Jody (Forest Whitaker) was enjoying a date with a woman at the fairgrounds until he found himself alone with her on the beach and was unexpectedly attacked and kidnapped. Upon awakening, Jody discovers that he is being held captive by a group of IRA members, including the woman from the fairground, named Jude (Miranda Richardson). The group also includes their leader, Fergus (played by Stephen Rea). We soon learn that Jody is a British soldier, and the purpose of his capture is related to the group’s demand for the release of IRA members within three days. If the British government fails to comply, they plan to execute Jody.
Fergus is assigned to keep an eye on Jody for most of the time. Initially, Fergus is focused on his task and shows little interest in the small talk Jody offers. However, as time passes, they manage to strike up several conversations. They discover shared interests despite their differences, and an unlikely friendship begins. As their bond develops, Jody starts to accept his fate and opens up to Fergus about his girlfriend, Dil (Jaye Davidson). He also asks Fergus for a favour: to find Dil for him in London. Unfortunately, Jody soon suspects that Fergus has been tasked with killing him. Faced with this dilemma after getting to know Jody, Fergus hesitates. In the end, Jody makes a desperate attempt to escape but is tragically killed by an armoured car driven by British soldiers.
While the IRA members continue to carry out attacks and explosions, Fergus manages to escape and flees to London to fulfil his promise to Jody. He changes his name to Jimmy and begins working as a labourer. Once he settles into his new life, he starts searching for Dil. However, Fergus soon discovers that his former IRA associates are still alive, and Dil herself is hiding a secret.
The Crying Game is a psychological thriller that blends elements of drama and romance. Written and directed by Neil Jordan, the film is noted for its intriguing plot and character development. Jordan is also known for his previous works, which include Interview with the Vampire (1994), The End of an Affair (1999), and Michael Collins (1996), among others.
The performances in this film are compelling, particularly those of the leading actors, Stephen Rea and Forest Whitaker. Many moments in the story are deeply impactful, memorable, and powerful. One notable scene occurs when Jody, played by Forest Whitaker, shares the story of the Scorpion and the Frog, which speaks to the theme of one’s inherent nature, an essential aspect of the film. Fergus, portrayed by Stephen Rea, also delivers a remarkable performance as his character undergoes significant shifts and transformations throughout the story.
Although the film is best known for its major twist and reveal, I must admit that I already knew the twist before watching it for the first time. Despite this, I still enjoyed the film immensely. While many viewers may find the twist unpredictable, I found the entire storyline quite unexpected. I often questioned the film’s outcomes due to all the stakes introduced throughout, which consistently surprised me. After the first act, the film takes on a dark and cold tone, and a pervasive sense of tragedy adds depth to the overall experience.
Overall, The Crying Game is an intriguing film. Even though I was aware of its famous twist before watching, I still found many positives upon my first viewing. Aside from the major twist, the film maintains a strong sense of unpredictability, especially concerning the characters and their fates. The performances by Stephen Rea and Forest Whitaker stand out significantly, as both actors deliver powerful and memorable dialogue. Visually, the film is also captivating, especially after the first act, which has a tone that often feels heavy, dark, and tragic.
The Crying Game (1992) is Now available on Blu-ray thanks to Umbrella Entertainment!
Published: 18th June 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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