Rating: 
Summary: Fitting and respectful
Review: The truth behind this film is shocking in the extreme, and the heart hurts terribly for Calpernia and Barry's family. Anger and despair are two words that spring to mind.The message, seemed to me to be about homophobia. I know a lot of trans people will cry "transphobia", but we suffer violence because some in society see us as sexual beings, nothing more, so the focus of the film there I feel was an important one to make. As a transgendered woman myself, I bought the movie with the wrong focus, the wrong intent. I was expecting a movie with Calpernia as the central character. I'm glad that the producers centered the movie around Barry (played with sensitivity by Troy Garity), it is a fitting tribute to a decent human being. And it's quite nice to not have it sensationalised as well, just played as what it is, a tragic romance. Sorry, but Lee just couldn't muster the voice at all. He sounded like a man trying to sound like a woman. A little vocal preparation would have helped there. That being said, he did put in a pretty good performance all in all. It can't be easy being a bloke and playing a part like that, so hats off for his courage to try and make it work. Like Calpernia I was in the navy (12 years, though I began transition whilst still in the service) and what Barry went through I have seen and experienced. Don't ask don't tell simply does not work, even if you're not gay, but if, like Barry, you fall in love with someone considered "wrong." A complete re-education policy needs to be set in place, and the reason is aptly set out in this film, graphically and simply. The psychological goading of the young recruit was exceptionally well produced I thought, considering the time constraints within the movie itself and brought back some terrible memories. Watching and hearing Barry's Mother in the special features was, I have to say, the most harrowing part of the viewing experience. Somebody with a huge amount of courage and sensitivity, a true and complete sense of humanity, She brought tears to my eyes. Overall, I'm glad I bought it, even though I had to buy it from the US direct, and it will be watched several times more in the next few months, with friends.
Rating:
Summary: brilliant
Review: This film is just that..flat out brilliant.It sheds light on a complex and thought provoking subject in an unexpected way. Once you've seen this complex film it will linger in your mind for a long long time.
The two leads and the project were deservedly nominated for the Golden Globe awards recently.Regrettably and more than likely because of the subject matter they did not win but should have.Real excellence is rarely rewarded in Hollywood since most of the big awards are in reality little more than popularity contests.
For any intelligent film buff this film is an absolute must see.
Rating:
Summary: PURE LOVE
Review: THIS FILM IS ONE OF THE MOST HEART TOUCHING GAY FILM I'VE EVER SEEN... TRULLY PHENOMENAL! ACTORS POTRAYED THE CHARACTERS REALLY WELL/VERY NATURAL... BEING A TRANSGENDER MYSELF I CAN TRULLY RELATE- I FELT IT... WE NEED MORE OF THIS KIND OF MOVIE TO OPEN UP EVERYONE'S MIND THAT LOVE HAS NO BOUNDARIES AND UNCONDITIONAL... I RECOMMEND THIS FILM TO ANYONE- IT'S AN A+/ *****(5STARS) TO CALPERNIA- MORE POWER GURL AND GOD BLESS~ TO BARRY'S FAMILY- GOD BLESS... ((((((HUGS))))))
Rating:
Summary: Superb Storytelling!
Review: This film will touch you on so many different levels. The love story between Barry & Calpernia is very natural and understandable. When she confronts him and asks if he is gay, straight or trying to find out, he responds, "I just want everyone to be happy." I had no idea the actor portraying Barry was Jane Fonda's son, but then that explains hsi naturalness and subtle acting skills. After seeing the Golden Globes tonight, he was robbed of that award by that ham Pacino.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Film
Review: This movie is an excellent film. It is light-hearted at points but also has a more serious side. The dramatic part of it was so beautifully acted that I cried at the ending. If you haven't seen this movie, I strongly suggest you watch it ASAP.
Rating:
Summary: Truthful Oversight on Homosexuals in the Military
Review: This movie is an eyeopener for all people gay or straight. The contents of the movie lets people understand the difficulties homoxesual people go through in life, not only with possibly denying who they really are, but also with the worries of being accepted by their peers. It shows that ignorance is amongst all people rather it be in the military or not. As a homosexual in the military this film helped me realize that being open can cause a lot of emotional and physical pain, however nobody should be scared to live a life that they feel is right. My mother has watched this film with me and agrees that it is difficult to understand why people can be so hateful to others just because they don't like the same things that we do. This film will open the eyes of anybody straight or gay that has any questions about the difficulties of being a homosexual in the military. The possibilities are hard, but the truth can be even harder.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Most emotional films I have see to Date
Review: This movie was a very emotional one for me to see, I have seen it three times and would watch it a hundred more. It was very heart felt, and I learned a lot from it. I would recommend it to almost everyone that I know.
Rating:
Summary: Twisted Upbringing and Conservative Brainwashing
Review: This movie will effect you in a way that can best be described as heartfelt, emotionally draining, and unbearably sad. Too bad this is not fiction, but neither were the stories of Matthew Shepard and Brandon Teena (Boys Dont Cry). Its so sad to see the media jump all over subjects like "if gays should marry" rather than "how to punish these hate crime commiters". I think that you can see in this movie, the unfortunate results of a conservative upbringing and how dangerous it is when these YOUNG men and women (in the military) are subjected to all wakes of life and backgrounds. Why were they not taught to love and accept differences instead of alienate and hate them? The women and men of our armed forces should be taught to love, to accept the fact that they WILL meet and be exposed to very different people while enlisted, and to be ready to live with that. Maybe counselors should be readily available to professionally treat those who are not willing to or who just cant accept the fact that "some boys like boys and some girls like girls, and they DO live in our country-but that doesnt make them bad people"..but I think that would be wishful thinking. Maybe some day when my young son is my age, he will not have to read about stories like this, or watch movies like those of this content. Its so sad. My heart goes out to the family of Barry and Calpernia. God bless you both....
Rating:
Summary: Superb!
Review: This truly is a great film, everything about it, the writing, the acting, the directing are all fantastic! This film was obviously a work of love, there were so many aspects that could have been over done but instead everyone involved walked a fine line and in the end delivered an incredible film about a truly heartbreaking story. The added documentary features of the dvd are also worth watching and only add to the depth and beauty of the story.
Rating:
Summary: Troy Garity is amazing!
Review: Troy Garity is amazing in the real life role of Barry Winchell. This movie was a very moving movie and a very important movie. I first saw it on SHOWTIME the first time it aired, and it left me completely stunned, amazed, and crying. This movie was a excellent movie to make on the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy of the U.S. military. I now have it on DVD when I could have recorded it, but I needed to buy it to show my appreciation of the film. I am not and have never known a real life transgendered peson but this movie makes you understand that they exist and are people like you and me, and somebody like Troy Garity to do the role of the man who fell in love with a pre-op transexual was a great thing for him to do. I'm still upset that he didn't win the golden globe for this movie because he truly deserves it, and he is definately a talented and gifted actor. I know people may say he only became famous because of his family and mother (Jane Fonda), that couldn't be further from the truth, this man CAN act, and he does it brilliantly. This movie is an important one, and one that I hope you have the chance to see, well you have the chance order it now. Also, I want to mention I have shown this movie to at least eight people that I can think of... So you may and I am sure you will like and maybe even love this movie that was done so brilliantly by the whole cast and everyone involved. TROY GARITY IS A GREAT ACTOR!!!!!
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