I must be the only person who doesn't like this movie.  Not because it's triggering, sad, depressing whatever.  But because it kind of sucks imo.  The first half is extremely boring and I found Brandon's character to be dishonest and unlikable.  I couldn't relate to him at all. 

Quote from: Adio on March 08, 2012, 07:29:42 PM
I must be the only person who doesn't like this movie.  Not because it's triggering, sad, depressing whatever.  But because it kind of sucks imo.  The first half is extremely boring and I found Brandon's character to be dishonest and unlikable.  I couldn't relate to him at all.

It's based on a true story. They took the character profile from what people said Brandon was really like.

I personally didn't like the movie because it makes transition terrifying for me. I've already been physically tortured in the past just for being "different" and that was nothing to do with sexuality or gender. In hindsight, I wish i hadn't watched this movie.

Quote from: Kyyn on March 08, 2012, 08:23:02 PM
It's based on a true story. They took the character profile from what people said Brandon was really like.

I know.  Because I didn't actually know Brandon personally, I'm not going to make any judgments on the actual person.  But the character, I just couldn't stand him.  I've read about Brandon and what really happened.  I'm not sure whether Brandon actually identified as trans or not.  Before I offend someone, I should probably just end my thoughts here.

Quote from: Adio on March 08, 2012, 08:27:34 PM
I'm not sure whether Brandon actually identified as trans or not.  Before I offend someone, I should probably just end my thoughts here.

From my first introduction of him in class the documentary we watched it made Brandon seem unclear of his gender identity so I have no clue either.

I've chosen not to watch it. While I appreciate that it is based on a real event, I'm sick of seeing stories of transpeople's lives as riddled with violence. There is some truth to that, but people just get the harmful idea that being trans means you'll have a horrible life no matter what.

I've watched both Boys Don't Cry and Soldier's Girl. Both were upsetting to me. Makes me think more about the possible negative aspects of transitioning- like murder.....But I'll try not to think too much about it. I want my friends to watch these movies, but I know they won't. 

Trans or not, they did not have to make those decisions.

Well, who knows the reasons you did what you did
I can't help but to wonder why
You lived your life as a big fat lie
You act like you had no responsibilities
Cause if you did it's a bet that you wouldn't be
Stealin', beggin', hustlin' and schemin'
You coulda got a job but did you know the meaning of work
I'm talkin' 'bout an honest day's pay
But you was too lazy to be that way
Always tryin' to take the easy ride, that's what they tell me
So I don't doubt it for a moment, not for a sec
Because you lacked all your self-respect
But it's too late, for you, that is
...
I wanna forget the little bit I know
And make sure that I never sink so low


That, and meth is a hell of a drug.

Quote from: tekla on March 09, 2012, 01:21:34 AM
That, and meth is a hell of a drug.

I'm glad somebody finally said this. I have a hard time seeing Brandon's murder as a hate crime against trans people considering the circumstances he put himself in. It's never a good idea to screw a tweaked-out redneck's girlfriend and then hang around town talking ->-bleeped-<- to him about it.

I lived and worked in that region, at that time (when the killings went down).  The seeming eternal bleakness of the winters alone drives people crazy.  And the meth thing was huge in the Midwest long before anyone else besides Hell's Angles noticed it.  You may not choose to be trans or not, but you do have to make a deliberate choose to be a low-life grifter.  There is really nothing honorable in this story at all, all the people are pretty crappy human beings, all are deeply flawed and caught up in the same non-existence, and like Shakespeare ends Romeo and Juliet: all are punished.

Seen it, gave me a heavy heart for all of the people who are unable to blend in, not only trans who are outed, but everyone who gets crap for just being themselves.

When I first saw that movie, many years ago, I just thought it was cool. I honestly didn't know that there was such thing as being trans, or that anyone had a choice in being a boy or a girl, because that isn't a choice where I come from. But when I saw it, and I was still young and sheltered, all I understood about the movie was that it was about a girl who dresses like a boy and gets to be seen as a boy. And I thought it was cool because that's what I wished I could do. But then I was also taught that TV isn't reality, so I thought that that's just in the movies, and I'm not really allowed to be seen as a boy. 

I only watched a part of Boys Don't Cry because it was upsetting and seeing the actress able to pass better than I can made me a little pissed off/jealous.  Overall, I enjoyed what I saw because of how well it was done, but it was still upsetting.  I even watched a documentary on Brandon later on, which was interesting.

I'm watching it tomorrow with my girlfriend. She's not seen it yet. I guess I like it, but I'm not really a film person. My thoughts end there.