Boys Don't Cry MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1 1/2 Content: -4

In America today, more and more people are experiencing confusion about their sexuality. This new film by first time writer and director Kimberly Peirce is indicative of that confusion. It tells the true story of Brandon Teena (Hilary Swank), a young woman who dresses as a man. After trouble repeatedly finds Brandon in her hometown, she travels to the welcoming small town of Falls City where the citizens think she is a man. Soon enough, Brandon begins dating a sweet and popular girl named Lana (Chlo Sevigny). But John (Peter Sarsgaard), an ex-criminal, also loves Lana. And while John initially accepts Brandon, his jealousy grows as Brandon and Lana become more serious. Hilary Swank is phenomenal as the confused youth. However, even though the story is true, it seems to lack any definite point other than to show the depressing life of a gender-confused person. While an emotional and eye-opening story, few will likely choose to sit through BOYS DONT CRY.

This film earned its 4 rating in one horrible scene. A brutal rape scene near the end of the movie has to be one of the most graphic and obscene things ever put on film for mainstream audiences. The police then ask questions about it which are not only insensitive, but also blunt and explicit. Several scenes of nudity occur throughout, including a scene of full female frontal nudity when Brandons secret is discovered. And an extended sex scene includes both conventional and unconventional sex with female breast nudity. The foul language is equally bad with 103 f-words, 14 s-words, and 21 regular profanities. So while the audience can feel for Brandon in his confusion, the brutal rape, sex scene, and foul language in BOYS DONT CRY is enough to make anyone sad.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: Distributor: Fox Searchlight (20th Century Fox, 10201 W. Pico Blvd., LA, CA 90035