Bruno (2000) User Reviews

Moderately entertaining, but what's the point?

[mattymatt4ever · 6/10 · 11 October 2002]

Is this movie supposed to bring out some sort of message? That little boys should feel free to wear dresses? If I had a son, I'd be ticked off at him for wearing a dress. The movie tries to make a point by saying that all great figures throughout history wear or wore dresses: the pope, the Dahli Lama, Jesus. A robe is much different from a dress. Because the Pope wears a robe doesn't give a little boy the right to wear a pink sequined dress.

Now, I didn't hate this movie. It's hard to hate a movie like this. The cast is great. Gary Sinise is one of my favorite actors, and I was excited to see his name pop up in the credits. Kathy Bates (another one of my favorites) has some hilarious moments as the foul-mouthed, New York-accented nun who sneaks a cigarette when her students aren't looking. Alex D. Linz is a fine young actor and Shirley MacLaine has some amusing moments when she actually shows up on screen (after the first half).

I haven't read the other user comments yet, but I can predict what 50 percent of them have written: It's a cute family comedy. Well, it is somewhat cute and possesses the standard schmaltz of a family movie, with people landing in the hospital left and right. But there's a surprising amount of foul language for an alleged "family film."

I never went to a strict Catholic school, but I'm pretty damn sure the kids aren't allowed to run amok like they do in this film. I mean, come on! You get your butt paddled for chewing gum in schools like that! How can they get away with trampling on a little kid, screaming out obscenities and racial slurs and throwing eggs at passing cars? I can imagine the students from Joe Clark's school watching this film and saying, "That's too much." If anybody who works at a strict Catholic prep school can prove me wrong, please send me a private message, but I'm quite sure the portrayal is hugely innacurate.

"Bruno" is a harmless film with good performances and a good deal of originality, but it had very little impact on me. I wasn't crying, I wasn't enlightened. It didn't change my mind about boys wearing dresses. If a boy wants to wear a dress, he can turn gay and become a drag queen. But if you like girls--you don't wear dresses!

My score: 6 (out of 10)

Good - not perfect, but good

[kelby393 · 6/10 · 20 July 2013]

I had seen this movie on TV before getting it on DVD from Amazon. And after re-watching it today, I know why - it's a charming little flick that teaches tolerance. The acting is solid across the board. The characters, while sometimes a little too caricature-ish, are actually pretty likable (minus the Catholic school bullies, of course, but what do you expect out of bully characters?) The dad, I don't know, he could have used a little bit more character besides standing around and scowling at his cross-dressing son and his flamboyant mother and then finally being accepting at the end, but oh well. At least what little character he has gets developed to that accepting point.

If I had to complain about some things in this movie, it's just that sometimes there's a little too much gratuitous swearing (the Catholic school headmasters swear, the little bullies at the school swear too much, and Bruno's grandmother even swears at the bullies at one point.) Another thing is that Shawniqua, the little girl, says that her father is living in China, then changes it to Afghanistan. Well where is your father, sweetie? What's he doing there? Yes her father wasn't crucial to the story, but then why even mention him? And like I said, Bruno's father could have had more personality to begin with. Besides the swearing, sometimes the dialogue feels a bit awkward, like they should say more things to develop the characters and story a bit more. Also, if you're not religious like I'm not, the whole religious theme will probably get on your nerves a bit, but well, if you don't believe in it, why worry about it?

But if you can get past these flaws like I could, you'll like this. This movie has a bit of heart and soul that I felt and enjoyed. I almost cried at the end, that's how much emotion it has. :) I recommend it.

Shirley MacLaine

[yusufpiskin · 6/10 · 17 June 2021]

First of all, I didn't even know Shirley MacLaine was the Director. Even this surprise is a reason for excitement for me. Alex D. Linz, Gary Sinise and Kathy Bates are other reasons I love this movie. I love little stories and little movies. They don't make movies like this anymore.

It was an amazing story told with wit and grace

[microbio2000 · 21 October 2000]

Bruno was the kind of movie that I will see over and over. I am not usually a fan of movies starring children, and I generally look for some (intelligent) action. This dreamy story of an angelic, cross-dressing young boy was presented with style and compassion and offered a lesson in respect. Run don't walk to rent it!

