3rd act, which seemed to drag on forever. "The Crying Game" briefly touches on thoughtful themes of human compassion conquering all and of the confines of our nature. Sadly, I found its romantic center too redundantly inhibitory and its action scenes far too sparse.
    Edward S Super Reviewer
  • Jan 10, 2012
    Probably my favorite thing about "The Crying Game" is how well-paced it is. For me, those 110 minutes flew right on by. Now, that's usually a sign that you really like the film you're watching, but to tell you the truth, I didn't. Neil Jordan has an original and offbeat way of telling his romance story and both his direction and the acting are super, but other than that, it doesn't feel like a great film, which his "Mona Lisa" was. Of course, "The Crying Game" was a huge hit at the time of its release, and I can respect it for that, but really, I don't entirely see why it was so popular.
    Stephen E Super Reviewer
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