The Truth About Jane (2000 TV Movie) User Reviews

Very good performances highlight the story of "coming out"

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 19 June 2006]

Ellen Muth is a teen who comes out as a lesbian, and Stockard Channing and James Naughton are her parents in "The Truth About Jane," a Lifetime movie.

This was an excellent movie dealing with the shame and pain of being different, the realization of who you are, and the difficulty in telling your loved ones you're gay. Jane is terrified of losing her parents' love so she can't tell them the truth about her friendship with a lonely, unhappy girl, even after her parents are told they were spotted kissing. When she finally comes out, there is anger and denial at first.

The performances in this movie are excellent all around, as is Muth's voice-over of the girl telling her story. The emotions ring true. Unfortunately, it's all a little too pat and probably not the actual experience of many young people acknowledging their gayness. Jane's mom has a best friend (RuPaul) who is gay, and she also has a female teacher who admits that she is gay. So she has lots of support, and, since this is Lifetime, her parents come around.

Definitely worth seeing and discussing, and I'm sure the film would be helpful to anyone faced with this situation. But as we know from real life, acceptance often comes at a higher price.

The gay experience

[Preston-10 · 8/10 · 6 July 2002]

I managed to see this Lifetime movie dealing with teenage homosexuality. I am a huge fan of movies dealing with homosexuality but I think this movie painted an unrealistic picture of what many gay teens have to deal with. Unlike Jane's parents, most parents of gay kids will not attend PFLAG meetings, will not have friends that they know are gay, and will not stand side by side with their kids as they deal with their children's attraction for people of the same sex. In a way I think it devalues how tortuous it is for a kid dealing with a person's coming out process in their life when almost the majority of coming out experiences are downright bad. Still, it's hard to dislike Stockard Channing, and I think she did well under the circumstances that the script presented, and I think a film like this must be seen in the context of how television is just beginning to make movies that address homosexuality. In that way, I give this film credit for at least addressing some of the difficulties of coming out.

Lavender Jane Still Loves Womyn

[Nimble-Bird · 7/10 · 11 January 2005]

This film is not groundbreaking, but it is a good film about coming out nonetheless. It does not tread lightly on how cruel peers can be to gay and lesbian teens, not to mention parents. It is hard to believe Stockard Channing, who would later play the compassionate mother of Matthew Shepard, plays a mother who reacts in the exact opposite manner in which you would want a mother to react, despite the fact that she has a gay friend herself.

I would just like to point out that there's a scene in this TV movie where Jane brings her mother to a P-FLAG (Parents and Friends/families of Lesbian and Gay people) meeting. I have been to a meeting, and it was not like the one in this film. Thank goodness they didn't stick my nervous parents in front of a microphone!!! (That may, however, be a necessity at larger meetings, but the one I went to was thankfully a small group thing.) Other than the meeting, many of the elements may seem predictable to gay and gay-friendly viewers, but to younger viewers and the average parent, it'll hold their interest. I'm sure they will find common ground with many of the characters. And the narration (by Jane) works.

Interesting look at the family within the conflict...

[EmAn1213 · 7 March 2004]

First, you have to go into this knowing that it's a made for TV movie, and therefor can't go as deeply into the issues that a regular movie could. That said, it's a pretty good movie which mainly focuses on Jane's family. It was really interesting to see Jane's liberal, open-minded mother react negatively to the news that her daughter was gay. Jane's family made a descent from a strong, caring unit into a torn apart mess. This descent happens gradually and was pretty believable. Towards the end of the movie, when the situation is at it's worse, Jane's father asks her mother, "How did we get here?" Unlike many Lifetime movies, where the teenagers seem to go crazy for no good reason, it was easy to see where the family's problems stemmed from and why they were so plagued with drama. The movie isn't perfect by any means, but the acting is strong, the relationships are touching (especially between Jane and her father) and the resolutions are uplifting but more realistic than what you'd be used to seeing on TV movies. Some good performances by Jane's mother, (Stockard Channing), Jane's father, (James Naughton) and Jane herself (Ellen Muth). With an altered "TV movie scale," I'd give it 4/5 stars.

Fully recommend

[Stockard_Channing_Fan · 7/10 · 26 April 2003]

If you enjoy movies about homosexuality than you should watch this. It deals with a teenager coming to terms with her sexuality which makes it more interesting and made you want to watch it. I enjoyed watching the relationship between mother and daughter and how they both dealt with the situation. Ellen Muth was exceptionally great. Stockard Channing did a great job as well and i really enjoyed her in this role.

"Coming out" as parents of a homosexual

[MyMovieTVRomance · 6/10 · 8 April 2022]

Not a very pleasant movie, in fact, quite painful a lot of the time. Be prepared- this is very intense and melodramatic. Yet, it's also genuinely moving, and I was sobbing by the end- really sobbing!