Cute but flawed

[sknywhtboy88 · 6/10 · 5 February 2013]

I liked most of the characters and I liked the plot well enough, but I feel like they never really could choose a theme or a point. By far the worst part of this movie is Gary Sinese. The character is god awful, like literally, at one point he leaves his child, not caring if he has a place to stay. And what's up with his opera singing arc? It was weird, bad and anyway, since when is it girly to like opera, I mean sure, as a kid it may not be the best way to win popularity at school, but I would hardly call it "sissy" behavior as this movie want to shove down our throats. His acting is just terrible as well, He's either wooden as a post or shouting about his "sissy" son in the least believable and most ridiculous way possible. Anyway, aside from Sinese, who I expect better from, the movie is okay. The best part about it is the relationship between the two kids, who provide fantastic, honest grade school kid fun and friendship. It's a mixed bag but I'm glad I watched it, if you're looking for Oscar gold here, I'd look elsewhere, but if you're willing to cringe a little especially at Gary Sinese, I think you'll find something to like here.

See the original!

[artonaut · 1/10 · 9 August 2005]

This is a horrific re-make of the French movie Ma Vie en Rose (http://imdb.com/title/tt0119590/). The only scenario that I can imagine in which anyone (Sinise?! Bates?! Butler?! What WERE they thinking!?!) agreed to be associated with it is MacLaine seeing the original, being rightly impressed, and enlisting a friend (with no writing credits -- or talent! -- to his name) to translate the themes for American audiences -- whom they both agreed are stupid, stupid, stupid. Then she enlisted other friends to sign up, and they did so as friends -- certainly not on the merits of this pathetically contrived, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink script.

I'm not a knee-jerk fan of French film, but Ma Vie en Rose is a subtle, thoughtful, and thought provoking treatment of sensitive cultural issues. I would love to see it get wider exposure among English-speaking audiences -- and if that means an American re-make, so be it. But puh-leeze! a little respect for the issues AND the intelligence of the audience -- and better direction for the actors, who couldn't seem to decide if they were working for Tennessee Williams or Jerry Lewis!

Cute and Sweet

[kraigpdx · 7/10 · 8 January 2015]

This is a cute and sweet movie without all the heavy handed film tricks that turn most films about children looking like sappy greeting card. There is a nice gritty quality to the filming style, even down to the bad wigs and unflattering camera angles. Bruno's fascination with wearing a dress is not about any gender identity issues but is a spiritual quest for his sense of individuality. After all in Bruno's own words "the Pope wears a dress". So, while yes there is a clear message about having a unique identity, it is layered in a spiritual message as well. Bruno's lot in life had been cast for him and it was what he did with being pegged as an outsider that is the inspiration behind this film. The cast is all top notch even as their rolls are more subdued and less glamorous then other films. I would highly recommend this film for anyone looking for a 'family' movie that is a little off the beaten track.

mom missing from cover

[cala3 · 3/10 · 16 August 2006]

This movie was disturbing, not because of the subject matter but because of the way it was handled. The extremely overweight mother (Angela) did not even make it on the cover of the video case when most of the rest of the cast did. This is not fair but is a statement in itself. I also notice her picture is missing from IMDb (maybe her own choice) and it looks like this is her only film ever? The language in this movie was crude beyond necessity. Watched with my 10yr old son because it was rated PG in Canada and the language coming out of their mouths was shameful & disgusting. Never did appreciate Shirley Maclain like so many others seem to.

LOVE Kathy Bates and always will. Sinese's part was annoying.

The little boy Alex is a great little actor. I'll have to see what else he's been up to lately..

Alex D. Linz, the brightest rising star.

[tristanbills · 10/10 · 17 February 2002]

I had my doubts at first, but as the movie progressed I was in awe of the story being told.

The box-art says it all, totally original. Believe me, there are times in your life when you just want to do something different, or a time when you just don't care what people think.

I would recommend this movie to everyone.

Alex D. Linz is great in this movie. Showing unsurpassed talent for a boy his age.

