Films About Transgender
Transgender themes in cinema have evolved significantly over the years, moving from marginalization and stereotype to more nuanced and respectful representations. Films about transgender people and their experiences offer audiences a chance to see life through a perspective that may be different from their own, promoting understanding and empathy. These works range from documentaries that explore the realities of being transgender to fictional narratives that showcase the joys, struggles, and everyday lives of transgender characters. While the quality and sensitivity of these portrayals vary, there is a growing body of work that strives to authentically represent the transgender community, highlighting their stories of courage, identity, love, and the quest for acceptance.
“The Danish Girl”, 2015
Director: Tom Hooper
A dramatization of the life of Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of sex reassignment surgery. The film explores her journey towards gender confirmation in the early 20th century and the impact on her marriage and art.
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander, Matthias Schoenaerts, Ben Whishaw, Amber Heard, Sebastian Koch, Emerald Fennell, Adrian Schiller, Henry Pettigrew, Tusse Silberg;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “The Danish Girl” on the website imdb.com
“Tangerine”, 2015
Director: Sean Baker
Shot entirely on an iPhone, this film follows a transgender sex worker who tears through Los Angeles on Christmas Eve to confront her boyfriend and his new lover. It's known for its humor, energy, and unflinching honesty.
Starring: Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor, Karren Karagulian, Mickey O'Hagan, James Ransone, Luiza Nersisyan, Arsen Grigoryan, Ian Edwards, Scott Krinsky;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 88 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Tangerine” on the website imdb.com
“Transamerica”, 2005
Director: Duncan Tucker
This road movie drama centers on a transgender woman who discovers she has a son. The ensuing cross-country trip becomes a journey of self-discovery and familial reconciliation.
Starring: Felicity Huffman, Kevin Zegers, Fionnula Flanagan, Burt Young, Elizabeth Peña, Graham Greene, Andrea James, Danny Burstein, Maurice Orozco, Craig Bockhorn;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, comedy, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Transamerica” on the website imdb.com
“Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen”, 2020
Director: Sam Feder
This documentary provides an insightful look at Hollywood's depiction of transgender people and the impact of those stories on both transgender and cisgender audiences. It features interviews with leading transgender actors, activists, and academics.
Starring: Laverne Cox, Bianca Leigh, Jen Richards, Alexandra Billings, Susan Stryker, Yance Ford, Lilly Wachowski, Brian Michael Smith, Tiq Milan, Nick Adams;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen” on the website imdb.com
These films, among others, contribute significantly to the conversation about transgender lives and issues, offering varied perspectives that range from historical accounts to contemporary experiences. While the landscape of transgender representation in cinema continues to evolve, it's crucial to support and recognize films that strive for authenticity, respect, and understanding.
Films about transgender individuals have offered rich, important narratives that navigate the complex terrains of identity, society, and personal evolution. Through these stories, audiences are invited to step beyond conventional understanding, to empathize with, and recognize the humanity and courage of transgender people. As cinema continues to evolve, it is imperative that these narratives are not only told with authenticity and respect but also with a diversity that reflects the myriad experiences within the transgender community. Such films not only serve as powerful mirrors for those they represent but also as enlightening windows for those they do not, fostering a culture of understanding, acceptance, and respect. In celebrating these stories, we underscore the fundamental truth that everyone deserves to see their experiences reflected on the big screen, highlighting the universal quest for identity, acceptance, and love.
