Boys Don't Cry Review- By Michael Carlisle

Title: Boys Don't Cry
Year: 1999
Director: Kimberly Peirce
Country: US
Language: English




During the early years of American Cinema, homosexuality was a taboo subject that would often break careers. Many actors, like Rock Hudson, would be forced to stage a relationship with the opposite sex in order to silence the media and hush the critics. In later years whenever a homosexual character was written for the screen they would have to be a stereotypical caricature of gay identity. Thankfully American Audiences became a little more tolerant over-time and in 1999 we were given the boundary breaking Boys Don't Cry. 

Female born, Teena Brandon (Hilary Swank) adopts his male identity of Brandon Teena and attempts to find himself and love in Nebraska. Unfortunately this small American town isn't ready to accept a transgender into their society, and Brandon finds himself in deep trouble.

Hilary Swank won the "Best Actress" Oscar for her heartbreaking performance, she would also win an Oscar for Million Dollar Baby in 2004 and then subsequently never be in any important roles again. Director Kimberly Peirce creates a disturbing picture about sexual identity and sexual hate. The film is not disturbing because it's about a transgender, but rather because it forces us to see our society for what it really is; unapologetic in its  homophobia. Peirce depicts homophobia as violent, ruthless and aggressive, the most horrifying scene happens when Brandon is bullied by people who don't want to understand her sexuality. 

In contrast, the sequences of transgender love are quite beautiful and breathtaking.  We pray Brandon finds love because it represents peace and tranquility. Unfortunately the sombre country music that drains every scene tells us that this is a Shakespearean tragedy, and Brandon must play a martyr, for she is ultimately doomed. Boys Don't Cry is also a dissection of society's ideal masculine traits. We are told to be competitive, in charge and aggressive yet these things ultimately slow the progress of society and harm our fellow LGBTT community.

In conclusion, while Boy's Don't Cry is an extremely depressing film, it will ultimately either change your views on transgendered people or encourage you to fight harder for LGBTT rights. The treatment the gay community has received throughout history is vile and disgusting, hopefully we can grow together. Praise it! 4.5/5