A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story (TV 2006)

The true story of Gwen Araujo, a young transgendered woman who was brutally murdered by four men in 2002.

Director:

Agnieszka Holland

Writer:

Shelley Evans

Stars:

Mercedes Ruehl, JD Pardo, Lupe Ontiveros

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mercedes Ruehl	...	Sylvia Guerrero
JD Pardo	...	Eddie / Gwen Araujo
Lupe Ontiveros	...	Mami
Leela Savasta	...	Chita Araujo
Henry Darrow	...	Papi
Corey Stoll	...	Joey Marino
Avan Jogia	...	Danny Araujo
Jacqueline Samuda	...	Angie
Zak Santiago	...	Carlos guerrero
Jay Brazeau
Hrothgar Mathews
Marilyn Norry	...	Dr. Martin
Tegan Moss	...	Lisa
Michael Dillman	...	Eddie at age 7
Nicole Muñoz	...	Chita - Age 10

Storyline

Based on a true story. As a young boy, Eddie Araujo always felt different somehow. She started putting on her mom's makeup and wearing her mom's clothes, which her mom found odd. By the time she entered her teen years, Eddie could no longer hide the fact that she was a lot different, that she was meant to be female and not male. When she finally accepted it and with her mom's eventual support, Eddie changed her name to Gwen and started to live life as female until a tragic night changed everything.

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Plot Keywords:

murder | title directed by female | transsexual | transgender | male to female transsexual | 

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Taglines:

He was just who she was.

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

TV-14

Details

Official Sites:

Lifetime TV

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 June 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

Just a Girl: The Gwen Araujo Story

Company Credits

Production Co:

Braun Entertainment Group

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Eddie Araujo took the name "Gwen" for her female identity after Gwen Stefani of No Doubt, her favorite singer.

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Goofs

The defense attorney noted that Joey had punched a wall and broke his hand after Sylvia had told him that Gwen was not really a female. A day or two after Sylvia tells him, a drunken Gwen walks along the fence of the construction site in which Joey was working; Joey walks up to the fence and you can clearly tell that none of his hands looked damaged in any way.

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Quotes

Sylvia Guerrero: [speaking to Eddie and Chita] You know what time I got up this morning? 4:30. I bet you didn't know that. I made the breakfast, did a laundry, I packed three lunches, I payed the bills and then I went to work. And do you know why?
[grabs Chita]
Sylvia Guerrero: Could I have your attention?
[grabs Eddie]
Sylvia Guerrero: Could I hve your attention? Do you know why? Because this life, is, exactly what you make it.

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Soundtracks

"Vasilon"
Performed by Mangana
Written by Edith Mesch
Courtesy of LoveCat Music
Published by Big Tiger Music (BMI)

User Reviews

Heartbreaking story, half-hearted effort

I read about the tragic murder of Gwen Araujo in the news a few years ago when it occurred, and I never imagined a telefilm would be made about her life -- much less helmed by Lifetime.

Unfortunately, this film seems like it was done in a hurry and we never really get to connect with Gwen the way we'd like to. J.D. Pardo is effective in his performance, as is Mercedes Ruehl, but this story required a bit more care in the way it was handled.

One thing that did however move me was Gwen's mother loyalty to her daughter, and how willing she was to accept and understand her. Being gay and Latino is difficult enough (I confess from experience), but I can't imagine how much more complicated it must be for people like Gwen.

You can't expect much from a made-for-television movie, and I didn't expect a lot from this one so I can't really say I was disappointed.

I'd like to see a feature film based on Gwen's life someday. Maybe it would be able to capture her essence in the way she deserves.