The military has long had rules against homosexuals being allowed in the service.  When President Clinton tried to get those rules changed, the compromise that was reached was known as "don't ask don't tell" policy.  Homosexual acts were still against the rules, but superiors could no longer ask a subordinate if he was gay, and as long as the solider didn't tell anyone, he would be able to stay in the military.  The policy has been criticized from many quarters, but it is still in place.  While A Soldier's Girl doesn't comment directly on the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, it does play a part in the movie.  Based on a true story, this movie looks at the relationship a young army enlisted man has with a pre-op transsexual.

Barry Winchell (Troy Garity) is a young army private who has been newly assigned to the airborne infantry.  His roommate is Justin Fisher (Shawn Hatosy,) a mercurial enlisted man who becomes Barry's friend, is given to mood swings.  A group of men from the base go carousing in town and end up at a club that features acts by female impersonators.  At the club Barry meets Calpernia Addams (Lee Pace,) a very attractive pre-op transgender individual.  The two talk, and Barry is attracted to Calpernia.  She is a calm and gentle and caring, the opposite of the people he meets in his military career.  Barry starts to call Calpernia on the phone.  They become friends and eventually, more than friends.  Barry hides his relationship from the men at the barracks, of course, but the rumors start to fly.  Fisher is appalled at the thought of a homosexual in his unit, and can't just let that go.
The script to this movie is very good.  This story of young love is told in a low key fashion that suits the material.  It would be easy to make this into a sensationalistic movie, but isn't.  The transgender Calpernia is treated very evenhandedly, she is neither glorified nor ridiculed.  The relationship between Barry and Calpernia is shown very compassionately, never becoming judgmental.

The quite and gentle romance sequences are offset by life on the army base. The rumors about Barry and his relationship with the volatile Fisher add a good dose of drama that gives the movie a sense of urgency, especially if you recall the actual events and know how the story is going to end.  The creators are able to tell this story of hate and intolerance without becoming preachy and heavy handed.

There is a good amount of ambiguity.  It is not crystal clear why Barry calls Calpernia after he sees her in the club, or why he gets involved with her.  Fisher's possible homosexual tendencies are also hinted at, but only in the most uncertain of terms.  This vagueness is refreshing.  So many movies go out of their way to make sure every plot point is crystal clear.  But things are often not black and white in real life, and this movie is so much more interesting because you have to wonder about people's motivations.
The entire cast was superb.  Troy Garity and Lee Pace were excellent as the two lovers, giving their characters dignity and vulnerability.  Through their acting you could see how the two very different people could be attracted to each other.  The standout actor though was Shawn Hatosy as Justin Fisher.  His performance was stellar, showing all sides of Barry roommate.  He was alternately cruel and kind, a bully and a good friend.  Hatosy was able to fold these contradictory traits into one person and bring him to life.
This moving film was well made and wasn't too heavy handed.  It is a touching and honest look at an unconventional relationship.