Boys Don't Cry (1999)

Synopsis of Boys Don't Cry

Based on a true story, this drama was adapted from the life of Brandon Teena, born Teena Brandon, a woman who chose to live her life as a man and suffered tragic consequences as a result. In 1993, 20-year-old Brandon (Hilary Swank) leaves Lincoln, Nebraska for the nearby community of Falls City, where she sports a crew cut, favors jeans and boots, and is regarded as a man by most of the people in town. While Brandon's friend Lonny (Matt McGrath) warns her that sexual outsiders aren't looked upon kindly in Falls City, she develops a reputation for being something of a ladies' man, and is soon living with a single mother named Candace (Alicia Goranson). But when Brandon meets teenage Lana (Chloe Sevigny), the two become romantically involved almost immediately. Brandon makes friends with Lana's mother (Jeanetta Arnette) and a burly ex-con named John (Peter Sarsgaard). John and his buddy Tom (Brendan Sexton) run with a rough group of men who like to drink and carouse, and they accept Brandon as one of their own. However, when Brandon ends up in jail on a traffic violation, her secret comes out, and, while Lana stands by Brandon's side, John and Tom feel betrayed -- and their anger soon boils over into violence. A distinguished feature debut for director Kimberly Peirce, Boys Don't Cry was enthusiastically received in its showings at 1999 film festivals in Venice, Toronto, and New York. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

116 mins

Director(s):

Kimberly Peirce

Writer(s):

Kimberly Peirce, Andy Bienen

Producer(s):

Jeff Sharp, Eva Kolodner, John Hart

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Rape & Sexual Abuse, Not For Children, Profanity, Violence, Sexual Situations, Substance Abuse, Nudity)

Categories:

Independent Films

• 1999 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Actress
• 1999 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Actress
• 1999 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actress
• 1999 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
• 1999 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Actress
• 1999 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Supporting Actress
• 1999 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Actress
• 1999 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actress
• 1999 - National Board of Review - Best Directorial Debut
• 1999 - National Board of Review - Best Breakthrough Performance by an Actress
• 1999 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Actress - Runner-up
• 1999 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Supporting Actress
• 1999 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Actress
• 1999 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Actress

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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