Make your own kind of music.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 22 April 2023]

Amusing but odd comedy, giving the queen of oddness (Shirley MacLaine) the only chance to direct herself, let alone anyone else. She's playing her usual grumpy old woman (with hideous fright wig), the paternal grandmother of the title character (Alex D. Linzl, an odd ten year old who doesn't fit in, constantly in trouble with the mother superior (Kathy Bates) of his catholic school, even though he's the one being bullied. His divorced mother (Stacey Halprin) is like Mimi from "The Drew Carey Show", except three times the size, a bit hard to take until you get to know her, with a heart as big as she is. Dad Gary Sinise is upset when Bruno shows up for the school spelling bee wearing a toga style dress, and this creates conflict, only having the chance of being resolved when MacLaine and Halprin join forces to teach him to defend himself so he can go onto win the spelling bee and head to Rome to meet the pope.

A bit of catholic bashing seems to be a bit politically motivated with an anti-religious bias, but there are some very funny moments that give a new meaning to "Sister Act", especially the friendship between Lenz and the fake gun toting Kiami Davael, a young black girl who comes to his defense while he's being bullied and ends up becoming his only friend of the same age. There are the use of a few slurs here, but they are mainly present to make a point about how everyone is unique in their own way and deserves to be able to express themselves. It also gives a good argument against the ridiculousness of bullying and gives Bruno, dressed as Queen Elizabeth, the opportunity to beat up ons of the bullies. Sweet in nature outside of being a bit heavy handed, it won't make conservative audiences happy, but then again, it wasn't made for them.

Cheap hucksterism, like a sleazo putting the make on you

[moonspinner55 · 3/10 · 12 March 2006]

Brainy, cross-dressing little boy finds success on the Spelling Bee circuit despite an unconventional and dysfunctional upbringing. Shirley MacLaine directed and stars as the child's grandmother, and it is always fascinating to see long-time actors getting their chance at directing a film, the material that they're drawn to and the actors they choose to work with. Here, the only person well-cast in "Bruno" is MacLaine. The child actors seem to have been picked for their twinkle and cuteness, and squishy-hearted MacLaine holds their close-ups for excruciatingly long periods; nothing about these cherubs seems natural, not the lines that fall without consciousness out of their mouths or the interaction they have with adults or even each other. As the boy's disgruntled father, poor Gary Sinise hovers around the edges, in mock shame, always with a pained look on his face. Towards the end of the film, MacLaine turns the whole thing into a passel of hugging scenes, and even concludes with the kid hugging the Pope in Rome! Another ungodly treatise from a talented actress-turned-director who, much like Sally Field and her film "Beautiful", cannot seem to stop winking at and nudging the audience. Shirley uses ethnicity for shtick, and childhood innocence as a punchline. The children in this cast roll their eyes, crack wise with mature comments, use big words--but when one mealy-mouthed boy calls our pint-sized hero "gay", MacLaine's granny instructs him to go over and punch the kid out (in front the media!). How's that for progression? * from ****

If you liked Matilda, Christmas Story, and Gilbert Grape...

[bill_farrell · 9/10 · 16 January 2001]

This funny, quirky, and touching story of individuality and tolerance makes it one of 2000's best films.

David Ciminello's film writing debut and Shirley Maclaine's second directorial opus populates the screen with the most memorable characters since "Matilda," "Gilbert Grape," and "Christmas Story." Bruno Battaglia (expertly played by Alex D. Linz) is an eight-year-old prodigy who aspires to win the National Catholic School Spelling Competition and its grand prize, an all expense paid trip to Rome for a private audience with the Pope. After a near-death experience and encounter with angels, he resolves to compete wearing various dresses (which he insists are "holy vestments"), much to the distress of the Long Island school's nuns (Kathy Bates as Mother Superior, Lainie Kazan and Brett Butler as his teachers) and the ridicule of his classmates.

Bruno's morbidly obese mother (Stacey Halprin), his estranged father who is ashamed of his son (Gary Sinese), his hyper-masculine grandmother (Shirley Maclaine), and his Annie Oakleyesque best friend (Kiami Davael) round out the cast with stellar performances. Watch for cameos by Gwen Verdon and Jennifer Tilly.