The lighthearted narration by the lead character did not prepare me for the heavy film I was in store for! This movie has a lot of growing pains- but most of them are the growing pains of the parents, and I really felt for the struggle they were having with their daughter not only growing up, but becoming someone they felt they had to get to know all over again- someone they wished she wasn't.

I understand that parents pin their hopes and dreams on their child, and when that child defies expectations in a shocking way, well, I get that it will be hard for them to accept. And I appreciate that this movie shows how just because a parent might not be comfortable with a child's homosexuality, it doesn't necessarily mean the love they have for their child isn't there. It's just that it might take them some time to "come out" as parents of a homosexual.

Yes, the coming out process is often not just that of the child's, it is often a family affair. And that's a pretty important point the movie makes- that parents and whole families have a coming out process too, when a close relative is gay. And as much as people say that no one should force a homosexual out of the closet, that it is their choice whether to "come out or not" I think that it's only fair if the parents and siblings have that same choice.

The daughter in this movie was scary in how quickly she shunned her parents and lashed out. She definitely showed her age, in her lack of empathy and sympathy for her parents' struggles with the situation, only thinking of her own, and getting angry if they don't accept her right away.

And to those who see this and just want to hate on the mother- remember- just because acceptance is easy for YOU doesn't mean it's easy for everyone, so give her the same understanding you would hope she'd give you. Don't be a hypocritical viewer. If you want love and for people to accept you as you are, you must be loving, and try to understand and accept others as they are too. It's a process.

The only people in this movie that ultimately deserve a viewer's anger are the school bullies who taunt and tease just for the sake of being mean, not the mother- who was genuinely struggling. Remember- everyone's struggles are different.

The movie ended well though, and my tears by then were tears of the heart.

You don't have to be gay to enjoy this movie!

[ablang · 10/10 · 29 March 2004]

I suspect that only homophobes will be the only ones not enjoying this movie, because they won't be viewing it with an open mind. I'm a single guy and decided to give this movie a chance.

I laughed out loud a few times and even almost cried once. One would think that this movie comes off like an after-school ABC special, but it doesn't patronize in any way. Instead, we learn the plight of a lonely young girl as she goes through the trials & tribulations of being a lesbian. I am amazed at how well the young actress who plays Jane does it so well at such a young age. The movie makes one realize that not all people are the same. Some people are different. But what happens when that different person is your daughter. This opened up my eyes.

Go rent this movie. You will not be disappointed.

Eerily Familiar and Unbelievably Real

[phenyxx · 10/10 · 3 January 2006]

Did these guys have microphones in the wall when I came out to my parents? This movie was so similar to my own coming out experience that it was downright creepy in places. Some of Stockard Channing's lines were almost exactly what my own mother said verbatim!

So, in my book, this movie gets a 15 out of 10 for realism because, hey, I lived it. What more can I say. It's like they made a movie of my coming out experience and Ellen Muth played me.

About the movie itself, the acting was great; the plot was well laid out and strong and the characters were wonderfully believable. This movie is a 100% must see for teenage lesbians and their parents.

Artless made-for-TV movie

[Pro Jury · 1/10 · 16 April 2001]

A script devoid of realism and limp, lifeless direction sink this made-for-TV movie.

The subject matter is certainly fertile enough. The actors have ability. However, the script is suspenseless. The full-time use of a narrator prevents situations from building. There is no need for comic relief because (much needed) plot tension is not allowed to build to any measurable degree.

Production values are flat. The lonely tones of a few simple key strokes on a piano make up the "dramatic" background score. The music, like this movie, is simplistic, lifeless and boring.

Great coming out movie

[Carmilla-3 · 9/10 · 9 January 2003]

OK so I'm sappy, I loved this movie, as angst ridden as it was. My coming out wasn't nearly as bad, but I'm sure others have it even worse. I loved the acting, the cute music, the gorgeous school teacher and Stockard Channing's acting. Every time I watch this movie I enjoy it more, Ellen Muth is also a great little actress. And at least she didn't go back to a man like most lesbian movies made for mainstream do. Be out and proud of who you are!

Touching, but tries too hard to make its point

[nigel-952-885999 · 4/10 · 7 May 2012]

This movie has some very touching moments but it tries far too hard to make a point rather then allow the story and characters to develop on their own. By the end you wonder if you have been watching an educational film commissioned by PFLAG or some other self-help group for gay people.

It was made two years after the release of Lukas Moodysson's astonishing "Show me Love" which also deals with a love affair between two teenage girls of different social backgrounds, the homophobic behaviour of classmates and the reaction of the seemingly liberal and supportive parents of one of the girls. I wonder if the director was aware of Moodysson's work? I fear this film suffers badly by comparison.

Great FILM, GREAT ACTORS, WONDERFUL STORY!!!

