Transamerica (R, 2006)
common sense media says
Sensitive portrayal of transsexual OK for older teens.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this sensitive portrayal of a pre-operative transsexual discusses genitals regularly and features brief, nonsexual glimpses of both male and female body parts. A 17-year-old boy is also shown turning a trick with a man and posing provocatively in underwear -- an occasional bare bottom is shown. The teen boy, who has had a troubled childhood, drinks, smokes cigarettes, snorts drugs, and gets involved in the porn industry -- though these situations are all portrayed as negatives.
Positive role models:
Despite her initial hesitations, Bree takes responsibility for her son, as difficult as it is. She struggles with revealing the truth, but tries her best to take care of him nevertheless. Her strength despite her immense discomfort in the world is admirable. The teen boy is clearly not a role model, but the film makes that clear.
Violence:
Several fistfights and punches. Indication of previous sexual abuse.
Sex:
Discusses genitals regularly, and features brief, nonsexual glimpses of both male and female body parts. One brief scene where a teen boy solicits sex with a trucker -- nothing graphic shown, but it's clear what's going on. In another scene the teen boy unwittingly comes on to Bree and we see his naked body from behind. In another brief scene the teen is in a porn film and gets manipulated just slightly off screen in a matter-of-fact manner.
Language:
Infrequent cursing, but everything from "f--k" to "bitch" pops up a few times.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
The teen boy smokes cigarettes, drinks alcohol, and uses drugs (snorts a powder) several times, though adults discourage this. In the end, Bree chooses to give her son a beer.
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izzymommy
parent of 4 year old
parent of 4 year old
Still not for kids...
Well, this is a tough decision, as I used to have a pre-op transsexual as a roommate. I think there are some tough messages out there, and as much as people want to be more sensitive to these issues, I'd still recommend this movie only to adults. There is way too much reference to drugs, sex, prostitution, and living "non-traditional" lifestyles. By the way, I absolutely LOVE Felicity Huffman! She did an AWESOME job!
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