Boys Don't Cry

Based on a true story, Boys Don't Cry is centred around the life of Teena Brandon, or 'Brandon Teena' as she prefers to be known. Following years of what can only be described as persecution, Teena decides to move and start a new life where she can reinvent herself as a boy - the gender she believes herself to truly be. As the “new guy” in Nebraska, 'Brandon' is popular, especially with the women, and is just an ordinary teenager drinking and generally hanging out. Teena, however, is desperate to hide the string of petty crimes that she has left behind her, and her true identity.

Inevitably, Teena's tragic story is uncovered by her closest friends and results in her humiliation and torment. Her subsequent horrific experiences are masterfully portrayed in a haunting film that explores the issues of bigotry, sexuality and being at ease with oneself in the face of such prejudice.

As an extremely powerful and disturbing story, Boys Don't Cry is not a comfortable experience but nevertheless must be seen. Although violent in parts, this film is still a sensitive interpretation of a young girl’s fight within herself and against others. Not only does it put across a powerful message but the director's delicate handling of the story has produced a deeply moving and even romantic film at times.

Sophie Robinson