Soldier's Girl
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Movie Reviews of Soldier's Girl
Movie Review: And now a perspective from the other side
Summary: 5 Stars
Of all the reviews here, none is specifically from a transgendered person. Well, that just changed. I walk the walk too.
Everyone here has talked about the horrible, horrible thing that happened to Barry, which IS the focus and purpose of the film, so I won't add to that. Suffice to say, I cannot watch the movie without crying.
The reality is that a lot of people watch the film to learn something about the real life of a transexual woman, and Callie is as real as they come. She's the other half of this love story, the half that makes Barry's death significant enough that someone wanted to make a movie about it. That's harsh, Barry's death should be such an act of intolerance that it should stand on its own, but the reality is it only has cultural signicance in the context of his relationship with Callie.
Callie was on the set for the filming and worked with the actors and director such that this film has such a feel of authenticity that you can come away feeling a real appreciation for the people involved in this sad story. This is also a testament to the skill of the actors, who were phenomenal. When Lee Pace turns to face the mirror in a bathrobe, I don't think I have ever seen a transexual woman that didn't wince at the same memory. Likewise when she rolls over on the bed and looks into the mirror as Barry is leaving. You won't learn a lot about transexual women from this movie, but you will get a number of serious viceral moments that will stick with you.
Movie Review: Painful to watch but utterly worth it......
Summary: 5 Stars
I can remember only two times in my life that i have been so enraged by an event in the news that i actually wanted to kill those responsible with my own hands. One was reading about Matthew Shepard being being beaten and left tied to a fence to die. The other time was when the news of this young soldiers death at the hands of his so-called comrades hit the papers. So naturally, I was intrigued when I learned that it was being done as a made-for-cable movie....and more than a little apprehensive about the possibility of the story being disrespectfully exploited for its more sensational aspects.
I was very pleasantly surprised when I finally had the chance to see the film. It was truly well done and very moving. Perhaps the greatest tribute I can point to is that I have shared this film with several straight friends and family members and, despite the potentially off-putting aspects of the unusual relationship it chronicles, it has never failed to totally capture its audience and move the emotions of those watching.
Make no mistake, this is not an easy or happy film to watch; because the performances are so good, you find yourself truly caring deeply about these people, and it makes the inevitable tragedy that much more wrenching to watch. Nonetheless, I highly recommend it as an affirmation of the triumph of love over hatred and bigotry. The DVD extra interviews, particularly the interview with Barry Winchell's mother, are very inspiring.
Movie Review: Troy Garity is amazing!
Summary: 5 Stars
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!!!!!Movie Review: Twisted Upbringing and Conservative Brainwashing
Summary: 5 Stars
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....Movie Review: Tragic Love Story
Summary: 5 Stars
Troy Garity proves that he has great acting ability in his performance as Barry Winchell, a soldier who falls in love with a transgendered performer. Barry is taken to a nightclub by his obnoxious and self-destructive roommate Fisher as a test to see if he is gay or straight. Rather than a test of sexuality, it was a test of love for a human being despite the psychological and physiological appearance. Lee Pace does an excellent portrayal of a woman trapped in a man's body--what it feels like to be someone else on the inside. Winchell had to deal with his peers who mocked and jeered at the transgendered performers and himself for falling in love with a "different" type of person. Tragedy ensued in the middle of the movie.Fisher was his own worst enemy and downfall. He was trying to do good but yet, screwed up because he was unable to control himself and expected everyone to fall at his feet. But he messed up constantly and he too would have to meet his perilous fate.
Showtime doesn't hold back on issues that affect us in the public. They aren't afraid to address homosexuality where mainstream media sugarcoats to not offend viewers. It is a tragedy that a young man who falls in love with someone considered "abnormal" is outcasted by society and the military. "Don't ask, don't tell" is just another way to keep gays and lesbians in the closet.