[whpratt1 · 10/10 · 25 March 2004]

This film opened my eyes to the very difficult problems that people have to face whether they are young, old, Moms and Dads, daughters and sons who LOVE LIFE AND EACH OTHER in a different way than the average man or woman. This world is full of hate and evil, but we must remember that GOD is LOVE and no human beings can ever stand between anyone who loves each other. Stockard Channing(Janice),"Anything Else",'03 gave a great performance as a mother who had a hard time trying to accept the fact that her daughter was Gay. Ellen Muth(Jane),"A Gentleman's Game,"'01, was the daughter who discovered she had great love to offer, not only for her family but other woman. Ellen Muth gave a great performance and I am sure we will be seeing a great deal of her talents in the future. Kelly Rowan(Ms.Lynn Walcott),"Jet Boy",'01, was a great English teacher and helped Ellen Muth grow to accept her strong feelings. If you want to see a great honest and down to earth film about being GAY, and all the emotional pain that goes through coming out of the CLOSET, this is a film for people who want to be OPEN MINDED !

The frightful experience of coming out

[mermatt · 19 August 2000]

This film is based on some stilted or manipulated situations, especially those involving the glib wisdom dispensed by Jane's teacher and friends. In fact, the teacher is merely a plot device, showing up as a "deus ex machina" at exactly the right moments to help Jane.

But the plight of coming out is well portrayed and genuine.

The feeling that "no where is safe" is the terror experienced by many homosexuals, especially teens. It is good that a TV-movie like this, as pat as it is, was broadcast on Lifetime, the cable network aimed at women. I believe women can overcome the fear of homosexuality better than men who have been indoctrinated into the macho myth that fosters homophobia.

what can i say? i fell in love with it

[arc_gabriel · 10/10 · 3 September 2003]

"The truth about Jane" is one of those movies that, at least for me, can make you open your eyes and make a change in you. It has obviously some flaws, as a tv movie would, but its strenght goes far beyond. The spirit of this deeply touching movie gets you and changes you. A simple story (simplistic some would say) captures you and its innocence and sweetness are all you need to love it. A movie like no other i have ever seen, it's something different. I can only remember of the Once&Again episode "The gay-straight aliance" to compare it to. It's honest, it's sweet, it's touching and it will change the way you think about certain things. It's a hopefull story and the girl who plays Jane, Ellen Muth, has this unique talent and grace that marvells you. And it also has humour, as all things in life should have, even if just a bit. It's a wonderful fell-good movie with a heart and a soul. Watch it!

The truth? Wish I had known it

[clave · 1/10 · 8 October 2001]

How can some film makers possibly title a film with the word "the truth" to have one of the characters saying "Sometimes it's best not to tell the truth, don't be so hard on yourself"?

The truth is that this "lifetime" movie goes beyond absurdity. The characters are such cartoons with the goodies being the ones who say "follow your feelings" and the villains those who dare to say what's right and what's not. Yet perhaps the most insulting thing this film has is its narrow approach to the subject. These parents really deserve to go through this hell because of their ignorance and their incontrollable eagerness to be approved (and loved) by their daughter, which is precisely what this character penalizes. Do they try to study and learn more about homosexuality, how it is developed or it finally becomes a deliberate choice and not naively a genetic definition? NO!, They just react like some bigots who are magically changed by their obsession with their girl's acceptance, And believe me, this teen-age is years-light more mature than her folks, more conscious, tolerant and balanced, She even lectures her father that a lesbian and a tomboy girl are not the same and sends her mother to some sort of AA meeting for parents who are sick because they can't rejoice at the fact that their breed are queer. The point is not merely to portray homosexuals as victims (which of course they do) but as the real saviors of the American family. This film becomes so manipulative and so predictable that its failure is that it precisely lacks what it preaches: how to deal as individuals and as a family on the painful issue of self-discovery that teen-age is about. But when you overrate teen-age, simplistic and frivolous focus is what you get.

Coming out and Coming to terms.

[Ryan_M · 9/10 · 19 August 2000]

"exposed" as a lesbian, Rejected by everyone including her girlfriend, supported only by a closeted teacher and her mothers gay friend(RuPaul continuing His string of "out of drag" movie roles.), The film is realistic and unique in that it deals with a mothers struggle with her daughters sexuality in a non-"I don't accept you as gay now but at the end of the movie, I suddenly will" way. Her mother learns ultimately that loving her daughter means being a part of her life and not rejecting the idea that She may be wrong.

Close to Home

[eppystjust · 23 June 2002]

I recently taped this movie off of Lifetime and as I was watching it, I was amazed at home closely Jane's home and personal experiences reminded me of my own coming out. As I was watching the video, the story was so powerful and personal that I had to turn it off at times to take a moment. The acting in the movie was great. Stockard Channing, as always, proved to be a stunning actress with a stellar performance. The young actress who played Jane, Ellen Muth, proved herself with a hard emotionally demanding dramatic performance. I hope to see more from her in the future. Kelly Rowan, who played the teacher was beautiful as always. Her performance was great, but I agree with with other users that her character was always appearing on the scene at "the right time" a little too much. Overall, I thought the movie was great. A must see for friends and family of all homosexuals. Everyone for that matter. A wonderful Coming Out movie!

