What Is The Man Who Cried About?
The premise of The Man Who Cried in 314 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the aftermath of a violent pogrom in a remote Russian village, Fegele Abramovich is thrust from the familiar rhythms of home into the uncertain currents of the world beyond. With only a photograph of her father and a luck‑bearing coin in her pocket, she boards a cramped ship bound for Britain, where an eager official assigns her a new name—Susan—and places her in an unfamiliar foster system. The early scenes breathe a restless, bittersweet atmosphere, as the echo of a beloved aria becomes a thread that ties her past to the present, hinting at music’s power to bridge language and loss.
As Susan learns English and navigates the social alienation of schoolyard teasing, a compassionate teacher discovers her vocal talent and encourages her to sing in her new tongue. The tone shifts from stark displacement to tentative hope, underscored by the quiet determination that drives her to audition for a travelling singing and dance troupe. This troupe becomes a portal to Paris, where the city’s bohemian sparkle offers both artistic freedom and the complexities of new friendships.
In Paris, Susan shares an apartment with Lola, an experienced Russian dancer whose world‑worn confidence contrasts with Susan’s fresh wonder. Their lives intersect with Cesar, a charismatic Romani horseman whose close‑knit community introduces a different rhythm of belonging, and Dante, an imposing Italian opera singer whose magnetic presence hints at both opportunity and tension. The film’s mood balances the lush allure of performance spaces and the undercurrents of cultural clash, painting a portrait of a young woman seeking identity amid shifting landscapes.
Through its evocative settings—from smoky train stations to glittering stages—the story whispers of resilience, the pull of heritage, and the yearning for connection. All the while, the lingering strains of that cherished aria serve as a lyrical compass, guiding Susan forward as she confronts the promise and peril of a world forever in flux.
What Happens in The Man Who Cried?
The complete story of The Man Who Cried, from the first scene to the last, in 805 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Fegele Abramovich (Christina Ricci) is a young Russian Jewish girl who experiences a series of heartbreaking events beginning in 1927. Her father, Oleg Yankovsky, leaves their village in Russia to seek his fortune in America, promising to send for Fegele and her grandmother. Before his departure, he comforts her by singing the beautiful aria “Je Crois Entendre Encore” from Bizet’s Les pêcheurs de perles. Tragically, shortly after her father leaves, their village is attacked and burned during a pogrom, forcing Fegele to escape with her neighbors. Despite facing numerous dangers, she manages to board a boat bound for Britain, carrying only a photograph of her father and a coin given by her grandmother for luck.
Upon arriving in Britain, an official renames her “Susan” and places her into foster care. At school, she encounters hostility from English students who tease her by calling her a “gypsy,” mainly because she does not yet understand English. Her situation begins to improve when a compassionate teacher overhears her singing “Je Crois Entendre Encore” in Yiddish and takes it upon herself to teach Susan English and help her sing in her new language.
As the years pass, Susan, or Suzie as she is called, auditions for a singing and dance troupe headed to Paris. During her time in France, she befriends Lola (Cate Blanchett), an older Russian dancer, and they share an apartment as friends. Their journey leads them to perform at a formal event alongside a mysterious Romani performer, Cesar (Johnny Depp), a talented horseman who captivates Suzie with his charm. Their captivating performance in front of an audience is followed by an intimate moment where they overhear a tenor inside singing “Je Crois Entendre Encore.” The voice belongs to Dante (John Turturro), an Italian opera singer who immediately draws Lola’s attention with his rich voice and charisma. Lola becomes enamored with Dante, attracted not only by his talent but also by his wealth and success.
Throughout this period, Suzie is introduced to Dante’s complicated personality. Dante, an ardent supporter of Mussolini, begins a romantic relationship with Lola while maintaining a distant, sometimes cold attitude toward Suzie. Meanwhile, Cesar introduces Suzie to his close-knit Romani “family,” and the young girl falls in love with the tribe and their lifestyle.
Trouble arises when Dante, after a brief encounter with Lola, discovers Suzie’s Jewish background after finding her father’s photo. An elderly neighbor, Madame Goldstein (Miriam Karlin), warns Suzie of the rising dangers posed by the Nazis as they invade Poland. As the German forces approach Paris, chaos erupts, and many Jewish artists and residents attempt to escape. The entertainment scene dwindles, leaving only Dante and Suzie as the remaining cast members. When Dante tries to seduce Suzie, she stands her ground and rejects his advances, especially after he lashes out at her for her heritage and her relationship with Cesar, whom Dante scorns because of his Romani roots.
