← Back to results
Boys Don't Cry
1999 118 min United States of America R 18+
★8.3
Crime, Drama
Director: Kimberly Peirce
Trailers
Description
A young transgender man explores his gender identity and searches for love in rural Nebraska.
Budget:
$2M
US Gross:
$11.54M
Worldwide:
$11.54M
Starring
Hilary Swank
Actor
Chloë Sevigny
Actor
Peter Sarsgaard
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Actress
Golden Globe 2000
— Best Actress (Drama)
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2000
— Best Actress
MTV Movie & TV Awards 2000
— Best Kiss
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Actress
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Supporting Actress
European Film Awards 1999
— Screen International Award
Golden Globe 2000
— Best Actress (Drama)
Golden Globe 2000
— Best Supporting Actress
BAFTA 2001
— Best Actress
Key opinion
Boys Don't Cry is widely regarded as a harrowing, powerful drama that captures the tragic intersection of personal identity and societal cruelty. While its pacing and directorial execution receive some criticism, the film is anchored by a transformative, universally lauded performance by Hilary Swank.
| Acting | Hilary Swank’s transformative performance captures an unsurpassable depth and authenticity that anchors the entire film. | |
| Theme | The film functions as a stark, emotionally devastating exploration of themes regarding the marginalization of non-normative identities in rural, conservative settings. | |
| Direction | Kimberly Peirce’s direction is praised for its grace and ability to handle dark subject matter, though some reviewers feel the film's beginning is hindered by her relative inexperience. | |
| Pacing | The pacing is a point of contention; some viewers find the slow, contemplative tempo necessary for building the bleak atmosphere, while others perceive it as dragging or uneven. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is praised for its emotional honesty and raw depiction of real events, yet some critics argue that secondary characters remain underdeveloped. |