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Reviews
Gun Hill Road (2011)
Beautiful powerful film
This is a lovely, thoughtful, honest portrait of trans youth. Showcases an amazing breakout performance by the incredibly talented transgendered actress Harmony Santana. The film follows her journey as she dates her first boy, hangs out with friends in the Bronx, and learns how to cope with the disapproval of her extremely macho father (Esai Morales). Esai delivers one of the most powerful performances of his career as the wounded, angry father, who was recently released from prison, and is now struggling to reconcile his notions of gender with his love for his child. Beautifully shot. Well written. Sensitively directed. Never veers towards melodrama or clichés. And the supporting cast is equally strong. Highly recommended.
Sunset Park (1996)
A Really Good, Honest, Completely Un-Corny "Hoop Dreams"-like Movie
I really liked this film a lot and I'm extremely disappointed that so many people seem to disagree. I have to admit, I wasn't too interested when I first heard the synopsis -- but "Sunset Park" isn't cornball or predictable like the storyline (or some of the other reviewers) seem to suggest. It's actually a very nuanced, complex, honest, funny, intelligent film. Scenes almost never end the way you expect them to. The coach is NOT a knight in shining armor like so many of the teachers you see in those heroic, one teacher can save the world movies. She is real and complex and has hang-ups and problems (mostly involving men and failure). The basketball players are also all amazingly convincing as genuine adolescent athletes. Their acting is flawlessly natural, almost documentary-like. Their characters have depth and humor and wit. I really became attached to them by the end of the movie and wanted to know more about them and their lives. I can honestly say I didn't want the film to end -- it's a pity that there probably won't be any sequels.