The Crying Game (1992)

Neil Jordan’s earlier Mona Lisa is undoubtedly one of my favourite films. It has a calculating discipline to it and assured amount of sincerity even despite the tough, dark narrative it centres around. Jordan’s utilisation of calm aspects and a more detailed assault is extraordinary as he brings together polar opposite characters – Bob Hoskins’ rough gangster figure, Cathy Tyson’s charismatic call girl – remarkably well.

In a way, despite the more advanced and challenging premise surrounding The Crying Game, I found a connection between it and Mona Lisa. The rough force of Stephen Rea’s IRA soldier Fergus is compounded by guilt for his involvement in the death of the husband of Jaye Davidson’s Dil, whom he seeks out to expectedly apologise and give himself salvation. Reckoning and atmosphere, the way Neil Jordan utilises the differences between his leads is incredible. We witness the growth of their relationship and the devastation caused by the film’s intelligence in turning the wheel, so to speak.

Gripping and deathly in its combination of thriller aspects alongside more standard romantic elements, The Crying Game is a film of majestic qualities. Like no other, the intelligence to constantly challenge the expectations of the viewer is extraordinary and whilst the film’s more action driven sequences may displace the nerve-shredding wit and charisma tacked before and after, The Crying Game remains one of the most intoxicating thrillers of the 90’s. The performances are dynamic, the screenplay penetrating and the atmosphere piercing.

83/100