Saw this many years ago! Very touching then and it's very touching now! Hopefully we've come a long way and this is still not happening. I was a teenager then and I thought it was so unfair to take away her rights all because she was lesbian !? She had worked hard and was dedicated in serving her country. Of course this movie was before the don't ask don't tell policy.
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bronzesrv2 November 2018
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steeleronaldr24 June 2020I have to say that this movie did have a powerful cast Glenn Close, Judy Davis, Eric Dane. The story itself was I think a bit soft considering the topic or subject of the movie. Colonel Cammermeyer served 25 year's in the Navy only for a claw to caused her discharge for being gay. The story could have been a bit stronger and focused more on the case rather her personal life.
Glenn Close gives a fine performance and is a solid actress while Judy Davis is just as strong. The supporting cast adds to the pot and tells the story best they can. I think after reading these reviews before watching the movie caused me to expect more than what it was. Colonel Cammermeyer is by far a hero in many ways and a strong role model for lesbians. Having Barbra Streisand on the project was a plus.
It's perhaps a better melodrama more than anything and on the note delivers. It's not a courtroom drama as I suspected but a piece of her life during the period of the movie. I do recommend it as it is a important part of our journey towards equality that we strive for. Seeing Ryan Reynolds in one of his early role's along with Eric Dane is a plus. In all it's a good movie that keeps your attention. -
pyotr-331 July 2005Ten years after it was made, this film is more relevant than ever. Glenn Close is brilliant as Col. Cammermeyer.
This film could not have been more well-made. Technically it is sublime. The acting is perfect. The story is clearly told such that any viewer could understand Cammermeyer's situation. And the love story is touching and beautiful.
This film deserves to be seen by every American. It should be required viewing for all American military personnel. It puts a face on the greatest injustice ever inflicted by America's armed forces, an injustice that is still far from being eliminated. It is a story that needs to be told today and every day until Americans wake up and stand up for justice. America's gay soldiers have been abused and had their lives ruined by the US Armed Forces for far too long, even as gay soldiers serve in a far more heroic fashion than their straight counterparts. -
lucy-6628 August 2002I seem to watch at least bits of this film every time it turns up (which it does surprisingly often). The title is a turnoff, but the film itself is excellent. Forget that it was "made for TV, based on a true story". (Actually those movies are some of the best.) It stars Glenn Close and Judy Davis as the gay lovers and they are both believable and appealing, especially Close, who is just wonderful as the army nurse who fights for her rights. The script and direction are fine. Give it a go.
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happytwat21 December 2001Yes, we have heard of Dr. Cammermeyer in Australia! She is an inspiring lady and this television movie is a fascinating insight, despite lacking in much of the detail, into her struggle with archaic laws and red tape.
We also get just a glimpse into Dr. Cammermeyer's personal and family life, as well as an opportunity to learn something of the true nature of homosexuality and the life of the homosexual.
This movie is a MUST SEE for everyone, whatever your views might be on this subject. You won't get a hard-sell on the so-called 'gay lifestyle,' but you will gain a greater understanding of the personal side of this issue ... and a greater appreciation for a lady of conscience who couldn't help but pursue truth.
As for the actors, Glenn Close does a fine job and is convincing in the title role. And I always enjoy watching my fellow Aussie, Judy Davis.
Get the video for your next gathering of Homophobics Anonymous. -
ninja_superstar-129 March 2003This is one of the worst attempts at motion picture I have ever seen. The melodrama is one thing, but this movie oversteps the bounds: I've never seen a movie more comprised of hugs and tears than this one. This is an embarrassment to any gay or lesbian idea about the world. I cannot believe GLAAD supports this movie.
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Miss Chancellor8 January 2001This movie is an inspiration to all those who are afraid of standing up for who they are because they are afraid it might hurt their careers.
The only reason I gave this movie 9 instead of 10 points is that it was a little too careful not to shock the audience. When Close and Davis finally do kiss (which I was afraid they would not even do, given the fact that American filmmakers tend to depict lesbians as cousins rather than lovers), they miss each other's lips by at least an inch. But that is really my one and only objection to this wonderful and, again, inspiring movie. -
It seems that it's much easier to get films about this subject in the US than here in Europe but surprisingly enough I managed to get the film (although with no subtitles..).
The film, which is based on a true story, is scary in everso many ways. One can wonder what kind of army system the US has, and condones, since such a story is possible. I mean, the most frightning is that it's a real story about an immensely skillful woman who've served the army for everso long and just for the fact that she is honest telling that she is a lesbian she is not only investigated in all possible way but also fired in the most humiliating way being placed in front of the military court having to defend her feelings!!
If this is not utterly grotesque then nothing is! The film also shows what a bureauctic system the US army seems to have and it's even shown as "normal". Think having to feel ashamed because of ones feelings; so badly that if effected her career and indeed her honour. A woman who'd done everything for her country, a well-respected woman by her peers and then just because of the fact that she shows out to be a lesbian everything is destroyed.
