“Boys Don’t Cry” is a 1999 American biographical film directed by Kimberly Peirce. The movie is based on the true story of Brandon Teena, a transgender man who was raped and murdered in Nebraska in 1993.
“Boys Don’t Cry” follows Brandon Teena, who was assigned female at birth but lives as a man and moves to a small town in Nebraska. Brandon becomes friends with a group of locals, including Lana Tisdel, and begins a romantic relationship with her. However, when Brandon’s biological sex is revealed, his friends turn on him, leading to a tragic end.
“Boys Don’t Cry” explores themes of gender identity, sexuality, and discrimination, and highlights the challenges faced by the transgender community. The film’s powerful performances by Hilary Swank, who portrays Brandon Teena, and Chloe Sevigny, who plays Lana Tisdel, have been highly praised by critics and audiences.
“Boys Don’t Cry” won several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for Hilary Swank‘s portrayal of Brandon Teena, and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for Chloe Sevigny. The film has been considered a landmark in the representation of the transgender community in cinema.
| Directed by | Kimberly Peirce |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Jeffrey Sharp John Hart Eva Kolodner Christine Vachon |
| Written by | Kimberly Peirce Andy Bienen |
| Starring | Hilary Swank, Chloë Sevigny, Peter Sarsgaard, Brendan Sexton III, Alicia Goranson, Jeannetta Arnette, Matt McGrath, |
| Music by | Nathan Larson |
| Cinematography | Jim Denault |
| Edited by | Tracey Granger Lee Percy |
| Production companies |
Hart-Sharp Entertainment IFC Films Killer Films |
| Distributed by | Fox Searchlight Pictures |
| Release date | October 8, 1999 (New York Film Festival) October 22, 1999 |
| Running time | 118 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $2 million |
| Box office | $20.7 million |
