Rating: 
Summary: Poignant, powerful adaptation of a true story
Review: I saw this movie the same day that I saw Million Dollar Baby (the boxing film starring Hillary Swank and Clint Eastwood), and at the end all I could think was - is this how I wanted to spend Christmas Eve? Crying?
Well, it was worth it.
Barry's story is well known, so I'll skip a retelling. Although I never fully understood Barry's interest in Calpernia, only because the movie didn't make any attempts to delve into the "why" of his attraction to her, I found myself moved by their love, and Barry's fierce determination to keep his private life (Calpernia) private.
What a shame that he shared barracks with such a horrendous and sick person (Justin). I know some people in the armed forces that are gay (but don't ask me who, because I won't tell <grin>), and they are well accepted by their ... I don't know the technical terms here...comrades in arms. How's that. A pity that Barry didn't get stuck with a person whose problem was certainly far worse than OCD.
Anyway. What I found particularly moving, and what has caused me to watch the movie again, were the special features on the CD. Usually the special features are interesting for ancillary purposes. But these were different. First, I was surprised to find that Calpernia's [...] weren't real. I had been rather convinced that a real transgender was playing her role. Instead, it was a male, with a rather flat chest, so his performance was even more interesting. That's one of the main reasons I want to watch the film again.
Calpernia Adams herself appeared in the Special Features, and I was so surprised. I don't have a tremendous amount of experience with transgenders, but did not expect her to be so much like a lady. NOT a gay man acting like a lady, but a real lady. Her comments on Barry were pointed and poignant. Also, she did have her final operation, and is working now in L.A.
The other appearance of note in the Special Features was that of Barry's mother herself. We learned a little more about Barry than in the film. When he first went to Visions, his "buddies" were taking him there to get his mind off his breakup with his girlfriend of four years. She wondered if Barry was actually gay, but said that it didn't matter. What mattered is that what happened to him was a terrible crime, one of bigotry and hate, and so she and her husband have taken it upon themselves to speak when and wherever they can to combat closed minds. Good for them.
There were only two things that angered me. One, the person that killed Barry will be eligible for parole in less than thirteen years. The manner in which he killed Barry should have garnered him life imprisonment without the possibility of parole - at best. Also, the instigator of his death, Justin, is up for parole very soon. If not for his pressuring, the little idiot (Glover?) that killed Barry probably wouldn't have done it. If the movie showed that scene correctly, as it actually happened, then Justin is just as responsible for
Barry's death as Glover, and should be in prison for a very long time.
Rating:
Summary: Absolute Must Watch
Review: I watched this alone on one afternoon and was drenched with tears when the movie was over. It is absolutely well directed - the actors are superb and the real story was moving. I won't write too much because the essence has been written by all the reviewer here. This is just to validate how excellent and moving this movie is.
Rating:
Summary: A SOLDIERS GIRL
Review: I WATCHED THIS MOVIE OVER 7 MONTHS AGO AND I CANT GET THE MOVIE OR THE SOUNDTRACK OUT OF MY HEAD. THIS IS THE KIND OF MOVIE THAT MAKES YOU BELIEVE THAT LOVE STILL EXIST IN THIS NOT SO PERFECT WORLD. CALPERNIA DID AN EXCELLENT JOB AND THE VIEWERS FELT HER PAIN; I SURE DID. HATS OFF TO YOU GUYS YOU DID AND EXCELLENT JOB.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Amazing And Very Touching
Review: If you do not feel tremendous emotion watching this movie and have it stay with you for days afterwards..then you're not human! I turned on Showtime and saw this just starting so I decided to watch it..WOW!! What performances...this people did the story the justice it deserves..If this had been a theatrical release, Lee Pace would be up for best actor..Incredible performance as the transgendered lover of Winchell. The movie shows that just because someone may be "different" doesn't mean they cannot be loved. As a matter of fact I thought the love between the two was one of the best love stories ever told..I have to admit, I cried my eyes out when we see Lee's reaction to hearing about Winchell's death. That scene broke my heart and the emotion Lee exhibits is very raw and real...Sadly, stuff like this happens everyday somewhere. When oh when will we finally wake up and realize that love is universal, it's for everyone...not just for "normal" people, as some closed minded peopele would have you believe...Movies like this should be mandatory viewing for high school students and politicians.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning!!!
