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.

16 of 16 found the following review helpful:

Tragic Love StoryJun 21, 2004
By Diaspora Chic "diaspora_chic"
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.

14 of 14 found the following review helpful:

Heartwrenching and heartwarmingOct 30, 2003

Finally a true depiction of what love without gender boundries can really be. A beautiful love story, truly beautifully acted with a horrific ending. A good education for those who not realize what can exist between two people without regard to gender. That love can grow between two minds and not just between the sheets. Watch with an open mind and come away with a fresh outlook. A must see.

13 of 13 found the following review helpful:

Some justice for BarryFeb 13, 2004

I have never reviewed a movie before until I watched Soldier's Girl. This is an absolutely beautiful film, virtuously retold by wonderful young actors who have obviously been inspired to do justice to the truth.

Here is a true story about Barry Winchell, a young soldier from the heartland and fresh out of basic training setting out somewhat hesitantly into dangerous sexual territory. And what danger there is in wait for this man! His military leaders and comrades have made life on base for him, or for anyone awakening to gay feelings, a living hell. It's a wonder that he didn't snap from the constant drumming hostility and it's really a testament to his bravery and maturity that he withstood that humiliating barrage without complaining.

Troy Garity's performance as Barry is, I think, Oscar worthy and Lee Pace is completely convincing as the transgendered club performer Calpurnia Addams. Sean Hatosy plays the manipulative Pvt Fisher as a kind of "Iago" character so well that I didn't realize until later how seamless his performance is. And the young actor who plays Barry's killer really captures the feeble-minded brutishness of Pvt Glover to perfection. I really must hand it to Showtime for hiring Frank Pierson and all these incredible actors to portray this still fresh tragedy with such courage.

The DVD version which I bought has some great interviews with the actors and some of the actual persons that helps fill out the total story. I recommend this film to anyone in general and specifically to any young man gay or gay-curious who might be thinking of joining the military.

See all 93 customer reviews on Amazon.com