Synopsis
A young transgender man explores his gender identity and searches for love in rural Nebraska.
Director
Cast
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Chloë Sevigny
Lana Tisdel
Hilary Swank
Brandon Teena
Brendan Sexton III
Tom Nissen
Peter Sarsgaard
John Lotter
Jeannetta Arnette
Lana's Mom
Rob Campbell
Brian
Other Reviews
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Post may contain spoilers
Ardian Ome
Overall, "Boys Don't Cry" is a remarkable film that sheds light on the struggles of gender identity and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a testament to the power of storytelling in raising awareness and promoting understanding of the experiences faced by marginalized communities.
ecemozt8
user220606
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kolibri753
Boys Don’t Cry: A Powerful Yet Problematic Portrayal of a Tragic True Story
"Boys Don’t Cry" is one of the hardest films for me to watch, especially knowing it’s based on the real-life story of Brandon Teena. The movie portrays the brutal reality of his life, aiming to make viewers see the world from Brandon's perspective. It’s clear that for many, this film may be their first encounter with a trans man's experience.
However, I’m conflicted about some of the creative choices. The omission of Brandon's supportive friend feels like a missed opportunity to show that he wasn’t completely alone. Instead, it leans heavily into tragedy, perhaps to maximize the emotional impact. While the film is undoubtedly significant, it’s also deeply problematic by modern standards, focusing more on the suffering of a trans person rather than a balanced portrayal of his life.
The casting of Hilary Swank as Brandon has sparked criticism, especially from those who feel a trans actor should have been cast. I understand these concerns, but considering the time the movie was made and the limited visibility of trans actors, I think her performance was remarkable. Brandon was also pre-transition, which adds complexity to the casting choice, making it less straightforward than it might seem today.
Other people’s reviews highlight that this film might not have been made with a trans audience in mind. It often feels like the focus was on making cis viewers sympathize with the tragedy rather than providing an accurate portrayal of trans life. The constant focus on Brandon’s body and the graphic nature of some scenes, particularly the sexual assault, can leave viewers with a distorted understanding of what it means to be trans.
Despite these issues, the film’s importance can’t be denied. It brought attention to a story that needed to be told, even if it wasn’t told perfectly. "Boys Don’t Cry" may not do full justice to Brandon Teena's story, but it’s a significant film that many still connect with, even if it’s not an easy watch.
Ardian Ome
Overall, "Boys Don't Cry" is a remarkable film that sheds light on the struggles of gender identity and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a testament to the power of storytelling in raising awareness and promoting understanding of the experiences faced by marginalized communities.
ecemozt8
user220606
mirtee
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kolibri753
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