I was lucky enough to attend a screening where the director, Bennett, Joe, Bennett's mom, and Bennett's best friend were in attendance. Bennett and Joe graced us with performances of a few of the songs from the film, and all present were patient and generous with their time and honesty during a Q&A following the film. There was a well-deserved standing ovation when it was all over. I hope those who view the film on PBS will take the time to rate the film, if not review it, because it deserves far better than its current 4.7 star rating. I was quite moved. The struggle for understanding between Bennett and his mother was so painful to watch, but there was real love there. It hit me on a very personal level and made me cry. My only quibble was it wasn't longer, although I understand the DVD has additional scenes, I think of some live performances, so I am looking forward to watching that version. When it ended, it felt a little abrupt, but I think that was mainly because I just wanted more, having grown fond of the people involved. I wish Bennett and his friends and family and everyone who worked on the film all the best in future endeavors. Thanks for blessing us with an honest look into a deeply personal process.
17 Reviews
Definitely a documentary worth seeing.
Hellmant1 June 2017
'REAL BOY': Four Stars (Out of Five)
A documentary about a 19-year-old trans man dealing with gender identity, and his conservative mother trying to learn to accept him. It was directed by debut feature filmmaker Shaleece Haas, and it runs just 72 minutes long. The film was released in indie theaters, and it's gotten mostly positive reviews from those who have seen it. I enjoyed it as well.
The film tells the true story of Bennett Wallace, a 19-year-old transsexual who's preparing for major (decisive) surgery. As he's going through emotional struggles, due to hormones and relationship troubles with his family, his mother also struggles to accept her son for who he now is. The movie follows Bennett as he travels to meet other transsexual friends, and then ultimately go through with the procedure. It also follows his relationship with his mother, as it progresses (for the better) throughout the movie.
The film is touching and involving. I found Bennett Wallace to be a likable and inspiring kid, and I could really relate to his relationship with his mother. There's also some cool music in the movie too, performed by Wallace, and some other life struggles are explored in it as well (like alcoholism and drug addiction). If feels just a little too short, at 72 minutes, but I think the film still tells Bennett's story well. It's definitely a documentary worth seeing.
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/WXRjz4hXVvs
A documentary about a 19-year-old trans man dealing with gender identity, and his conservative mother trying to learn to accept him. It was directed by debut feature filmmaker Shaleece Haas, and it runs just 72 minutes long. The film was released in indie theaters, and it's gotten mostly positive reviews from those who have seen it. I enjoyed it as well.
The film tells the true story of Bennett Wallace, a 19-year-old transsexual who's preparing for major (decisive) surgery. As he's going through emotional struggles, due to hormones and relationship troubles with his family, his mother also struggles to accept her son for who he now is. The movie follows Bennett as he travels to meet other transsexual friends, and then ultimately go through with the procedure. It also follows his relationship with his mother, as it progresses (for the better) throughout the movie.
The film is touching and involving. I found Bennett Wallace to be a likable and inspiring kid, and I could really relate to his relationship with his mother. There's also some cool music in the movie too, performed by Wallace, and some other life struggles are explored in it as well (like alcoholism and drug addiction). If feels just a little too short, at 72 minutes, but I think the film still tells Bennett's story well. It's definitely a documentary worth seeing.
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/WXRjz4hXVvs
Beautiful, moving, even funny
shanagp8 August 2016
Real Boy is a beautiful film about identity, family, music, friendship, and life's journey. These are compelling people who have let us in on some intense moments of their lives and shared powerful music to communicate about it. It is particularly insightful about three transgender guys' experiences, families, and communities. It's also about being a person, being part of a family, being a friend, being a mentor, and learning from someone else. This film is beautiful to watch (the footage is filmed and edited gorgeously), with excellent music, moving moments, laughs, and a wonderful arc. You'll be glad you watched it. If you're a teacher or member of a community group, you'll be glad you shared it and will have plenty to talk about afterwards.
This film is AMAZING.
tylangreenstein20 July 2016
Ignore the low ratings - my guess is that they were left by some homophobic trolls who never even saw the film. This movie is incredible and is getting overwhelmingly positive reception as it opens at films festivals in the US and abroad. I recently caught it at a film festival in LA. The audience was spellbound and by the end there wasn't a dry eye in the house. On the surface, Real Boy is a story about a young trans man and his relationship with his family. But although it might seem to be a niche topic, the film is incredibly easy to relate to. It tackles many universal themes at once - blood family and chosen family, identity, transformation, friendship, mentor-ship, and sobriety - and never once loses its footing. The film is also beautifully filmed and edited. If you don't believe me, ask PBS - apparently it's going to be broadcast widely in 2017. It also just won the Audience Award in San Francisco. Do yourself a favor - ignore the trolls and go screen this film if you get a chance.
