Real Men Cry (also known as What Doesn't Kill You) is a gripping drama film that explores the gritty and dangerous world of crime in South Boston. The movie revolves around the lives of two childhood friends, Brian Reilly (Mark Ruffalo) and Paulie McDougan (Ethan Hawke), who grow up in a rough neighborhood and turn to a life of crime in adulthood.
Brian and Paulie are small-time crooks who work for a local crime boss, Pat Kelly (played by the talented Will Lyman). They rob trucks and stores, take drugs, and make some easy money. However, their easygoing lives take a deadly turn when they get involved in a drug deal that goes horribly wrong. They end up on the wrong side of the law, and their lives become a living nightmare.
The movie delves deep into the lives of these two friends, and the trials and tribulations they face as they struggle to survive in a harsh world where violence and betrayal are the norm. The audience gets to see the complexity of their characters, and how their circumstances have shaped their personalities.
Mark Ruffalo, who plays the lead character of Brian Reilly, delivers a spellbinding performance as a man who is trying to keep his life together despite the constant barrage of problems that he faces. Ethan Hawke, who portrays Brian's best friend Paulie McDougan, brings a raw and authentic energy to his character. His journey in the film is one of redemption and self-discovery.
Amanda Peet, who plays the role of Stacy Reilly, Brian's wife, provides a balance to the film's gritty atmosphere. She brings a sense of warmth and humanity to the story, and her character's unwavering support for her husband adds a much-needed touch of hope to the film.
Donnie Wahlberg, who plays the role of Detective Moran, is outstanding in his role as a relentless cop who is determined to bring Brian and Paulie to justice. His interactions with the two lead characters are tense and electric, and his character's unwavering pursuit of justice adds an extra layer of suspense to the film.
Angela Featherstone, who portrays the character of Tonya, Paulie's girlfriend, also delivers a strong performance. Her character's relationship with Paulie is fraught with tension and drama, and her portrayal of a woman who is trying to hold on to someone who is slowly slipping away is poignant and heartbreaking.
The movie's cinematography is dark and gritty, perfectly capturing the bleak and dangerous world that the characters inhabit. The film's score is also excellent, adding a brooding and suspenseful atmosphere to the story.
Overall, Real Men Cry is a gripping drama that delves deep into the lives of its characters and explores the themes of friendship, betrayal, redemption, and self-discovery. The film delivers a powerful and emotionally charged experience that will stay with the audience long after the end credits roll.
Real Men Cry is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes.
