Major! is a remarkable documentary film from 2015 that offers an intimate look into the incredible life and work of Major Griffin-Gracy, also known as Miss Major. Directed by Annalise Ophelian, this film serves as a demonstration of her courage, power, and unwavering stand for civil rights and transgender community.

Miss Major is a former sex worker and an elderly transgender woman of color who has been involved in activism for transgender rights for over 40 years. A survivor of Attica State Prison and the notorious Stonewall riots in 1969, which is widely considered as the beginning of the gay liberation movement, Miss Major's impressive legacy is deeply rooted in her relentless pursuit of justice and equality for transgender individuals.

The film opens with Miss Major at home discussing her interactions and work with the transgender society, setting the tone for the personal and evocative journey that follows. Throughout the one-and-a-half-hour documentary, the audience is presented with a series of interviews, showcasing conversations with a multi-generational and multicultural range of transgender individuals who either know Miss Major personally or value her instrumental work within the queer community.

These interviews paint a vivid portrait of Miss Major's impact on the liberation movement. They tell stories of individual and societal transformation that reflect Miss Major's profound influence in reshaping the attitudes and policies affecting the transgender culture.

The movie beautifully transgresses the usual documentary format, applying a mix of storytelling techniques such as direct interviews, historical footage, personal photographs, and day-to-day moments from Miss Major’s life. This combination brings home the significance of her lifelong activism, giving the audience both the personal and the political stories of her struggle for transgender rights.

One of the most compelling elements of Major! is its honesty. While it showcases Miss Major’s accomplishments and strength, it doesn't shy away from the harsh realities she faces. From homelessness and violence to discrimination and incarceration, the film confronts these dark chapters of her life, providing a startling reminder of the brutal hardships endured by transgender individuals, particularly those of color.

What’s intriguing is Miss Major's emphasis on how activism starts from the bottom up and often comes from the most marginalized communities. It is evident in the documentary's focus, not just on Miss Major, but also on the influential roles played by a host of other transgender women of color, who often get overlooked in mainstream narratives. This formidable array of characters and histories only add depth and texture to the film, making it both a tribute to Miss Major and a broader narrative of transgender history and struggle.

But at the core of Major! is the character of Miss Major herself – bold, fearless, resilient, and endlessly loving. The film does a commendable job of highlighting her infectious personality, which derives a lot of her strength from her nurturing qualities. She is depicted as mother and grandmother to many in the trans community, caring deeply for her family and community. Her love and care for her community reflect in each frame, underlying themes of acceptance, compassion, and the importance of collective struggle.

Essentially, throughout the entire film, Ophelian fosters a sense of intimacy and familiarity, pulling audiences closer to Miss Major’s world. The overall tone of the documentary is defined by a commitment to the subject matter, a sense of resilience, and a spirit of hope. The struggles may be harsh, and the battle may appear impassable, but Miss Major still will not yield.

In conclusion, Major! is more than just a biographical commentary on an iconic figure. It is a call to action, a testament to resilience, and an unforgettable visual memoir of a journey through struggle to empowerment. The documentary isn’t just to be seen; it is to be felt, understood, and above all, respected. It challenges the audience to question their complacencies, prejudices, and what they consider “normal” or “mainstream”. Through the life of Major Griffin-Gracy, the movie stands as a loud testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and an unyielding desire for change. The spirit of Major!, like that of its subject, is at once defiant, inspiring, and unstoppable.