Script goes from one extreme to another

[rosscinema · 3/10 · 22 April 2003]

This odd little film starts out with the story of Bruno (Alex Linz) in a catholic school who has no friends and gets beat up everyday. He likes to wear dresses and his obese mother Angela who is a dressmaker doesn't think their is anything wrong with what her son likes. Angela complains to Mother Superior (Kathy Bates) but gets ignored and as the two of them walk back to they're car they are harassed by the other kids and are pelted with eggs. Bruno's father Dino (Gary Sinise) is divorced from Angela and is totally disgusted by his son being a sissy and practically disowns him. Bruno meets a new student at school named Shawniqua (Kiami Davael) who is a free spirit and dresses like Annie Oakley with cap pistols. Angela has a heart attack and Bruno's grandmother steps in to take care of him when Dino refuses.

The film starts out with a very hard and unsympathetic look at all the characters involved. Angela has a great deal to do with Bruno wearing dresses as she practically encourages him. Dino was told when he was a young boy by his mother that he was a sissy because he liked opera and now he refuses to help Bruno when he needs it. The catholic school that Bruno attends is very unruly and all the kids run rampant and even call Shawniqua the "N" word. Once Shirley MacLaine steps in the film shifts and becomes more family oriented (So to speak). ****SPOILER ALERT**** The ending after the spelling bee is incredibly contrived and "feel good". Hugs and cheers for Bruno as reporters follow him and take his picture for their papers. All the while Shirley MacLaine is acting like the "tough old broad" who snaps at everyone. There is one thing about MacLaine's character in the film that no one has mention in these comments and it has to do with the masculine nature of her. I think the character of Helen might be a lesbian! She's very tough and strong and at one point in the film she shares a shot of whiskey with Bruno and smokes a cigar at the same time. I don't remember anyone in the film mentioning who her husband was or if she was ever married at all! This is why I think her character might be gay. Lots of other good actors appear in the film as well. Joey Lauren Adams, Jennifer Tilly, Brett Butler, Gwen Verdon and Lainie Kazan all should have taken a better look at the script before they signed on. I guess when they heard that MacLaine was directing that it would be an honor to be part of it. Very difficult to feel any remorse or understanding towards any of the characters and the subject matter is probably impossible for most to relate to. The actors are not bad but what exactly was MacLaine aiming for? Tolerance towards a young boy who wants to wear dresses and freedom of expression? We get that in the first 10 minutes, the rest of the time I was trying not to cringe.

A Gem of a Film

[captainpat · 10 January 2002]

I stayed up late last night to watch this movie on the cable. It is a little gem.

The script by David Ciminello was alive. I couldn't stop watching until the conclusion. I'm waiting to see his next one.

As a good Catholic boy I thrilled seeing the reactions of the nuns to the boy and his dress. Kathy Bates as "Mother Superior" was wonderful - in fact the casting was superb.

Some people have thrown negative comments about this film but really it is a fun film with a deep meaning.

I really hated hated hated hated this movie

[dvd82 · 1/10 · 6 February 2001]

This movie was terrible. The plot was terrible and unbelievable. I cannot recommend this movie. Where did this movie come from? This movie was not funny and wasted the talent of some great actors and actresses including: Gary Sinise, Kathy Bates, Joey Lauren Adams, and Jennifer Tilly.

Bruno, Oh No!

[ttbrowne · 1/10 · 1 April 2002]

First the premise stinks...little boy likes to dress in girls clothes. It reminded me of Norman Bates in PSYCHO or Ed Wood in ED WOOD. The jokes are lame and old, You've seen 'em in a dozen 50's & 60's films. The whole cast is wasted. I bet people signed on just to be in a Shirley MacLaine vehicle. Please, Would somebody tell Shirley she did her best comedy in TWO MULES FOR SISTER SARA. See it...if there's no reruns of Andy Griffith on.

