Day 24: The Crying Game.

Day 24: The Crying Game (1992, Dir. Neil Jordan)

Early 90’s Oscar winner The Crying Game juxtaposes a gripping thriller and a tense love story with a big dose of Irish politics too.

The films twist is something which has become synonymous with its popularity, however there’s a lot more on offer from the films head on approach to themes of nationality, gender and identities. The character of Fergus goes on a really involving journey in this film. His story which you think is going to be his struggle with life as a terrorist in the IRA ultimately becomes a much more involving and personal affair, a very interesting case study into national identity clashing with personal traits. The characters of Dil and Jude also provide real emotional and dramatic weight to narrative.

The problem with this film is in parts it begins to feel a bit schmultzy and over emotional with some of its more tender moments relentlessly tugging on the heartstrings instead of opting for subtly. Oddly whilst playing one of the most interesting characters in the film, Forest Whitaker’s performance is hard to appreciate because of his truly peculiar accent. Another issue which this film can’t escape is one which curses a great deal of films, the problem is that it looks painfully 90’s, the hair, the clothes, the cars… but I suppose it could be worse!

Now that the dust has settled on the big twist this movie can surprise a whole new generation, and Jordan’s film still works with a real punch; combining a daring plot with genuine drama and real raw emotion.

7/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104036/

Extra: I’m not going to give away the surprise here!