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The Garden Left Behind Reviews

Jul 31, 2023

Amazing movie and I'm only 22 minutes in❤️

Nov 10, 2021

This film was fantastic! It packs such an emotional punch and allows the viewer into a world that is not often authentically represented on the screen. The writing, directing and cinematography were nuanced and moving, making for a must-see film!

Jan 13, 2021

While the film isn't revolutionary, it does plant a seed by allowing dozens of trans actors, and behind the scenes personal to make a movie. That fact should make you smile. We get Ed Asner for crying out loud. One of the loudest progressive voices out there, Asner has done a lot of voice acting of late. Seeing him here, even if the scenes are brief brings an energy and class to the picture. Flavio Alves has written and directed four shorts, but this is his first feature length venture and it was funded in large part by EBAY. Yes, you read that right. Michael Madsen may have star billing, however he is in two scenes, probably filmed over a few hours. Carlie Guevara is the star and while the story has heft, we have to talk about the elephant in the room. Guevara is a novice at best and is often distracting. I appreciate how trans characters are played by trans actors. While there is still a long way to go, this film is a giant step forward from the ways trans characters were portrayed in the past. All that said the final few scenes had a power thanks to Alves. It's heartening to know films like this can be made. Final score: 6.5/10

Dec 15, 2020

One star because these are important stories and topics that need to be told. However, the script dialogue is horrendous. The acting atrocious. Riddled with lgbt cliché's: Main character not only struggles transitioning, but also health problems, immigrant status, financial woes, AND a jerk boyfriend. I'm honestly surprised she didn't die of AIDs in the end. No that'd be too easy, let's bludgeon her in the streets.

Oct 9, 2020

A perfect story about being human. It's urgent and important film.

Oct 1, 2020

A film with true staying power. Alves and Rotondo deftly maintain a sense of suspense and trepidation for the protagonist that keeps you invested the entire time. What a heartbreaking, but incredibly important, story to tell.

Oct 1, 2020

An all around wonderful film! A must see especially with how the world is today.. with an outstanding cast and exceptional direction, this is the perfect mix of creativity and dedication! Flavio Alves will go down in history as one of the greatest directors of our time.

Sep 28, 2020

Just another far Left movie from Hollywood :(

Sep 19, 2020

As a psychologist and trans ally I went into this a little skeptical despite the glowing reviews and awards the film had already received, but it really is SO good! The script is fantastic, and they did such an excellent job with representation in casting and clearly did the work researching the community at the heart of the movie. The subject of the movie is so important to address in a world that's still ridiculously transphobic, with trans women of color in particular getting murdered at alarming rates. Recommending this to everyone!

Sep 16, 2020

I enjoyed this film all the way through. It seemed like a very short 1 hour & 28 mins that captivated me all the way through with the drama involved. Tina's character played by Carla Guevera stole my heart from the beginning as a mexican undocumented young trans woman navigating modern life, trying to make ends meet while also trying to acquire gender affirming therapy & medication in New York City. This film does have a message of promoting acceptance of trans people but it is not overstated in the narrative. There is a realism & relevance used in the film in the way that cis people in close relations with Tina still do not perceive her fully as the gender she identifies as. This is articulated by the behavior of Tina's loving Grandmother & Tina's boyfriend Jason. The film includes other real trans people in supporting roles as Tina's supportive friends. The films focus also turns to Jason, a convenience store clerk who has served Tina in the store. He finds out she is trans from when Tina takes part in a trans justice campaign, which provides a meaningful backdrop to the main storyline. This leads to a final confrontation not unlike which is often reported in the real world, when men who are attracted to trans women become ashamed of themselves for having that attraction, which often leads to brutal consequences. There are some stand out scenes in this movie, particularly the launderette scene in which a large group of trans folk gather to organize an awareness campaign on the streets, the bar where the audience is first introduced to Michael Madsen's character as the bar owner, Tina's 2nd visit to the doctor (played by Bernadette Quigley) and the heart warming scene with the vocal therapist. This is a must see film for everyone not only for the poignant message of unfairness and cruelty that still persists towards trans women (especially black & latino trans women) & the need for tolerance and further promoting change to positive opinions towards trans folk in society. Its also just a very well made movie.

Sep 13, 2020

A must see movie; especially with what has gone on in this country in the last few years. What an incredibly moving film. SO glad I saw it. You should watch it today.

Sep 12, 2020

Eye-opening and heart-breaking. A beautiful movie.

Sep 10, 2020

Beautifully written: a genuine, heartfelt film. What a hidden gem! I had no idea what to expect when I watched but it truly blew me away. I learned so much and watching it touched my heart and soul. The writing, directing, acting and cinematography were breathtaking. Don't miss this amazing film.

Sep 10, 2020

A powerful and intimate film about an undocumented trans woman living in NYC. Excellent performances, moving story, and thoughtful direction. Highly recommended.

Sep 9, 2020

Incredibly moving and authentic storytelling. The trans actors in the cast are amazing. Kudos to the filmmakers for including trans voices in the narrative, making for a real, authentic film about the trans experience. Highly recommend!

Sep 9, 2020

The star is radiant!

Sep 9, 2020

There are powerful messages.

Sep 9, 2020

A triumph! A film filled with so much compassion and understanding of an all too forgotten community. You will be both inspired and entertained. There are moments of heartbreak but that is, unfortunately, a reality. This film will bring tears to your eyes and fill your heart.

Sep 9, 2020

Amazing film! Director and producer are clearly very talented, as well as the actors. Can't wait to rewatch.

May 19, 2019

This movie was absolutely fantastic. The stories that they depicted definitely touching home with me and many other trans people. I cannot wait for the smoothie to be seen by a large audience so they can truly understand what we as trans people go through on a daily basis. kudos to the actors and actresses and producers that made this film job well done guys

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