Based on a 1999 true story, Soldier's Girl is a poignant and ultimately heartbreaking love story of two people from different worlds. It's an old story, one that never changes and has played out for centuries of mankind. The only thing that changes are the differences. The intolerance, cruelty and prices paid always remain the same.
Studly Barry Winchell (deftly played by Troy Garity - son of Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden) is the new, young recruit on a macho Army base just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. One night, as a joke, the boys from the barracks pay a visit to a local drag club where Winchell's fascination (and ours) begins with the memerizingly beautiful, transexual performer, Calpurnia.
Calpurnia Adams, stunningly portrayed by Lee Pace, has mixed emotions at first about letting this brutally handsome straight boy into her world and into her heart. Finding himself attracted to someone like Calpurnia is new territory for Winchell as well. The tenderness and particularly the bonds of trust that slowly develops between the two is realistic. It could have been very easy to cross all the wrong boundaries with this type of movie, but it was executed with a carefully crafted and believable realism and in good taste.
The two embark on a clandestine love affair that ultimately and predictably ends in tragedy.
Soldier's Girl might cause you to question your views on gays in the military, love, and the infinitely broad spectrum of human sexuality.
Originally produced for Showtime, now available on DVD, Soldier's Girl was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards for both leads.
Studly Barry Winchell (deftly played by Troy Garity - son of Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden) is the new, young recruit on a macho Army base just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. One night, as a joke, the boys from the barracks pay a visit to a local drag club where Winchell's fascination (and ours) begins with the memerizingly beautiful, transexual performer, Calpurnia.
Calpurnia Adams, stunningly portrayed by Lee Pace, has mixed emotions at first about letting this brutally handsome straight boy into her world and into her heart. Finding himself attracted to someone like Calpurnia is new territory for Winchell as well. The tenderness and particularly the bonds of trust that slowly develops between the two is realistic. It could have been very easy to cross all the wrong boundaries with this type of movie, but it was executed with a carefully crafted and believable realism and in good taste.
The two embark on a clandestine love affair that ultimately and predictably ends in tragedy.
Soldier's Girl might cause you to question your views on gays in the military, love, and the infinitely broad spectrum of human sexuality.
Originally produced for Showtime, now available on DVD, Soldier's Girl was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards for both leads.