lolax-08405

Whole movie revolves around gender. It tells stories about transgender people, their relationship with their gender, their identities and sometimes parts of their transition stories. It shows various people - younger and older, white and BIPOC, fat and thin, with different level of passing. You can really feel inclusivity and diversity of trans and non-binary community.

These different portrayals combined tell a longer story of Virginia Woolf's Orlando and sometimes they are even creating monologue (or letter) addressed to the writer herself.

Whole movie is a meaningful voice in a discussion about gender. It critiques gender binary as a patriarchal concept. It shows different perspectives, experiences, transgressions.

The movie is not so much about sexual orientation though (which was written in a movie's summary on a cinema's webpage) if you're more interested in that topic. Although these two are deeply intertwined.

Also, I think you should have at least basic understanding of concepts like gender, gender binary, transition etc. To enjoy it. I wouldn't recommend it as a first movie for cis straight people who are far from queer culture and community.

I hope this movie will be available on streaming services so a broader audience could access it.

On one hand it's a great movie. Good rhythm, interesting plot, actors play well (and are hot!). Pretty good watch for a Friday evening.

But morally I have some thoughts. Firstly, why killing with US flag on a uniform is somehow good and justified and without it - bad? Many actions made by whole armies and soldiers who wear uniforms and serve their countries (not only US) and obey orders are bad. Yes, pure crime is unjustified. But it's not like wars, killing foreign soldiers and civilians are good. Secondly, American imperialism again, come on! It wasn't right into my face, but more subtle. Oh, our army is the best and most powerful. Oh, our moral compasses are the best. Oh, our lives are worth more than others. Etc.

Overall I think if you don't have a conversation about "us versus them" mechanism and underlying prejudice against "the others" (whoever they can be) then this movie can only strengthen these preconceived notions. But if you add some reflection to it and look at it through non-American lenses ("Americans are heroes, even if they make morally questionable decisions or kill a lot of innocent people") then it's a pretty good movie.