i saw this movie at the new Zealand Outtakes film festival, and i loved it. first of all the summary of the movie, ( a set of twins, one grows up to be a gay man the other a transsexual woman) is one that catches the eye and promises to be interesting. it doesn't fail on that quality. the story is actually about how these issues can have a traumatic effect on the family, anyone who has experienced a family member coming out as gay or trans will know that it causes shock waves in the family and in this movie three people (the mother lives and sleeps with another woman but refuses to refer to herself as lesbian) in the same family have these problems. the people interviewed tell a story of a childhood lost in a harsh fashion. in puberty the twins fall into a lifestyle of self loathing, drugs and abusive partners which ends in a suicide pact and their eventual separation after rehab. the story picks up with them getting to know each other again, Alex is transitioning to Clair and Oliver has come out as gay, both of them are trying to find acceptance in the family and love that can equal the relationship they have. is a very touching story about how an unconventional families strives to love and connect with one another. i recommend it to everyone (especially but not only members of the GLBT community) as a look at what it means to be a family
7 Reviews
One of a kind documentary
preppy-318 June 2007
I caught this at the Provincetown International Film Festival. It's about a pair of identical twins (Mark and Alex) who grow up to realize they're gay. One of them remains a man but the other wants to get a sex change--maybe. This film deals with how they grew up and how one wants to get a sex change.
The subject matter is certainly different and this movie is pretty well-done...but I do have a problem with it. All the people interviewed (including the brothers) have blank looks on their faces and speak in a monotone about everything. It lessens the impact of some truly horrifying events the men went through and always keeps the viewer at arms length. Still this is a fascinating documentary and the discussions about gender changing are very interesting. Worth catching.
The subject matter is certainly different and this movie is pretty well-done...but I do have a problem with it. All the people interviewed (including the brothers) have blank looks on their faces and speak in a monotone about everything. It lessens the impact of some truly horrifying events the men went through and always keeps the viewer at arms length. Still this is a fascinating documentary and the discussions about gender changing are very interesting. Worth catching.
A beautiful look at Trans identity and family dynamics
Eclipse29210 May 2007
Red without Blue is a beautiful and touching film that raises a multitude of interesting questions about identity and family life. It depicts the life of a trans teen and does not edit out the grim truths about how difficult it can to fit in with your own self-perception. The people profiled are all very compelling and honest. Interviews with the subjects get at the heart of the conflicts. Following the family over time, we get a intimate view of how people deal with crises, and how our prejudices and opinions can change so drastically when facing difficult choices.
The cinematography is beautiful and adds elegance to subject matter. The soundtrack is terrific- and features some trans musicians.
Highly recommended.
The cinematography is beautiful and adds elegance to subject matter. The soundtrack is terrific- and features some trans musicians.
Highly recommended.
Honest often wrenching film about how differing sexualities affect a family
slkulick25 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This film introduces us to twin brothers--and, through photos; extremely honest interviews with parents, grandparents and friends; and filmed life interactions--follows the lives of these boys from the time they were toddlers, through the horror of their JHS years when one of them came out as gay and the other tried to avoid that label (and both were persecuted, they say, anyway); through high school and through--then past their college years. Through skillful camera work and interview technique (and the closeness that was built with the family), we are able to find out how-as what happens when a pebble is dropped into a pond-the family changes and waves and molds around the twins as their sexualities change--one to feel at ease with the fact that he is gay and the other to feel at ease with the fact that he wants to physically change to become a woman.
This was my introduction to many of the topics presented here and it was a gift at the end of the documentary to realize that--what survived, through all the pain and reinvention--was family and love. I want to add that I really enjoyed listening to the soundtrack.
This was my introduction to many of the topics presented here and it was a gift at the end of the documentary to realize that--what survived, through all the pain and reinvention--was family and love. I want to add that I really enjoyed listening to the soundtrack.
Thanks for making this movie
georgannhardin17 July 2010
This movie meant a great deal to me as I was raised in an abusive family and depend constantly on my sister for companionship and solace. I've always known that happiness is relative. But I am learning that life's difficulties make us better people. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." Mark and Clair and their parents have communicated their humanity more to me than any other movie or situation. Thank you for your courage and love and I hope everyone gets to see this movie and feel the way I do because of it.
This Movie is Everything that Keeps my Attention
jennsinclair29 September 2019
It may not make a bit of difference to other people, but I am a cisgender straight female and this movie has become my favorite of all movies I have ever seen - for several reasons:
1. It is a true story
2. It was honest
3. It was written and directed better than any movie I have ever seen. The background mysic was so splendid, I want to purchase it asap.
