Overview
The Man Who Cried is a 2000 drama film directed by Mike Figgis. The screenplay was written by Mike Figgis and Alan Clarke. The film stars Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, and Cate Blanchett, and it was produced as a co‑production between the United Kingdom and the United States. The narrative follows a young Jewish woman who, after losing her mother in 1930s Italy, is raised by a wealthy Italian family and later emigrates to the United States during World War II.
Plot
Set initially in 1933 Florence, Italy, the story begins with the death of a Jewish mother (Catherine Deneuve) during childbirth. Her infant daughter, Sasha (Christina Ricci), is placed in the care of the family's friend, the enigmatic violinist Antonio (Johnny Depp). Sasha is raised in a privileged environment but is later forced to flee Italy with her adoptive mother, Jeanne (Cate Blanchett), as the Nazis advance. The film chronicles Sasha's attempts to assimilate into American society, her struggle with identity, and her complex relationship with Antonio, who remains a lingering presence throughout her life.
Cast
- Johnny Depp as Antonio
- Christina Ricci as Sasha (young) / The Man Who Cried (adult)
- Cate Blanchett as Jeanne
- Catherine Deneuve as Sasha’s mother (voice)
- Mikhail Baryshnikov as Anselmo (uncredited)
Production
Filming took place on location in Italy (including Florence) and the United States (New York). The cinematography, also by Mike Figgis, employed a naturalistic style with hand‑held cameras. The musical score was composed by Christopher Young, featuring a blend of classical and period‑appropriate compositions.
Release
The Man Who Cried premiered at the 2000 Toronto International Film Festival and received a limited theatrical release in the United States and United Kingdom later that year. Distribution was handled by Metro‑Goldwyn‑Mayer (MGM) in the United States and Universal Pictures in other territories.
Reception
Critical response was mixed. Review aggregators reported a moderate approval rating, with critics noting the film’s atmospheric visuals and strong performances, particularly by Ricci and Blanchett, while some criticized its narrative pacing and tonal inconsistency. The film did not achieve significant commercial success, earning modest box‑office returns relative to its production budget.
Home media
The film was released on DVD and Blu‑ray in 2001, including supplemental features such as director commentary, behind‑the‑scenes documentaries, and deleted scenes.
Legacy
Although not a major commercial hit, The Man Who Cried is sometimes referenced in discussions of early‑2000s period dramas and for its exploration of themes related to displacement, identity, and the impact of war on personal lives. The film has been noted for its collaboration between prominent actors from different national cinemas.