Very accurate display of pain and emotion

[Gowin4me · 10/10 · 8 October 2005]

This movie is very good for anyone who is gay, knows someone that is, or just wants to see how cruel people can be for no reason. While I am not personally gay I have watched quite a few friends come out to their family and watched them go through very similar circumstances. An important element of the movie is telling us that just because someone is gay does not make them bad people, and that they have feelings just like everyone else and they deserve to be treated just as everyone else is treated. Its bad enough gay people have to put up with a bunch of crap from society as a whole, but they should not have to put up with it from their own family, and you get to see just how hard it is for the person to live in that home go along with their life. If this movie does nothing else it should show us to treat our children the same no matter if they are gay or not, because the last thing they need is to feel alienated from their own family.

Truly touching, an amazing portrayal by the young cast.

[shelspense · 9/10 · 27 August 2000]

This movie was very touching. In fact I find myself feeling remorseful of childish and unthinking remarks I may have made about or to other teenagers when I was younger.

Though it was a little too coincidental that the teacher happened to show up at all the right times I thought her insight, from an adult perspective, was important for young viewers who may be in the same position as Jane. The only really disappointing part to me was the younger brother. I felt that they should have developed his character more rather than just attaching him to scenes, especially at the end.

Unlike a lot of "Lifetime Movies" I thought the cast did a wonderful job. You can never go wrong with Stockard Channing, and Jenny O'Hara and James Naughton have been around and entertaining forever. But, I was especially impressed with the character Taylor, Alicia Lagano. She added subtleties that I would have found impressive for a veteran actor.

For the sake of the film business I hope to see a lot more from both Alicia Lagano and Ellen Muth. To me so many other young actors just sound as if they are reading from a script.

I recommend this movie to anyone, especially those who have historically been openly critical of gays and lesbians. It makes you think about the term "Alternative Lifestyle".

A great tool...

[qloud24 · 10/10 · 11 September 2000]

I value this movie because it works so hard to cover all aspects of the "coming out" process and because it allows an unusually strong focus on the other players involved in "coming out," such as parents. I've shown it to many straight friends and my parents, in hopes that they would find some understanding and aid in it -- they tell me they have.

A poignant movie with touching performances

[GIARDINA-3 · 16 April 2001]

I was completely amazed and touched by this movie. The performances were great, specially the one by Stockard Channing. The plot was very well developed and the characters all seem extremely believable. A really great movie!

Decent Flick

[reallybadcliche · 16 February 2005]

A dear friend had a very similar experience to Jane and I got a chance to be her Mrs. Walcott, and I can say this movie was great until the end. I suppose that all Lifetime movies have to have good sappy endings, but this one was a tad bit unrealistic. I liked seeing Ellen Muth in something that wasn't Dead Like Me (I love that show!), and of course, Stockard Channing is always brilliant, even if I did want to shake and shake her through the whole experience.

It's a difficult thing for gay and lesbian kids of religious or "proper" parents to come out. We hear stories about it all the time, about parents disowning them and writing them out of the will and brothers and sisters who won't talk to them for the rest of their lives. It's so sad and so devastating. Hopefully that's the message this movie will bring to the table - love your children (sisters/brothers/whatever) no matter who they choose to love.

Don't bother.

[paoguy118 · 14 November 2002]

More gay propaganda here. Treats a very serious issue too lightly.

I would not recommend under any circumstances. In fact, a young girl who is struggling with her sexual identity should be kept away from this flick.

Great Movie

[belmatt00 · 5 November 2000]

It's awesome to be able to see a movie on such a topic on television, not since Beautiful Thing have I been so moved. I may be biased being a gay teen myself, but I think anyone would enjoy this movie, and can probably relate to it, or knows a friend who can relate.

Absolutely astounding...

[DaysHaze · 20 August 2000]

The Truth About Jane is a must see for anyone, whether trying to cope with a newly outed relative or just looking for a new perspective on an alternative lifestyle. Jane, portrayed brilliantly by gifted actress Ellen Muth, is a middle class teenager who meets Taylor, a newcomer to her new school. Friends Taylor and Jane soon move their relationship to the next level as each start falling in love with each other. The movie deals with Jane's parents difficult acceptance of their daughter's new lesbian lifestyle, and perhaps even more heartbreaking, Jane's acceptance of what she has known all along but just realized about herself. Catch it on Lifetime is possible! Great performances also by Stockard Channing as Jane's mother and James Naughton as Jane's father.