4. This movie has the ability to show all families and people that we are all human first and foremost. And that anyone can be born gay or questioning or transgender.
5. I am so GLAD that they family got through the crisises.
6. I constantly wonder how each of the cast is doing today.
7. I want to see more documentaries by these writers/directors.
8. This movie PULLS ME IN.
Jennifer Sinclair
At Least They Got the White Right
thesar-214 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Red Without Blue is a cute little documentary. Cute, yes. Inspiring, perhaps.
The short, short little film centers on twin boys who happen to be gay. One will grow strong, as in, with facial hair while the other gets Daddy to remove that same ailment.
All the while, you will learn that these 20-something kids will suffer through drugs, sexual identity, separation of themselves and then of their parents. Not to mention a mother who, literally, calls them young adults who she knows, not birthed.
The style of the film is remarkable and very pleasing to the eye. And the heart's in the right place. Unfortunately, the movie skips all over the place and barely lands on solid ground in order to put us, the viewers, on the right track to know where and why they ended up the lost/regained souls they will become. In 2007, that is. I wonder where they are today.
Sure, I can do research. But that's why I watch documentaries. To let them do it for me. Maybe, that's my fault: for letting all-but 4 years pass before this film's premiere and my viewing.
Nevertheless, it's a touching film of two twins, one draped in blue and the other red – I'm guessing the parents, who didn't know until the last possible minute the birth could conceive two kids, weren't really prepared. And it's wonderfully shot with someone with a good eye.
It's not groundbreaking, though it's interesting. Heck, it's only 74 minutes. It has a father of two boys who actually cares about his two boys, both of whom are gay, one of which is transgender. That, in itself, is a rarity. Way-to-go, Dad.
And if you can make it past the all-over-the-place first two-thirds, there's a touching love story – SEE: David and a nice "Let me help you through this" trans-replacement story. Unfortunately, for me, that is, the D'N'D guy/gal looked sooo cute as a boy, I'm sorry he/she ended up as female, though she did look good as a girl, as well. Was the vagina shot necessary? And don't get your hopes up – for those who like to look at the female uh, area it's a medical shot/picture, sorta.
This all said I would recommend it for multiple reasons: it's incredibly short. It's available free – well, on Netflix (as of 2/14/11) Instant. It's not too deep to take up too much table talk. It's harmless. And it's very well, though not originally, shot. I did enjoy what I saw and was interested enough to learn what happened following.
So can someone tell me what happened since?
The short, short little film centers on twin boys who happen to be gay. One will grow strong, as in, with facial hair while the other gets Daddy to remove that same ailment.
All the while, you will learn that these 20-something kids will suffer through drugs, sexual identity, separation of themselves and then of their parents. Not to mention a mother who, literally, calls them young adults who she knows, not birthed.
The style of the film is remarkable and very pleasing to the eye. And the heart's in the right place. Unfortunately, the movie skips all over the place and barely lands on solid ground in order to put us, the viewers, on the right track to know where and why they ended up the lost/regained souls they will become. In 2007, that is. I wonder where they are today.
Sure, I can do research. But that's why I watch documentaries. To let them do it for me. Maybe, that's my fault: for letting all-but 4 years pass before this film's premiere and my viewing.
Nevertheless, it's a touching film of two twins, one draped in blue and the other red – I'm guessing the parents, who didn't know until the last possible minute the birth could conceive two kids, weren't really prepared. And it's wonderfully shot with someone with a good eye.
It's not groundbreaking, though it's interesting. Heck, it's only 74 minutes. It has a father of two boys who actually cares about his two boys, both of whom are gay, one of which is transgender. That, in itself, is a rarity. Way-to-go, Dad.
And if you can make it past the all-over-the-place first two-thirds, there's a touching love story – SEE: David and a nice "Let me help you through this" trans-replacement story. Unfortunately, for me, that is, the D'N'D guy/gal looked sooo cute as a boy, I'm sorry he/she ended up as female, though she did look good as a girl, as well. Was the vagina shot necessary? And don't get your hopes up – for those who like to look at the female uh, area it's a medical shot/picture, sorta.
This all said I would recommend it for multiple reasons: it's incredibly short. It's available free – well, on Netflix (as of 2/14/11) Instant. It's not too deep to take up too much table talk. It's harmless. And it's very well, though not originally, shot. I did enjoy what I saw and was interested enough to learn what happened following.
So can someone tell me what happened since?
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