The Crying Game
Performance & Direction: The Crying Game Review
Last updated: February 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Crying Game (1992) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Crying Game features a noteworthy lineup led by Stephen Rea . Supported by the likes of Miranda Richardson and Jaye Davidson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Crying Game
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1992, The Crying Game is a Crime, Drama, Thriller film directed by Neil Jordan. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Stephen Rea.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Irish Republican Army member Fergus forms an unexpected bond with Jody, a kidnapped British soldier in his custody, despite the warnings of fellow IRA members Jude and Maguire. Jody makes Fergus promise he'll visit his girlfriend, Dil, in London, and when Fergus flees to the city, he seeks her out. Hounded by his former IRA colleagues, he finds himself increasingly drawn to the enigmatic, and surprising, Dil. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Stephen Rea's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: The Crying Game
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Neil Jordan, The Crying Game concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Stephen Rea, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Crying Game reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Crying Game Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Crying Game incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, thriller film directed by Neil Jordan, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Stephen Rea's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Crying Game adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Crying Game?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Stephen Rea or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Crying Game
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.7M |
| Worldwide Gross | $62.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Crying Game Budget
The estimated production budget for The Crying Game is $3.7M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Crying Game
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Crying Game Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Crying Game Parents Guide & Age Rating
1992 AdvisoryWondering about The Crying Game age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Crying Game is 112 minutes (1h 52m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, The Crying Game is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1992 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Crying Game worth watching?
The Crying Game is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Crying Game parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Crying Game identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Crying Game?
The total duration of The Crying Game is 112 minutes, which is approximately 1h 52m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
