The Crying Game (1992)

Films that use the conflict in Northern Ireland as a backdrop to tell their story tend to be pretty grim. While parts of The Crying Game certainly fit that description, there are moments where the gloom cracks and the light of hope shines through because it's essentially a love story.
Neil Jordan's film style certainly won't appeal to everyone. On the surface it seems languid and cheaply made, but if you don't turn off too soon you'll be rewarded with a well-crafted second half that's a deeply considered exploration of the secrets of the human heart.

3½ tools of the trade out of 5