Accepting yourself and others as they are

[smwild-2 · 10/10 · 30 October 2000]

Beautifully done picture about being yourself and tolerance for others.The boy Bruno (Alex D. Linz) is superb is this role and the mother also does a great job. Probably won't make much money but deserves to more than 95% of latest films.

What a Wierd Movie

[AngelHonesty · 4/10 · 9 November 2022]

It's almost hard to come to a complete conclusion of whether I like this film or not. But I will say it's very strange.

The movie I think was supposed to be somewhere near a comedy, mixed in with a serious message of values and judging others wrongly. It's heartbreaking to see a "fat" lady that everyone is ashamed to associate with due to her size. And then Bruno who is "weird" and again everyone is ashamed of him because of his different behaviour. The movie picked a very lovable character to portray Bruno, so you can't help but love him, no matter who he is. But, the story gets very strange. Bruno who is very little, who doesn't know how to stand up for himself, AND who thinks wearing dresses will give him divine power to be able to spell words, conquers the heart of everyone into acceptance. Bruno states that he doesn't want to be a girl, he just needs the power of the dress. And yet everyone see's it as a transgender drag thing. But isn't that a little far fetched? A genius kid who needs to wear dresses to get his genius mojo on?

All in all, I like the message of the movie. It really hits home and pricks at the heart strings, But i didn't like the way the movie went about to explain it. It just made the movie weird and hard to follow at times. Not to mention the filming is quite lower standard. But makes up with a well picked cast. The comedy feels vary quirky and subtle, that its makes you role your eyes at the cheesiness of it.

Definitely a lower budget film with a great message, but a story outside of the normal box.

Inspirational

[dancing_yogini · 10/10 · 7 June 2006]

As with all of Shirley MacLaine's films the message was well worth the two hours of my life.

I recommend it highly.

Not one stereotype is left unchallenged and done so subtly one has to stop and really think.

Had a really difficult time watching the brutality Bruno and Angela (Stacey Halprin) had to endure from most everyone else in the film, all because they wanted/needed/were seeking to be themselves. What a society of drones we live in. "And it will take a child to lead them..." ..and a black child for that matter.

Great movie, may be difficult for sensitive folks but well worth it. Had to watch it in three time periods just to let the distress at the violence subside.

Quirky movie with great characters

[twohaneys · 8/10 · 12 August 2005]

Bruno had two ineffectual parents - an intelligent boy who is out of place except in his own world of spelling. The movie allows the viewer to feel the hurt of the various characters without damning any of them. It shows how adults can be so wrapped up in their own turmoil and battling their inner demons and disappointments that they fail to see just how their children are being affected.

Bruno manages to touch your heart on one hand and make you want to shout at the screen characters at the same time.

The mother is so over the top that at times you are waiting for the punch line to come, but it doesn't - and you are left wanting to shake her and say get over yourself - look at your son! The father mopes around and turns to a shallow witch who on one hand you can see that he cringes with her behavior but his own pitifully low self-esteem makes him gravitate right back to her - maybe her being so low makes him feel so much better? Anyway, the film will grab you and at times frustrate you but there is an underlying redeeming message - tolerance, recognition of uniqueness.

Unusual film, lots of good things in it

[seajoe-1 · 12 February 2002]

Well, this looks like a film many people (most?) didn't get. Should have got a lot more credits than it seems to have gotten. Not sure why at all it flunked the critical course. It's quite good and seems to have been Shirley MacLaine's first directing job. So, go see it or rent it. BTW, there is nothing in it of floating in clouds of spirituality over Peru, for those who have worried about that sort of thing over the course of Ms. MacLaine's almost always very distinguished career.

The movie is kind of like a home movie done by an extremely talented director and a lot of other talented movie pros: it's not that it's amateurish at all; its rather that it doesn't try for finished Hollywood effects much. Just lets things out, sometimes to play, sometimes not. It's very, very well directed but not in a usual or common or regular sense. Shirley MacLaine may do her best at what you might call encouraging and allowing her actors (including herself) to do "fresh" things onscreen. Sort of like, "OK, go!" Really nice spirit about almost all of the show.

And, like most good or better creations, the film doesn't at all go out of its way to explain the story it's showing you. Good. That means it's real hard to put it in a category. Also Good. It's some kind of comedy AND drama, I suppose, but please don't call it a comedy-drama, I think.

