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Boys Don't Cry (R, 1999)

common sense media says

Brutal drama that's not for kids under 17.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this film contains a lot of potentially upsetting material, and should be reserved for mature teenagers. There is a brutal sexual assault, a graphic murder, and a depiction of an emotionally abusive family. There are several non-violent sex scenes as well, involving the main character, a female-to-male transsexual. And there is plenty of substance abuse (pot and alcohol), petty crime (theft, car chases, forgery, etc.) and strong language, as well as an intense discussion of self-cutting. While the film is sympathetic to Brandon, some characters express strong homophobia sentiments which may be especially disturbing to gay, lesbian or transgendered teens.

Positive messages: While the film is sympathetic to Brandon, some characters express strong homophobic sentiments.
Violence: A graphic murder.
Sex: Brutal sexual assault, sex scenes.
Language: Very strong language.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Plenty of substance abuse (pot and alcohol).
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Boys Don't Cry

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about Brandon's sexual identity issues, how he sees himself, and how the people around him react to discovering his secret. Brandon is constantly lying to the people around him; how are the lies about his past and his family different than the "lie" about his gender? Why does he befriend John and Tom so quickly, when it's clear early on that they're dangerous guys?

What's the story?

What's the story?
BOYS DON'T CRY is a moving but brutal drama based on the life and death of a young transsexual man, Brandon Teena (Hilary Swank). Biologically female (his given name is Teena Brandon) the almost 21-year old is in trouble. He's got a court date coming up (for stealing a car), and his only friend Brian is sick of his mooching. But Brandon's mind is elsewhere -- he's very successful with the girls in Lincoln, Nebraska. He's not forthcoming to them about his biological gender, and it's clear he likes this risk taking. After getting kicked out of Brian's trailer, Brandon gets involved in a bar fight defending the honor of Candace. He quickly falls in with her crowd, impressed by Eric, the violent and charming leader of the group, and Eric's disaffected "daughter", Lana (Chloe Sevigny). Brandon decides to crash with Candace, basking in the acceptance of his new friends and trying to win Lana over. At first, things are going great, but as Brandon and Lana get closer, his capacity to keep his secret beings to unravel. And when Eric begins to suspect that something is wrong, events spin horrifically out of control.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Director Kimberly Peirce has made a very good film, neither a bland elegy or a sordid true-crime drama. Brandon comes off as both heroic and troubled, and each supporting character is full-fleshed and sympathetic. Swank's performance is stellar, and earned the actress her first Oscar.

Still, this is mature stuff; we don't recommend this film as a starting point for a discussion about gender or sexuality with your teenager because it's too violent and disturbing. Try lighter fare like The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert or The Incredible True Story of Two Girls in Love.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
Director: Kimberly Peirce
Cast: Chloe Sevigny, Hilary Swank, Peter Sarsgaard
Genre: Drama
Run time: 118 minutes
Theatrical release: July 11, 1999
DVD release: July 1, 2004
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: violence including an intense brutal rape scene, sexuality, language and drug use
This review was written by Will Fertman
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

NK17
adult
17
 
It actually originally got an NC-17
Very good brutal drama, normally this stuff isn't so X-rated though but good for older teens 14-17 if there ready
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TheSuperman765
teen, 16 years old
15
 
imprssive film is not for kids
What to watch out for * Messages: While the film is sympathetic to Brandon, some characters express strong homophobic sentiments. * Violence: A graphic murder. * Sex: Brutal sexual assault, sex scenes. * Language: Very strong language. * Consumerism: Not an issue. * Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Plenty of substance abuse (pot and alcohol).
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.........
parent of 14 year old
14
 
Harrowing, gritty, hard to watch, well crafted film
As harrowing and heartbreaking as this movie is it's also hard to imagine that the Brandon Teena story is true, But its also a great movie. I cried for about half an hour after I watched it. Yes the sex scenes are graphic and the murder and gang rape are hard to watch and unsettling, but thats why its rated R. Its a good movie and I think its fine for 14 and up to watch.
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kidcritic
teen, 17 years old
 
NC-17. You Must Be Kidding?
Boys Don’t Cry tells the incredible groundbreaking story of Brandon Teena, a transgendered teen who related to a male identity even though was born female. I cant even get over how well crafted this film was, it had everything most films these days lack and that’s a story that moves and persuades people with every last minute of life that can protrude out of it. But there is one thing that also makes me mad when I see this film and that is the fact that it received a NC-17 rating because of the “graphic” (barley) lesbian sex. I wasn’t bothered by it. I mean it showed two people in love and basic female pleasure that you usually don’t see in most films. People just need to sometimes set aside their morals when they watch a film. Kudos for writer/director Kimberly Peirce for making her feature film debut with this extravagant Oscar winner. This is a must see for all film buffs. No matter what age.
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thefalconater
teen, 17 years old
16
 
Great movie, if you're ready
My mom actually was totally cool with me watching this movie. I think it's because there was way more to it than the small sexual scenes that seem to be the huge turn off for parents. This movie is for those who are mature and can handle it. "Boy's Don't Cry" is a great movie, the acting is spectacular and I commend Hilary Swank for taking on this challenging role. I appreciate the movie entirely, it's a fantastic drama that will leave you speechless.
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domino
teen, 16 years old
 
A tragic and intense movie.
If you are under the age of 17 this movie is NOT for you. My mom was hysterical when she found out i saw this movie. also this movie includes and intense brutal gangrape . I'm the kind of kid that thinks seeing rated "R" movies is fun because they are different, but not this movie. I'm not saying this is a bad movie, it really is very good, just if you're old enough. (the fact that it is based on a true story is also a big part of the utter shock of the movie).
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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