A true story about hope, fear, and the courage it takes to be yourself, Boys Don't Cry is "One of the 10 best films of 1999"National Board of Review). Critically acclaimed "must see" (People), "riveting" (Entertainment Weekly) drama features incredible performances by newcommers Hillary Swank and Chloe Sevigny.

Story Line:
Set in Lincoln, Nebraska in the early 90's, we find out what it's like to be born with both male and female genitalia, and not know what to do about it. This is no freak show movie. It takes a sober and everyday look at Teena (Hilary Swank), who knows she needs a sex change. Although her real name is Teena Brandon, she identifies herself as Brandon Teena, a male. She and her friends have a mentality and lack of knowledge that limits their horizons to rough bars and night shift at the local canning factory. Clearly, they will not get along over an extended period of time.

Teena has a wild streak, committing small crimes that keep her in trouble. She likes to party as a guy….a whole lot. That may be OK in San Francisco or other large cities, if you know where to go and not to go, but there is no right place to go in Lincoln. As she bar hops with the pool shooting, cowboy hat wearing crowd, your feelings are set on edge, as you know this is not the place for the wrong person to compete for the ladies….especially those most sought after.

Teena travels 70 miles to Falls City with some new friends who work hard and party harder. Teena, acting as a man, catches the eye of a beautiful local lady, Lana (Chloe Sevigny). Just the thought of how the guys would react sends a chill up your spine.

There is less violence in this than your average James Bond movie, but it hits you much harder. Boys Don't Cry is American art in the vein of American Beauty, but not shined up to look so pretty.

Based on a true story, the movie is an eerily accurate representation of a documentary available at the local video store on Teena Brandon. Boys Don't Cry is easily one of the best films of the year and is not to be missed.

For more info -  the 'Boys Don't Cry' website : www.foxsearchlight.com/boysdontcry

-- SnM
Uploaded in Aug 2002