The tension escalates when Dante reveals to a Nazi officer that Suzie is Jewish, a revelation that puts her in immediate danger. Lola, overhearing this, warns Suzie and urges her to flee Paris to save her life. Lola herself is preparing to leave, having bought tickets for herself and Suzie on a boat bound for America. In the midst of her escape, Suzie witnesses a horrifying event—the Nazi attack on the Romani village that results in the death of a child. Cesar comes to say goodbye, and Suzie desperately wishes to stay and help him fight the Nazis, but Cesar insists she must leave to find her father. They share a heartfelt farewell, knowing their paths are diverging.
Their journey across the Atlantic takes a tragic turn when the ship is torpedoed during the voyage. Lola perishes in the sinking, leaving Suzie among the survivors rescued and brought to New York. In the United States, Suzie embarks on a quest to find her father, only to discover that he has changed his name, given up singing, and moved west after believing his family was lost during the attack on their village. She eventually finds him in Hollywood, where he has built a new life as a studio head. She learns he has a new family and is gravely ill.
In a poignant reunion, Suzie visits her father in the hospital, walking past his new wife and children to see him. Recognizing her, he is overwhelmed with emotion, and she sits by his side, singing “Je Crois Entendre Encore” in Yiddish once more. As tears stream down his face, he expresses his joy and recognition, filling the scene with a profound sense of loss, hope, and reconciliation.
This story is a powerful portrayal of resilience, love, and the enduring strength of heritage through one girl’s journey from the horrors of pogroms and war to finding hope and family in a new land.
The Man Who Cried Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Fegele Abramovich is separated from her father” to “Reunion and farewell”. 14 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Fegele Abramovich is separated from her father
In 1927, Fegele Abramovich, a young Russian Jewish girl, is separated from her father during a pogrom. Her father leaves for America to seek his fortune but plans to send for Fegele and her grandmother. Before departing, he sings her a song from Bizet's opera, leaving a lasting memory.
When:1927 Where:Russian village
- 2
Her village is attacked and burned
Shortly after her father's departure, the village is attacked and burned in a pogrom, forcing Fegele to escape amidst chaos. With help from neighbors, she overcomes dangers and boards a boat to Britain, carrying only a photo of her father and a coin from her grandmother.
Where:Russian village
- 3
Arrival in Britain and name change
Upon arriving in Britain, an official renames her 'Susan' and places her with foster parents. She initially struggles with the language barrier, as school taunts call her a 'gypsy' and she doesn't understand English.
Where:Britain
- 4
Learning English and singing
A compassionate teacher overhears her singing a Yiddish song and helps her learn English, encouraging her to sing and speak in the new language. This marks the beginning of her integration into British society and her budding talent as a singer.
Where:School, Britain
- 5
Audition for a Paris-bound troupe
Years later, Suzie auditions for a singing and dance troupe heading to Paris. Her talent earns her a place, and she meets Lola, an older Russian dancer with whom she shares an apartment amid the city's vibrant arts scene.
Where:Paris
- 6
Performance at a formal party
Suzie and Lola perform as dancers at a formal party with a mysterious performing horseman, Cesar. After their show, they overhear an Italian opera singer, Dante, singing 'Je Crois Entendre Encore,' which captivates Suzie and Lola.
Where:Paris
- 7
Dante and Lola fall for each other
Dante, an Italian opera singer and Mussolini follower, becomes romantically involved with Lola, while Suzie develops an attraction to Cesar. Tensions emerge as Dante's allegiance and personal motives become more apparent.
Where:Paris
- 8
Dante discovers Suzie's Jewish heritage
Dante finds Suzie's father's photo and deduces her Jewish identity. Meanwhile, Madame Goldstein warns Suzie of the rising dangers as the Germans invade Poland, foreshadowing the coming threat for Jewish people.
Where:Paris
- 9
The Nazi invasion and closing of the show
As Nazi forces approach Paris, the cast's performances decline, and the production is shut down. Dante's true motives are revealed when he tries to seduce Suzie and then exposes her heritage to a German officer, endangering her life.
Where:Paris
- 10
Lola warns Suzie and plans escape
Lola overhears Dante revealing Suzie's Jewish identity and advises her to leave Paris to avoid danger. She arranges tickets for Suzie and herself on an ocean liner heading to America, signifying their escape plan.
Where:Paris
Show the other 4 events of The Man Who Cried Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Cesar and Suzie say farewell amidst Nazi attacks
Cesar visits Suzie to say goodbye as Nazis attack the Romani village, killing a child. Suzie wants to stay and fight alongside Cesar but is urged by him to escape and find her father, sharing a heartfelt last night.
Where:Paris
- 12
Lola's death on the sinking liner
During the voyage across the Atlantic, the ocean liner is torpedoed and Lola tragically dies in the sinking. Suzie survives the attack, and she is rescued and brought to New York, beginning a new chapter of her life.
