Director: Kimberly Peirce
Producers: Jeffrey Sharp, John Hart, Eva Kolodner, Christine Vachon
Writers: Kimberly Peirce, Andy Bienen
Cinematographer: Jim Denault
Hilary Swank: Teena Brandon/Brandon Teena
Chloë Sevigny: Lana Tisdal
Peter Sarsgaard: John Lotter
Brendan Sexton III: Tom Nissan
Alison Folland: Kate
Alica Goranson: Candace
Matt McGarth: Lonny
Rob Campbell: Brian
Jeannetta Arnette: Lana's Mom
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"Boys Don't Cry" is based on the true story of the life and tragic death of Teena Marie Brandon, a young woman who lived as a boy and had the misfortune of being stuck in a small mid-west town surrounded by small-minded rednecks.
The film follows the events in the final months of Teena Brandon's life. Hilary Swank gives an outstanding performance as the complex character who is full of hope and courage despite the difficulty she faces in trying to live a life that others have such trouble accepting as a valid choice.
Hilary Swank and Chloë Sevigny (who plays the young woman Teena Brandon falls in love with) have deservedly won a series of awards, including Golden Globes for best actress and best supporting actress, with Swank also winning the Academy Award for best actress.
Teena Brandon is known as Brandon Teena throughout the film - the only time Brandon has a problem with his identity is when confronted by the physiological reality of being a female. This is most aptly depicted in the film when Brandon has a period and is clearly repulsed by having to deal with this aspect of his/her biological reality.
The film deals with so many issues of identity - from the most obvious one of sexuality, to the need to belong and be accepted in society. Brandon feels he is living out his fantasy of being accepted and loved in Falls City, where he is befriended by a group of young people he meets in his hometown, Lincoln, one night in the bar.
It transpires that the young men in the group are seriously disturbed, angry and dangerous people. Peter Sarsgaard is John, the leader of the pack, who's clearly unhappy about the relationship blossoming between Brandon and Lana (Chloë Sevingy). John tells Brandon that Lana wrote to him while he was in prison and this was the only thing that kept him going. John's obsession with Lana is not reciprocated though and he resents Brandon intruding into the group.
The unfortunate revelation of Brandon's true identity leads to a violent, sexual and physical assault and ultimately her murder.
The film was directed by Kimberly Peirce, who had a long-term desire to make the film following the murder of Teena Brandon. She has done a fine job of presenting the story in all of its tragic detail but leaving the viewers with a sense of hope.
Brandon's hope for the future and his love for Lana, despite all of the obstacles and bigotry around them, gives a sense of humanity to the film.
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