Acensbart
Excellent but underrated film
StyleSk8r
At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
Humbersi
The first must-see film of the year.
851222
Greetings from Lithuania."Soldier's Girl" (2003) is a very good picture, important one (back in 2003 that was a bit fresh and provocative material), terrificly acted TV movie. Based on a true story it tells story of love, surroundings, jealousy and human stupidity. The standout in this movie is Lee Pace performance - both leads are great, but Lee Pace work in here is Oscar material.Overall, "Soldier's Girl" is simple, beautiful, sad and realistic story - if you like wonderfully acted, simple and very well paced stories, "Soldier's Girl" is not to be missed.
lain6
Soldier's Girl is a very disheartening film. It should also be noted that it was directed by Frank Pierson, who wrote Cool Hand Luke, and Dog Day Afternoon.The film is about Barry Winchell, who upon recently joining an Army division in Tennessee is befriended by a fellow trainee named Justin. Justin then brings Barry to a drag-queen performance club where Barry is stunned by the beauty of Calpernia, a transgender female performer at the club.After some initial apprehension, Barry and Calpernia eventually become a couple. While Justin himself even seems to be sexually active with some of the other transgender females at the club himself, Justin then begins to spread rumors throughout the Army division that Barry is a homosexual. Justin socially engineers an entire scenario against Barry, eventually leading to a very unfortunate sequence of events. The fact that it is based on a true story gives it even more of an emotional impact.A things about the film is the acting of Troy Garity. He portrays Barry to be such a likable person. It becomes so easy to like Barry's character, which is what makes the the events that transpire so difficult to accept.Shawn Hatosy also does a solid job in his portrayal of Justin. Since Justin apparently was heavily medicated throughout the film, and claims to have had "ADHD", it is easy to see that he did the necessary research in order to portray Justin's character.Aside from being a very controversial film on its own, the film brings into question the "Dont ask, don't tell" policy. While the policy seems to have recently been abolished, the entire concept of hate crimes against sexual minorities is portrayed in the film. The thing that is particular though in this film, is that it portrays hate crimes against someone for simply being with a sexual minority.We should all remember the story of Barry Winchell. He did nothing wrong.
southwest3210-156-400970
And actually not terribly far from the quality of either as well... I rented this definitely out of my box of what I typically watch. I saw the material, and decided to go out on a limb, subject matter wise. I certainly was not expecting a movie that would have gotten raves if released at theaters. I honestly would say that the two leads displayed Academy worthy brilliance. Perhaps MORE than some nominees of recent years. The intensity of the acting was just overwhelming. This one is something you just can't forget after the credits roll. The director, Frank Pierson, has made many cable movies for HBO/Showtime and such, and they are every bit was worthy as the best that is offered at theaters. Do yourself a favor and rent anything this man has directed for cable. He is easily the finest in that realm that ever was or will be.
thinker1691
It has always amazed me how our country professes it's superiority over other nations by proclaiming itself the epicenter of freedom, but it's nearly always the last to endorse it. It's noble attributes are not automatic, as each isolated, maligned and vilified segment of society has to endure ridicule until a certain number of deaths have accumulated to grudgingly acknowledge what others already accept. This is one extraordinary and courageous story about Barry Winchell (Troy Garity) who dreamed of being a soldier and serve his country. Believing he could do so with pride and honor, became an elite soldier and part of the Armed Forces. However he quickly learns, despite the overwhelming power of the military, it's still terrifies leaders that a gay man could virtually destroy the mightiest nation on earth with a forbidden kiss. Taken from the private life, military court records and public accounts of Barry Winchell, the young man visits a night club frequented by cross dressers, where he is attracted to and eventually falls in love with Calpernia Addams. (Lee Pace) Also known as 'Scottie' to his friends, the two begin a deep and passionate affair which led Barry to believe he had found true love. Unfortunately, bigoted fellow soldiers Justin Fisher and Calvin Glover (Shawn Hatosy, Philip Eddolls) become hate-filled adversaries of Barry and his lover and seek at first to torment and later to destroy their Homosexual relationship. What this film fails to accentuate is the ambivalent attitude of the military as it discovers to what length soldiers will go to destroy the personal choice of others. Touching and emotional, the film does allow some convincing interludes and compassionate notions between the two lovers. Indeed, their singular affair will at the very least give hope to other gays that eventually, the United States as well as the Military will accept the notion that there is more at stake than homophobic fear. ****
