Feature film
The Crying Game
Neil Jordan · 1992
Synopsis
In Northern Ireland, a commando of the Irish Republican Army kidnaps Jody, a black British soldier, in order to exchange him for one of their own held in prison. Fergus, the volunteer charged with guarding him, befriends his hostage; Jody asks him, should he die, to go and see his partner, Dil, in London. The political thriller then continues in London.
Context
The filmmaker wrote a first version in the mid-eighties under the title The Soldier's Wife; the film, partly inspired by an Irish short story of 1931, was produced for 2.1 million pounds by Stephen Woolley and Nik Powell, with Palace Pictures and Channel Four. Presented at Venice on 2 September 1992, it was released in the United Kingdom on 30 October. It took 62.5 million dollars in North America, a record for its distributor, and the title song, covered by Boy George, returned to the charts.
Who it is for
A psychological thriller in English, the second part of which takes place in London; it is best seen without knowing anything in advance.
Prizes and reception
Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and six nominations, including Best Picture; BAFTA Alexander Korda Award for Best British Film.