Tomboy

Tomboy is a coming of age film that explores the theme of gender identity and acceptance. The movie was released in 1985 and features an ensemble cast with Betsy Russell, Gerard Christopher, and Kristi Somers in the lead roles.

The story revolves around a teenage girl named Thomasina 'Tommy' Boyd who prefers to dress and behave like a boy. Tommy lives with her mother and sister in a small town where she often plays basketball with her male friends and wears tomboyish clothes that make her stand out from other girls her age.

Despite her unconventional behavior, Tommy is a charismatic and likable character who gets along with everyone in her town. However, things take a turn when she falls in love with a local boy named Randy, who believes that Tommy is a boy.

As Tommy and Randy's relationship begins to blossom, she struggles to reconcile her love for him with her fear of revealing her true identity. Meanwhile, Tommy's sister becomes suspicious of her behavior and discovers her secret, putting Tommy's reputation and relationship in jeopardy.

The film does an excellent job of exploring the complex issues of gender and identity. Tommy's struggle to fit in and come to terms with her true self is something that many teens can relate to, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The film also touches on the themes of family, acceptance, and self-discovery, making it a beautiful and heartwarming coming of age story.

One of the film's strengths is its cast, with Betsy Russell delivering a strong and nuanced performance as Tommy. She is charming, vulnerable, and relatable, making it easy for the audience to empathize with her struggles. Gerard Christopher also gives a good performance as Randy, a character who is conflicted between his love for Tommy and his beliefs about gender roles.

Kristi Somers' character is also essential to the story, and her portrayal of Tommy's sister is commendable, playing a supportive and caring role while also struggling with her sister's reality. Other supporting cast members offer excellent performances, including Eric Douglas, who plays Tommy's friend and John Calvin, who portrays the basketball coach and serves as a father figure to Tommy.

The film's visuals are impressive, capturing the essence of small-town life perfectly. The cinematography is lively, and the soundtrack is excellent, featuring classic tracks from the 80s.

The film's direction by Herb Freed is commendable, offering a heartfelt and honest portrayal of gender and identity issues. The film takes its time to build its characters and their relationships, making it an engrossing and absorbing watch.

In conclusion, Tomboy is an excellent coming-of-age movie that deals with issues of gender identity, family, and acceptance. The superb cast and direction make for a heartwarming, well-crafted story that offers something for everyone. It offers a compelling story that engages in exploring an important theme, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. So, if you're in the mood for an absorbing and thought-provoking movie, Tomboy is a must-watch.