Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Powerful drama has mature sexual themes, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Crying Game
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
An IRA cell kidnaps Jody (Forest Whitaker), a British soldier, in the hopes of a prisoner exchange. One of the kidnappers, Fergus (Stephen Rea), befriends Jody and promises to look after his girl back home if Jody doesn't make it. The kidnapping doesn't work as planned, and Fergus finds himself on the run from the IRA, hoping to get out of the organization. He makes his way to London and finds Dil (Jaye Davidson), Jody's exotic girlfriend. As Fergus and Dil fall for each other, the IRA catches up to Fergus and threatens to harm Dil if Fergus won't cooperate with their violent plans. Can Fergus get out of the IRA, and can he and Dil find a way to make their relationship work?
Is It Any Good?
THE CRYING GAME is a remarkable, dark drama with a sensational twist from director/writer Neil Jordan. Juxtaposing the kind, likable Fergus (beautifully portrayed by Stephen Rea) with the violence in Northern Ireland creates tension and a sense of doom that, together with the mature sexual themes, make for a movie that charms as much as it wrenches the gut. It was controversial in its day, and older teens who are curious about the hype will have a lot of mature topics to think and talk about with this film, from the politics of the time to whether you can, or even should, change your nature.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about movies with a twist. Did you see this one coming? Which other famous twists can you think of?
How much did you know about the IRA and the history of Northern Ireland before you saw this movie? What does "IRA" stand for? How has the political situation there changed since this movie was made?
Do you think Dil will still be waiting when Fergus gets out of jail? What do you think will become of them?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 27, 1992
- On DVD or streaming : April 12, 2022
- Cast : Forest Whitaker , Stephen Rea , Miranda Richardson
- Director : Neil Jordan
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Palace Pictures , Channel Four Films , Eurotrustees , Nippon Film Development and Finance , British Screen Productions
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Sexuality, strong violence, language
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : March 13, 2026
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