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

User Rating:

7.3/10   

Director:

Agnieszka Holland

Writer (WGA):

Shelley Evans (written by)

Release Date:

19 June 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

He was just who she was.

Plot:

The true story of a young transgendered teen and his self discover-ment of living life as a woman.

Awards:

1 win & 2 nominations

Cast

Rondel Reynoldson	...	Pediatrician
Mercedes Ruehl	...	Sylvia Guerrero
J.D. Pardo	...	Eddie / Gwen Araujo
Lupe Ontiveros	...	Mami
Henry Darrow	...	Papi
Corey Stoll	...	Joey Marino
Leela Savasta	...	Chita Araujo
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

Also Known As:

Just a Girl: The Gwen Araujo Story (USA) (working title)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Company:

Braun Entertainment Group

Trivia:

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

Goofs:

Miscellaneous: 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.

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.

Soundtrack:

Vasilon

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.