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Parents' Guide to

Transamerica

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Sensitive portrayal of transsexual OK for older teens.

Movie R 2006 103 minutes
Transamerica Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 16+

Based on 4 parent reviews

dvdgirl
dvdgirl Adult
October 1, 2019
age 13+

Kevin is cute

The reason why I watched this movie was because of Kevin he is cute oh wow great in this movie. There is nudity but it’s rated r so that’s normal.
Allie Pierson
Allie Pierson Adult
March 11, 2013
age 16+

One of the Best!

It's an awesome movie about a transsexual woman, but it isn't for the little ones.
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The week before Bree (Felicity Huffman) is scheduled to undergo a long-planned sex change operation, she finds out she fathered a child 17 years ago. The boy's troubled childhood has landed him in New York turning tricks and using drugs. Bree reluctantly travels to New York to bail him out, and they end up on a road trip across the county under the pretense that Bree is a church lady determined to change his immoral ways. Along the way the two learn about each other, for better or worse, and when Bree finally reveals her relationship to the boy he flees. In the end the duo take steps to repair their relationship.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Felicity Huffman's portrayal of the pre-operative transsexual Bree is brilliant, and she won awards and was nominated for an Oscar for the performance. She imbues Bree with the awkwardness of a person highly conscious of the way she presents herself to the world, without turning the character into a buffoon. The relationship that develops between Bree and the boy is difficult and complicated, just like real life. And the encounter with Bree's family is filled with humor and poignancy.

The film is a lovely sketch of family and a personal struggle for identity, although its themes are too mature for kids and younger teens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how this movie portrays gender "dysphoria" -- or the sense that one's body does not match one's gender. What made this movie's treatment of a man dressing like a woman different from others you've seen?

  • Did anything about Bree's appearance or manner seem funny or make you uncomfortable? Why or why not? Did the movie change how you think about transsexual people?

Movie Details

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