What it’s about
When20-year-old Brandon Teena (Swank) moves from Lincoln, Nebraska to small town Falls City, all the good-natured kid with a crew cut has to show for himself is a certain way with the ladies. Soon, Brandon gets romantically involved with Lana (Sevigny) and falls in with a rough crowd, including ex-con John (Sarsgaard) and Tom (Sexton). When the guys discover he’s actually a woman who’s been living as a man, however, a violent confrontation ensues.
Why we love it
Thisgritty, compelling film by debut director Kimberly Peirce examines homophobia, gender identity, and unconventional love in a small, dead-end town. Based on the real-life story of Brandon Teena (born Teena Brandon) who was murdered in 1993, “Boys” is a first-rate docudrama with a lot on its mind, but Peirce never lets the issues diminish the emotional impact of her story. Swank’s unusually brave performance, honored with an Oscar, is gut-wrenching to watch, while arthouse darling Sevigny breaks your heart as Brandon’s love interest. Brutal subject matter, but “Boys” demands to be seen.
Hilary Swank, Chlo Sevigny, Andy Bienen, Peter Sarsgaard, Brendan Sexton III Kimberly Peirce