The young hero, played by Alex Linz, is a quite wonderful "open" part. Again the movie does not try to explain, put words on what "exactly", "precisely" <groan> his motivations are (to win the National Catholic Spelling Bee <really>) while most of the time wearing girl-woman dress, often flamboyant. Kathy Bates as the head of the Catholic grade school he attends is wonderful, too, a quite masculine and tough (and funny) nun who just won't tolerate the boy, for awhile. And there are quite a few nice drop-ins from actors like Jennifer Tilly. Gary Sinese, who I usually think of as a great villain or great sickone, or both, is wonderful as a trying-to-be tough cop who was labelled sissy when he was his hero son's age, not least by his mother, Shirley MacLaine.

I liked David Cuminello's script a lot. Got the impression he may not have written all of it???

In all, a quite different film that is well worth watching, wherever. Far from run of the mill, as they say.

I'm a little afraid to give it the 6 rating I've put on it, but I think I should stop worrying because I am a hard grader. Somewhere between 6 and 7 is I think where it belongs, and where I hope it's getting to on IMDB.

Great film, great acting by Alex Linz.

[foxhusky · 8/10 · 8 May 2002]

Yes, I actually liked this film when I watched it on videotape. The subject in the film is a little weird and that is what I like. What's wrong with a boy who wants to be a little 'different'? When all people are the same, it's a boring world. Little Bruno (Alex Linz) is a 9-year-old boy and he wants to wear a dress. I did not like Shirley MacLaine in this film, but Alex Linz was great!

Excellent

[BHorrorWriter · 10 September 2001]

Maclaine does as superb job with her first directorial debut: Bruno (The Dress Code DVD title).

This movie pulls at the heart strings at points, and tickles the funny bone at others. All performances were excellent. Alex Linz has come a long way with his acting. He wasn't too great in Home Alone 3, but shines in Bruno.

The story is original and clever. A young boy named Bruno (linz), has a dream/vision that he is being chased by an angel, which is a nightly thing for him. During a hospital visit ( after a car accident), he is at the gates of heaven. Though it is not his time, he is dressed in the robes of an angel.

When he comes out of his slight coma, he besides that wearing dresses is as close to his spiritual gown. Calling them "holy vestments", He goes through his days in "drag".

Also a genius speller, Bruno challenges the Catholic faith and church, focusing his attention on opening peoples eyes to the beauty of Heaven...Through wearing dresses.

Maclaine plays the Bruno's grandmother, who, with her own son, bruno's father, was very dominant and aggressive. Boys didn't listen to Oprea, that was for sissies. Well, I don't like getting into too much detail...

Take heed, the movie is exception...the acting is great...and newcomer, angie, Bruno's obese mother was excellent.

8 out of 10

It's quirky, outrageous, funny, sad and hopeful

[Opal-4 · 10/10 · 6 December 2000]

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, not only for the great acting, particularly Alex and Kiami. I thought Stacey, as Angela, was wonderful too, since this, I understand, was her first part. I guess I could be considered prejudiced, as I play Sister Mary Elaine in the film, but after seeing the finished product, I was thrilled to having been in it and working with a great cast.It is being shown on Starz all this month. Everyone should try to see it..

A good try at a serious subject.

[shneur · 10/10 · 27 August 2005]

This movie does not come up to the level of "Ma Vie en Rose," but then no one really expects that of an American film. While the characters, including Bruno himself, may need to search for politically correct "excuses" for his cross-dressing, we the audience can focus on the reactions, both supportive and hostile, of the adults around him. Alex D. Linz was an excellent choice for this difficult role, being about as seasoned an actor as one can be at age 11. He performs outstandingly: not pseudo-adult, but with enormous strength of his convictions. Shirley MacLaine also is both credible and creditable as the supportive adult in Bruno's life. I suppose I'm just an artistic philistine, but I can't hold it against a movie that it actually has a storyline to move things along. Of course one wonders what will happen to Bruno later on -- and perhaps some American film-maker will one day get brave enough to make a sequel.