Glenn Close plays the role really convincing as she always does and applauses to her for "daring" to play such a role which definately isn't according to the taste of many Americans. -
buonesargen330 June 2006This film is destined to be stuck in USA cable cycle. It doesn't have the glamorous edge to interest a mass audience or a big movie budget. Which is often the case with classics. Excellently acted by Glenn Close using Alan Cross's intelligent and paced script this film is a true story made with sympathy and understanding showing their are craftspeople in the industry who are sidelined in favor of short attention span blockbusters. The film however does not enter the depths of emotion and passion it could have. Grethe Cammermeyer (the central character) is a more forceful person than portrayed in the film. This is unusual since films' often have to inject more glamor and passion into a character. She had to fight discrimination against gays in the military and made a benchmark case against military law at the very time that Bush Sr was pushing to maintain this discrimination. Grethe was forced to defend her feelings which like anyone else's were natural and instinctive before a court martial she was presenting as a freak and an enemy to the USA which she was loyally serving.
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stephanieadnitt21 November 2020I re- watched a grainy video of this after 10+ years and was captivated by this powerful TV movie all over again. I wish it was easier to see a decent version on Region 2 DVD or via streaming in the UK. Glenn Close and Judy Davis (who both won Emmys) are simply fantastic, creating a chemistry that jumps off the screen and they are well supported by the rest of the cast, which includes an early role for Ryan Reynolds. Exec produced by Close and Barbra Streisand this has excellent production values. This was an important and (at the time) daring film to push an important message into the mainstream and help put further pressure to change US Military policy for both lesbian and gay individuals. The movie works as both a love story and as a powerful message movie. This will always remain one of my absolute favourites.
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mark.waltz17 September 2021The biggest thing I've always admired about Glenn Close (other than the fact that she is the Barbara Stanwyck of the modern cinema) is her determination and courage to play roles that mean something to her, about causes she supports and women that she admires. While there is a slight resemblance to the real Margarethe Cammermeyer (nobody else could possibly play her), you get the sense that the character was slightly feminized simply for public consumption and acceptance, taking away most lesbian stereotypes yet never skirting past who Close and her partner Judy Davis are. Presented rather slovenly and uncaring about glamor, Davis's Diana is a modern version of George Sand whom Davis brilliantly portrayed in "Impromptu". So this becomes more than TV's Judy Garland meets Broadway's Norma Desmond and a lot deeper than the generic themes suggest.
A commanding and well respected officer, Close goes onto be promoted to a top nurse position at a military hospital and all is going well as her relationship with Davis progresses. The stereotype that lesbians are all man hating feminists completely is nullified here as Close shows her love for her sons and her rather old fashioned cold father, and Close shows the vulnerability of a daughter who only wanted to hear once that he was proud of her. Cammermeyer is put through the grill of explaining her lesbianism when going for a top secret promotion in the national guard, and once this is exposed, it's only a matter of time before it comes back to haunt her.
This isn't a course in lesbianism 101 or an ultra liberal statement about gays in the military, but one woman's story of fighting for her rights, exposing the absurdity of certain military regulations, and the fact that the regulation against homosexuality started in 1982 gives a hysterical slam to the Reagen administration. You can't help but root for Cammermeyer to win and watch it all play out. Close and Davis aren't allowed to play the intimacy and affection of their love and that is a shame, but only a minor one. The film makes its point and draws you in, and as a result becomes one of the most important TV movies ever made. -
lostintwinpeaks1 September 2002I saw this years ago, and recently found a copy of the video in a used/secondhand video store.
A remarkable drama, with a fine performance by Glenn Close, this is a tightly woven and deeply touching & affecting film.
Kudos. -
I have met Grethe Cammermeyer, she has ridden in my car, and she has teased me. This movie does not bring to the viewer the depth of passion that she brings to her fight for Civil Rights. I think those that watch it can learn a lot about the fight that many people go through to feel comfortable in their lives. Well worth watching.
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NSeelig8 February 2014My partner and I have been watching a lot of these true movies lately, and this is a real gem. It illustrates how society was (and in some parts of the world still is) struggling with true tolerance towards all that is different and doesn't fit into a neat traditional box. The actors are all very convincing, and unless you are of the narrow-minded, intolerant persuasion, you will be rooting for Glenn Close's character throughout! It is beautifully shot, and not overly sentimental, yet very moving. With the current fuss about the Olympics in Russia, this film seems to be timeless and relevant even all those years later. Maybe some societies still need to catch up. If you get a chance to watch this, do!
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petershelleyau16 March 2004This TV movie co-produced by Barbra Streisand gained controversy because of a kiss between Glenn Close and Judy Davis. It's hard to know why since it's not the first representation of lesbianism on TV and the kiss itself looks pretty strained.
Director Jeff Bleckner presents Close as a real life Washington National Guard nurse who is discharged from the Army for `immoral conduct' after revealing her sexual orientation, although she argues that her relationship doesn't incorporate `conduct'. What we see is a lot of intense eye contact between Close and Davis as her artist girlfriend and a fair share of hugging, though Close tends to hug practically everyone she meets. Davis is presented as the ideal femme partner. She's supportive, she says all the right things, the family likes her and she is funny, particularly when she is outed `on prime time'.
The script by Alison Cross is tight and intelligent, thankfully focusing more on relationships than Cammermeyer's trial, and Bleckner allows the two actors to create a subtle interplay. Close has fun with the butch army stereotype and is moving when she confesses to her sons, her tears bursting forth.