Amazing film
frebunme10 May 2017
This documentary manages to keep all the balls in the air the whole way through. It balances differing and evolving viewpoints on its key issue without dehumanizing or vilifying anyone. It shows true struggle without becoming maudlin and true triumph without becoming trite. It is an incredibly human experience that doesn't force its message about dealing with both physical and emotional transformation. Instead, it challenges its audiences perceptions gently yet persistently, all while breaking down the barriers of what "gender" and "family" may mean.
One of my favorite films of the year
fayssoux17 October 2016
This movie is simply told, without a lot of telling the viewer what to think. The people who agreed to participate in this documentary are presented in an honest way and we are privileged to go along for the ride as they all deal with change and self identity. I think it's beautiful. The music is fantastic and there is great use of animation to present some of the more emotionally difficult material. I noticed the low overall rating, which surprises me. Because it addresses controversial material, I admittedly wonder at the motivations of the people who are rating it so low. All the more reason why this is such an important film. All kinds of stories deserve to be told.
Absolutely stunning documentary
danielszagorski18 October 2016
I had the utmost pleasure of seeing the documentary at a screening in Dublin. It's so clear that a lot of love and care went into the project and the result is absolutely stunning. The documentary is very real and raw as it follows Ben on his journey. No doubt the documentary hits home for a lot of people going through a similar journey but what makes it so strong is how great of a resource this is for parents, siblings and allies of transgender people. It also features some amazing songs from Ben himself which add another dimension altogether to the documentary. If you have a chance to see a screening some where near you, absolutely, absolutely do. It's a documentary that's one a kind. Instead of sensationalising the topic or placing an overly heavy focus on the medical aspect of transition, it shows the real life and experience of Bennett through the lens of his emotions and the relationships with the people around him. Incredible, just brilliant.
Great film with a beautiful message
masonjdunn21 July 2016
Real Boy is a powerful, moving film with a great message of love and community. As a trans person, it was so wonderful to see voices from trans people represented in a real, compassionate, and non-exploitative way.
In particular, I think this film is a great way to open doors for families of trans people who are struggling in their journey towards acceptance. It's not always an easy journey, but it's important for our parents and families to get there with us.
Lastly, thank you to everyone involved in this film. Those who were a part of it and told their stories - it takes great bravery to be open, authentic, and vulnerable in this way. Thank you. And thank you to the film makers, editors, and creative team behind this. Thank you for helping us tell our stories in such a compassionate way.
In particular, I think this film is a great way to open doors for families of trans people who are struggling in their journey towards acceptance. It's not always an easy journey, but it's important for our parents and families to get there with us.
Lastly, thank you to everyone involved in this film. Those who were a part of it and told their stories - it takes great bravery to be open, authentic, and vulnerable in this way. Thank you. And thank you to the film makers, editors, and creative team behind this. Thank you for helping us tell our stories in such a compassionate way.
Best movie about being a trans man
nevan-1249119 October 2016
As an organizer of MIX COPENHAGEN LGBT + Q Film Festival, I was honored to have the director and this film screening at our festival. Not only it is a film that perfectly describes what being trans means, but it is also told with honesty, respect and moving scenes. The fact that the focus is the relationship with chosen family and the family (especially the mom) makes this one of the best visual experiences I've had this year. I recommend to everyone to watch this movie. Bring in your families and friends and you will get to understand much better what it means to be transgender, how to support transgender people and make their lives better and worth living.
Put a realistic and deeply human face on a topic that is often misunderstood
astrid-4855017 October 2016
This movie is wonderful, well worth seeing and addresses a complex topic with insight and humanity. I would say it is a must see movie for anyone seeking to better understand MTF transgender person. There is so much curiosity about the topic that skirts the main issues around being transgender, which has more to do with identity than with almost anything else. There has been a great deal of sensational dross, a great deal of politicizing normal things like excretion and who can use the bathroom, but missing from the dialogue is are real portrayals of individuals who have gone through this transformation. The Danish girl was groundbreaking and full of eye candy, but there were quite a number of scenes that just amounts to "dress up and look in the mirror scenes" Most transgender people are "normal" humans and this movie is fabulously spot on in its realism and humanity. It is refreshingly real.
Excellent Coming of Age Transgender Documentary + Family
aawhitham-12 August 2016
I saw this film at the Frameline Film Festival as well as Outfest in LA and both times it had a well deserved standing ovation from the crowd.
I have seen a great number of transgender documentaries over the years, and Real Boy is the rare film that balances the perspective of the transgender youth, Bennett, as well as the narrative of his mom Suzy. Both people change over time, and the accompanying characters, particularly musician Joe Stevens, round out the ensemble and help folks to learn along the way of this four year film. Really excellent editing and you can feel the intimacy of the characters, a true rare feat for director Shaleece Haas in her first feature-length film. Would highly recommend this, and excited to see it on PBS in summer 2017!
I have seen a great number of transgender documentaries over the years, and Real Boy is the rare film that balances the perspective of the transgender youth, Bennett, as well as the narrative of his mom Suzy. Both people change over time, and the accompanying characters, particularly musician Joe Stevens, round out the ensemble and help folks to learn along the way of this four year film. Really excellent editing and you can feel the intimacy of the characters, a true rare feat for director Shaleece Haas in her first feature-length film. Would highly recommend this, and excited to see it on PBS in summer 2017!
