VeteranLight I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

Afouotos Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Tobias Burrows It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

Curt Watching it is like watching the spectacle of a class clown at their best: you laugh at their jokes, instigate their defiance, and "ooooh" when they get in trouble.

tuc32475 Normal is a human drama about a married man who makes a decision to go through a sex- change operation. He confesses to his wife that he has been struggling with a gender disorder since he was a child. The film without a doubt explores the life of Ruth, in the most realistic and non-glamorous way possible without eliminating its emotional connection with the audience. As a truck factory worker in a very masculine working environment, and living in a very small town that is limited in such knowledge on alternative lifestyle, Ruth struggles to be accepted, respected or even looked as a human being. His relationship with his wife is explored in a non glamorous way, and clearly sets the stands for both Ruth's and his wife Irma's character, their view on the situation and their emotional journey through the process of Ruth's sex change. The reaction from their off springs is another subject that the film succeeded in representing. Both children have different reactions to their father's decision, but relate and explain their reactions from their age and characteristics. Both Irma and Ruth have great acting that transcends their emotional journey and hardship through such less explored topics on gender in film. But the film does not take the topic of gender completely foreign and stills keeps the mood of common social issues the same way it does with other human dramas, which succeeds in making it easier for the audience to consumer.

tuc71836 The storyline of Normal is innovative, and it is certainly a good film. The acting is fantastic, so I could enjoy watching the film. I think this film is different from other genre's film since acting is vivid and the storyline is unique. Although the issue in the film is a little heavy, some of the scenes in the film use a lighter way to portray it. The way of how Ruth tells his co-worker that he is going do the sex operation is amusing; therefore, mood of the film is consider not too heavy. Also, the make- up and costumes of Ruth is very natural for me. Ruth might be considering as transvestite before doing the sex-change operation; however, Ruth's make- up and costume is not too exaggerated. As a result, the film deserved the Emmy Award (Make Up). In my opinion, the theme of the film is love, and people can overcome many difficult situations by the power of love. Also, family stands an extremely important influence in everyone's life. Irma's love and support for Ruth illustrates love can actually overcome the difficulties in your life. I think this film is appealing to everyone since the mood in the film is light.

hacness I thought this was one of the most beautiful love stories of modern time. The last line of the movie sums up in a few words what the entire story is about. It is a story about soul mates, about true love and about the things we do for the people we love. It's also a story about acceptance. While it portrays very well the expected cruelty and misunderstanding of co-workers, family and the community; it also reminds us that there are people out there who are accepting and open-minded, who form their opinions of people based on what's inside. It is a beautiful story and the subject matter was dealt with tastefully and subtly.

MarieGabrielle are very good in this film, so I would not discount it, even though someone may not identify with these issues. Also, the subject matter was approached in a thoughtful and thought-provoking manner, even if not 100% accurate, and I freely admit I would need to learn more, as a psychology student, but isn't that what film is for-to at least inform the public?.The initial confrontation with Wilkinson as Roy and Lange as Irma-in a small mid-western town- when speaking to the minister, who intimates it may be Irma's "fault". Classic denial. Patty Ann is well portrayed by Hayden Panettiere, who is more accepting: ..."Gee, Dad I always wanted to be a boy; they get to do all the good stuff"... while Lange tries to make her wear dresses. There are some amusing scenes, as Wilkinson buys some garments for after the surgery, and Lange gives him advice, eventually ordering his dresses via mail order. Another amusing scene is when Irma goes on a date, at Roy's insistence, and Clancy Brown(her date) informs her that he has protection- she laughs and says ..."you know I'm menopausal"...There is one scene where they visit Roy's parents, and his father was clearly abusive. At one point he becomes suicidal, but Lange stays in the marriage, supporting his issues. The son, (played by Joe Fikora), must have been a difficult role in real life. Imagine going away to college, and then, upon a visit for Thanksgiving, realizing he has to call his parents, Irma and Ruth(Roy's name for after the surgery)?.Body dysmorphic disorder is a real condition the public knows little about. I thought Tom Wilkinson did an excellent job, this does not come off as campy, of course I know I could never get my husband to watch this movie, but it is progress that the subject is being addressed more by filmmakers.