Boys Don't Cry (1999)

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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, All Movie Guide

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.

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

116 mins

Complete Cast:

Director(s):

Kimberly Peirce

Writer(s):

Andy Bienen, Kimberly Peirce

Producer(s):

Eva Kolodner, John Hart, Jeff Sharp

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

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

Categories:

Independent Films

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• 1999 - Boys Don't Cry - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Actress
• 1999 - Boys Don't Cry - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actress
• 1999 - Boys Don't Cry - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Actress
• 1999 - Boys Don't Cry - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
• 1999 - Boys Don't Cry - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Supporting Actress
• 1999 - Boys Don't Cry - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Actress
• 1999 - Boys Don't Cry - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Actress
• 1999 - Boys Don't Cry - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actress
• 1999 - Boys Don't Cry - National Board of Review - Best Breakthrough Performance by an Actress
• 1999 - Boys Don't Cry - National Board of Review - Best Directorial Debut
• 1999 - Boys Don't Cry - National Society of Film Critics - Best Actress - Runner-up
• 1999 - Boys Don't Cry - National Society of Film Critics - Best Supporting Actress
• 1999 - Boys Don't Cry - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Actress
• 1999 - Boys Don't Cry - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Actress