Review: It is rare to see anything reviewed here with a consistent five star rating. The story was was superbly presented; the acting supremely uncomon -- subtle and accurate, without the cockiness of actors these days. I agree with all the reviews especially with the reviewer that says all high school students must watch it.
Rating:
Summary: First Class Edutainment, whatever your reason for watching
Review: It's a complete tragedy that this DVD is not being sold in region 2 format in Europe as it would undoubtedly have a massive buying public. I first watched it on Showtime whilst I was visiting friends in New Jersey and was completely blown away by the sensitivity that was given to the subject matter. The characters where 100% believable which is testament to the flawless performance of all those who took part. Someone mentioned that Lee Pace didn't get the voice "right" in another review but this, for me, only hightened the characters believability. Made for Television movies don't always work out because they are low budget and it shows. This movie is worthy of "Blockbuster" status. Not for it's thrills and spills physically, but it's highs and lows psychologically. The soundtrack HAS to be released. I still cry whenever I hear the track that is used to reinforce the final act. This is without doubt a "must see" movie. Showtime - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE release this in Europe on Region 2.
Rating:
Summary: Out of the Ashes Let Hope be Renewed!
Review: My dear friends brother was a newspaper reporter that covered the story of Barry Winchell's death when it happened. I have been to Fort Campbell myself many times. Having the whole story revealed on film brought some measure of closure. And while Barry's life ended tragically, we can only hope that his death will not have been in vain, and that through the telling of his story that others will have life.
I am still left haunted. I was glad that I bought this DVD, as I will view it again once I muster the courage. The actors, especially Lee Pace, made it VERY personal, and brought this story close to the heart.
"Soldier's Girl" only serves to remind us that love is still very powerful and can transcend so many things. And even though the love between Calpernia and Barry was brief, we are left with a renewed spirit knowing that what was between them has only made this world a much better place.
Rating:
Summary: Open your mind
Review: One of the tragicst movie's I've ever seen! It's hard to believe that all this happend, just because Barry Winchell was gay. It could have been such ja sweet lovestory.
The end from this movie is really hard to watch. I cried.
Troy Garity and Lee Pace are just awesome in their roles.
If you want so see some pictures, surf to [...].
A must watch!
Rating:
Summary: It'll make you laugh, cry and think..
Review: Showtime has come up with an absolute winner with this stunning film based on a true story. As wonderful as it is, expect it to get under your skin and stay there. It's so hard to except what happened to the lives of these two beautiful people. Calpernia & Barry could have had a great future until their relationship came to an abrupt and heartbreaking end. There are many things that stood in their way. Jealously.. Barry's roommate was overwelmingly envious of what Barry had, or perhaps he wanted Barry himself. Sexual repression.. Barry's roommate was obviously a life long closet-case. (&) Ignorance.. How can someone be so stupid to do what that seventeen year old did, just because it was suggested by another. I think this film should become a requirement for all high school students to see. Something strong and knowledgeable like this film could only do good. As far as the filmmakers, they did a wonderful job bringing the story to life in a most realistic way. The actors were in top form as well, Troy Garity (Barry) & Lee Pace (Calpernia) had some of the best on screen chemistry that I've seen in a while. A Soldier's Girl is one of the best original films from any cable network period. 5 stars respectfully!
Rating:
Summary: Educates and Enlightens
Review: The film "A Soldier's Girl" is an emotional and dramatic look at a difficult subject. The film tackles the "gays in the military" issue head on, unflinchingly. The acting is top notch and the writing inspiring.The DVD includes an insightful documentary about the real people involved in the case, and interviews with the director, lead actors, and Calpernia Addams herself. There is even a look at the amazing makeup to transform the male actor who plays Calpernia into a woman. The only problem I had with the DVD was that the sound defaults to stereo in English, and I constantly have to reset it to mono, as I don't have a stereo television. When I first started to watch the film, I couldn't hear half of it until I figured out that I had to reset it. I highly recommend this film to anyone, as it will educate and enlighten.
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