Becoming Chaz

Movie review by S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
Becoming Chaz Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

An unflinching, emotional look at the sex change process.

NR 2011 80 minutes
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this documentary closely follows Chaz Bono as he undergoes sex-change surgery to transition from a woman to a man. There are detailed descriptions of the medical procedures, as well as many conversations about the emotional implications of the process. There's no drinking or drugs, but people talk about their pasts as drug and alcohol addicts. There is some nonsexual nudity and a few discussions about how a couple's sex life has been affected by hormone supplements.

Community Reviews

Sgtyeesgrl
Sgtyeesgrl Adult
October 18, 2016
age 14+

Straightforward, honest documentary chronicling a very public transformation.

I not only enjoyed this documentary, I learned a lot about the struggles, particularly the medical issues, that one must face daily while undertaking the long physical and emotional process to completely transition from female to male. I thought Chaz and his crew presented the information in a thoughtful, intelligent, and painfully honest fashion. I watched it with my (at the time) 14 y/o daughter and my 16 y/o son, both of whom learned a lot, and we talked for hours afterwards about their friends experience's and their perceptions of gender roles. I know kids mature at different rates, and within our family of 5 kids I feel like they would fully understand this documentary at various ages - one of our daughters would have been fine to watch it at 12, while one of our sons probably was still too immature at 18. Overall, I think at 14 most kids can process the concept of sex reassignment surgery and, more importantly, I think they can benefit in countless ways from the intelligent, honest, and in-depth way Chaz Bono opens his life and heart to the world. His willingness to allow us all to bare witness to his lifelong journey to be accepted, by himself and his friends and family, for who was born to be, and his perseverance and bravery to reach his goals is an inspiration for kids and adults. The lesson's he gives us in this documentary reach much further than tolerance and knowledge and it should be watched with your kids with an open mind AND an open heart.

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What's the Story?

Born to famous parents (Sonny and Cher) as a girl, Chaz Bono spent years navigating his personal, emotional, and sexual identity, finally deciding to undergo surgery and become a man. This documentary tracks Chaz as he makes his transition -- a journey that's mountainous, confounding, and complex -- alongside his girlfriend, friends, and family. It's a journey replete with many highs and lows, and one we share here.

Is It Any Good?

How to best tell a complicated story: straightforwardly and honestly, as Chaz Bono does in this inspiring documentary. Though his parents were in the limelight -- Cher, especially -- the film wisely keeps the focus on Chaz, whose willingness to allow us audience into his past and present struggles lends the film power and weight. Friends and family, too, speak with refreshing candor.

The filmmakers eschew any hint of sensationalism, even when poring over Chaz's history of drug use that's been chronicled in many tabloids and his relationship with his celebrity mother -- smart move given how complex the subject matter already is. Chaz's story is one of self-discovery, struggle, and love, of coming to terms with whom one wants to be and how to make it happen. BECOMING CHAZ is a triumph.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the reason this documentary was produced. What does Chaz have to gain or lose by documenting this intense event on camera? Who else stands to gain by the distribution of this film? What are some of the challenges this film might face against critics?

  • How does this documentary treat transgendered people? Did you learn anything about transgendered people by watching? Did any of your opinions shift?

Movie Details

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