REAL BOY shows in Redding CA to small but supportive viewers
franktreadway22 May 2017
Just saw REAL BOY in Redding CA, now I know why it won 7 film fest awards; just a camera following a young female going through the changes of life to the real call of his body and mind. The editing, music, film research by Ms. Haas was perfect. I bet Ben and his mother were happy over the moon for this piece of film that will be ready for the archives of what transitioning is all about. Kudos to filmmaker and the real stars.
A moving film for traditional and non-traditional families
rotomotu13 June 2017
Apparently there's been an organized campaign to tank the ratings for this movie, and that is just so sad and so wrong in at least two ways: First, it's dishonest if not immoral to use IMDb as a forum for an anti-trans prejudice that has nothing to do with film criticism.
But second, Real Boy is a beautifully made movie that relates a compelling story, and moreover one that is family-oriented in the most profound and general meaning of that term.
You need to see it. And bring your children to see it. Yes, there are references to pain and substance abuse, because these unfortunately were part of the subjects' lives. And yes, dysfunctional families, divorce, and gender dysphoria are "adult themes." So what. Kids encounter these subjects everyday on YouTube, if not on TV shows like Oprah and 20-20. And some kids, who we must never forget, are living through them every day.
If you allow your kids to watch this movie, what you are exposing them to is at its core a story of how love, friendship, music, generosity, and compassion are healing the subjects of the film, and how they can heal all of us — even those who may have allowed hate to enter our hearts. Finally, Real Boy is the story of a remarkable young man whose talents and energy are surely destined to shine forth in this world, no matter how many misguided trolls attempt to stand in the way.
But second, Real Boy is a beautifully made movie that relates a compelling story, and moreover one that is family-oriented in the most profound and general meaning of that term.
You need to see it. And bring your children to see it. Yes, there are references to pain and substance abuse, because these unfortunately were part of the subjects' lives. And yes, dysfunctional families, divorce, and gender dysphoria are "adult themes." So what. Kids encounter these subjects everyday on YouTube, if not on TV shows like Oprah and 20-20. And some kids, who we must never forget, are living through them every day.
If you allow your kids to watch this movie, what you are exposing them to is at its core a story of how love, friendship, music, generosity, and compassion are healing the subjects of the film, and how they can heal all of us — even those who may have allowed hate to enter our hearts. Finally, Real Boy is the story of a remarkable young man whose talents and energy are surely destined to shine forth in this world, no matter how many misguided trolls attempt to stand in the way.
lovely personal story
lemonybeverage14 December 2016
this film does such a delicate and heartening job of juggling all kinds of story lines and personalities. it is as much about the relationship between parent and young adult as it is a profile of an individual trans person who also happens to be a budding musician.
it is not a political film and doesn't attempt to address all of trans-world in any way.
Instead, it is a warm and entertaining personal story.
I have no idea why the weighted average rating is so low here on IMDb, considering it clearly had so many awards etc and every review written is 10 stars, and the average rating is much higher.
it is not a political film and doesn't attempt to address all of trans-world in any way.
Instead, it is a warm and entertaining personal story.
I have no idea why the weighted average rating is so low here on IMDb, considering it clearly had so many awards etc and every review written is 10 stars, and the average rating is much higher.
Transgender son and mother become family again.
don-franks31 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This film was aired in 2017 as part of the Independent Lens documentary series on PBS. The film played the film festival circuit in 2016 winning awards at the Oslo International, Boston Independent, Woodstock, and 17 other film festivals. All those wins were deserved. Subtitle for the film is 'A Son's Transition. A Mom's Transformation'. The documentary follows 19 year-old Bennett Wallace as he transitions into the boy he always felt he should be. Coming along on the journey, although reluctantly at first, is Bennett's mother Suzy. Director Shaleece Haas won the trust of both mother and son and produced a film which doesn't pull any punches. In the end Real Boy is a truly heart-warming film about family values.
A film with a big heart
honeyhouses-129 June 2017
Such a beautiful, full-of-heart film. Bennett, the subject of REAL BOY, is truly a special person. Aside from his musical talents, he is charming and unafraid to express himself and his vulnerabilities. His mom, too, must be commended , for she too is on a journey into the unknown, and expresses her feelings with honesty. REAL BOY is not your typical coming-of-age story, threaded with smarts, honesty and heart, and with tons of great songs visually brought to life.
Good documentary
aun-persch20 June 2017
This is not a complete story of a transgender individual, but is the story of his decision period for (and outcome of) transition surgery. It could have included more details about the peer response to his early years, but nonetheless is a good documentary of this decision period.
A follow-on would be useful to explore the long term satisfaction of the decision from a physical and emotional standpoint.
His music mentor Joe also deserves a more thorough coverage.
A follow-on would be useful to explore the long term satisfaction of the decision from a physical and emotional standpoint.
His music mentor Joe also deserves a more thorough coverage.
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