Soldier's Girl

The absurd "Don't ask, don't tell" policy in our armed forces is a big hypocrisy. LIke in all walks of life, homosexuality exists and it's incredible the government has decided to continue with this line of thought to this date. Death doesn't differentiate between gay or straight. As patriotic is the soldier, male or female, that serves his country and dies for it, no matter what their sexual preferences are.

It's commendable that director Frank Pierson has decided to bring this story to the screen, based on actual events that occurred not too long ago. The film shows a lot of courage in the part of the people behind this project because of the material. Remembering vaguely this incident that had national media coverage, one is not prepared for the reality one is presented in it.

"Soldier Girl" is a document about hatred and ignorance. These macho soldiers have to make a stand belittling and ridiculing people that are different; they believe it's a deviant behavior to be gay. Their arrogance is such that they will resort to violence in order to make their point. They even go to the same places where gays gather peacefully to have fun, by themselves, and where one would think, no straight person has any business going to. The intrusion into other people's lives is what makes this story so heart wrenching.

This is a film to watch because of the magnificent portrayal of the evil Justin Fisher, by Shawn Hatosy. This young actor doesn't seem to stop amazing in whatever character he decides to play. Mr. Hatosy has the knack for transforming himself completely into the character one sees on the screen. Having recently seen him in "Borstal Boy", as Fisher, he even surpasses what he accomplished in that other movie. His Fisher is a character study into a man that is a closet case, himself, while presenting a tough and manly front to the world. Yet, one gets the impression he wants Winchell to be his sexual partner.

The talented Troy Garity is excellent as the slow, but tremendously kind, Barry Winchell. Mr. Garity appears to be a babe in the woods; he wins us over because his sincerity and honesty. When he falls for the transsexual Calpernia Addams at the Visons night spot, we wonder if he really is that naive, or that deep down Barry feels a love at first sight with her.

As Calpernia, Lee Pace is perfectly believable as the person who suddenly finds the right soul mate when Barry begins seeing her. This actor does a wonderful job in getting inside his character. Philip Eddolls makes a perfect Calvin, the young recruit that will act on the hatred that Fisher keeps daring him to do in a sly way. Andre Braugher is the kind Sgt. Diaz, who is totally brainwashed by the army policy of not getting involved, but ultimately helping the bullies under his command maim and kill for no reason at all.

"Soldier Girl" is a film that will stay with the viewer for a long, long time. It's hard to forget what bigotry and ignorance can do to people.

Don't watch this film unless you wanna cry. Sexy Troy Garity of Barbershop gives a powerful, stellar performance as a young soldier in the airborne infantry whom falls in love with a beautiful transsexual. The film treats their love affair as simple and normal as they face the complex emotions that the world throws at them. It's truly beautiful and a sight to behold. Because the film is based on a true story it makes it all the more painful to watch. The performances are inspiring, the screenplay is thoughtful and poignant. The only flaw the film retains is a quick ending. There is such a investement in these charachters I wish they would've took more time to show the effects of hate. It's films like these that change things. People's minds, people's hearts, people's views. It's such ashame that it was confined to television this film should be widely celebrated for it's diversity, courage and beauty. Much like it's main charachters it will never be forgotten.

I loved the film and I'm still remembering various scenes from it. As a victim of a gay hate bashing many years ago when I was 22 which almost killed me, it affected me deeply.

The military code of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is stupid. As was the segretation of blacks and whites in the military until around 1943. As was the forbidding of interracial marriages in this country in a number of states until 1967. As was the internment of Asian American citizens during World War II. As is the antipathy against civil marriage for same-sex couples now. Where is "love" in all this? Why is it not even being mentioned? Love for one's country and for each other. Barry and Calpernia loved each other. What's wrong with that? When two people love each other and decide to share their lives together, that's a commitment between two people. Not a commitment with the government or any religion. They can only acknowledge the commitment in the way each does. Love doesn't recognize restrictions; it's universal.

Bigotry kills. This movie demonstrates that. Also, back to reality, I've read the commander (or whatever they're called) of Fort Campbell who never said a word about the anti-gay attitude of Fort Campbell at this time was recently promoted. Now what does that say about our government and the military?

I gave the movie a 10. I only wish I could give more people the same score.

I would like to say that the tragic events portrayed by this movie are sad and unrelenting. It is a shame, that the murder of Barry Winchell has to remind the rest of us that we should not be taking our freedom for granted and that although we may believe we can love who we want to love, it may not happen that way.

The movie was well done and really hit home the message that society and those who live and participate in that society can change your life forever. It is surprising that the actions of one or two people can have devastating consequences for us all. I used to tell people, COME OUT, BE YOURSELF, what are people gonna do? Kill you? Well this movie made me rethink my actions. If this movie at least taught me something, then it was worth it. We have to be mindful of our message, even although our intentions are good.

Part of the reason why very few gay men and women go into the army is in case a tradigy occurs just like this. They have lost trust in the system and their fellow man. Why put your life in the hands of others, when they can steal it away in an instant.

So here is a note for the actors Troy Garity and Lee Pace and director Frank Pierson, choose your roles with care, be mindful of the message you portray in your work. It is easy to get caught up in money, the drama and the fans or even to think that acting is just a job that pays the bills. People watch these movies and may get the wrong or the right message. I commend the cast and crew of Soldier's Girl for portraying the right message and in such a way that it was not a mockery and just a story for TV ratings.

My heart goes out to Calpernia, Barry's mother and family and those whom were involved. It is a sad affair and I hope the day never comes when we have to bare such pain, due to the actions of others. This tragidy is the responsibility of us all and not just those directly involved.

Take care everyone Your friend ZAK

Overall well worth watching. It does have the standard host of Army reality errors -- calling NCOs sir, wearing hats indoors when not bearing weapons, calling a Sergeant Major "sarge," etc. Curiously, having extremely defective people (like the nut with the bat) in the Army, especially combat arms, is NOT an error. When I was a tanker in the late 80s, I saw America's finest, most giving, young men. I also saw a lot of mutants that wouldn't make it on the outside. At that time 90%+ of both types were rabidly homophobic. I doubt much has changed. Because of that, I find it a bit difficult to buy that the main character wouldn't hide his affair much better than the movie depicted. Then again, things did go terribly wrong. Even though I'm a strong supporter of the military, when "don't ask, don't tell" was created, I thought that a gay person must be insane to want to go into the service. Clearly, little has changed.