Where:Atlantic Ocean
- 13
Suzie searches for her father in America
In New York, Suzie seeks out her father, discovering that he changed his name, gave up singing, and started a new family after believing his own family was lost during the war. Her search leads her to an emotional reunion.
Where:New York
- 14
Reunion and farewell
Suzie visits her ill father in the hospital, where he recognizes her and is moved by her singing 'Je Crois Entendre Encore' in Yiddish. Their emotional reunion marks the culmination of her lifelong journey to find her family.
Where:Hospital, New York
Who Are the Main Characters in The Man Who Cried?
6 characters, among them Suzie / Fegele Abramovich (Christina Ricci), Lola (Cate Blanchett) and Cesar (Johnny Depp): who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- S/
Suzie / Fegele Abramovich (Christina Ricci)
A resilient Jewish girl forced to adapt after fleeing pogroms and war. Her love for singing and her cultural heritage shape her identity and her perseverance through adversity. She seeks belonging and recognition in a world filled with prejudice.
- 🎤 Singer
- ✡️ Jewish
- 💪 Resilient
- L(
Lola (Cate Blanchett)
An experienced Russian dancer and Suzie’s friend, who navigates the Parisian art scene with charm and independence. She is ambitious and ultimately seeks escape from the dangers of war, demonstrating loyalty and courage.
- 💃 Dancer
- 🛡️ Protector
- 🌍 Worldly
- C(
Cesar (Johnny Depp)
A Romani performer who introduces Suzie to her cultural roots. He is a caring figure for her, offering emotional support and love. Cesar embodies the Romani community’s resilience amidst persecution and hardship.
- 🎪 Performer
- ❤️ Protector
- 🧡 Romani
- D(
Dante (John Turturro)
An Italian opera singer and a fascist sympathizer whose rivalry and prejudice highlight the era’s political tensions. His character portrays the dangers of nationalism and intolerance.
- 🎼 Opera Singer
- 🛡️ Antagonist
- 🇮🇹 Fascist
- PM
Peter Maxwell (Daniel Massey)
Suzie’s father, a man who has distanced himself from his past and family, seeking success and stability in Hollywood. His story reflects themes of sacrifice, regret, and the quest for reconciliation.
- 💼 Studio Head
- ❣️ Father
- 🧓 Aging
- HM
Hilda Maxwell (Amanda Root)
Peter’s wife in Hollywood, providing a new family environment for him. Her presence highlights themes of new beginnings and the contrast between past traumas and present comforts.
- 🏡 Family
- ❤️ Supportive
- 🌟 Steady
Where and When Is The Man Who Cried Set?
The Man Who Cried is set in Paris, France; Romani village, Europe; New York, USA; Hollywood, USA (1927-1940s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1927-1940s
The story spans from the late 1920s, beginning with Fegele’s childhood, through the 1930s, capturing the rise of fascism and the impact of World War II. The historical backdrop includes the Soviet Union, pre-war Europe, and the early years of the Nazi invasion, which deeply influence the characters' lives and decisions.
Where
Paris, France; Romani village, Europe; New York, USA; Hollywood, USA
The movie takes place in several key locations including the cultural hub of Paris and a Romani village in Europe, both of which are significant for their historical context. It also shifts to American cities like New York and Hollywood, representing Suzie’s journey from persecution to the pursuit of her dreams. Each place reflects different stages of her life and the socio-political environments she navigates.
- 🌍 European settings
- 🏰 Historic cities
- 🎬 Hollywood
- 🏞️ Rural Romani community
What Are the Themes of The Man Who Cried?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Freedom and Identity.
-
01
Freedom
Freedom is a central theme in the movie, symbolized by Suzie’s escape from persecution and her aspirations for a better life. Her journey represents the universal desire for safety, self-expression, and the pursuit of dreams despite oppressive circumstances.
-
02
Identity
The theme of identity is explored through Suzie’s struggles with her Jewish heritage, her cultural roots, and her evolving sense of self. The movie highlights how characters grapple with societal labels and personal history, especially in times of chaos.
What Kind of Film Is The Man Who Cried?
Melancholic in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A melancholic and heavy journey of a young Jewish woman's resilient survival through decades of displacement, persecution, and loss, punctuated by moments of love and artistic beauty but ultimately defined by a bittersweet search for home and family.
- melancholic
- resilient
- nostalgic
- somber
- hopeful
- lonely
- immigrant journey
- survival
- lost family
- world war ii
Content notes: pogroms, war violence, child endangerment, racial persecution, domestic abuse implied, death of loved ones.
Quiz
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