John Cameron Mitchell wrote and starred Hedwig and the Angry Inch, the musical opened Off-Broadway in 1998. The soundtrack was created by Stephen Trask. The show a considerable number of important awards, resulting in a movie with a same name three years later. John C. Mitchell also starred and directed it. Most of the actors and actresses use outfits and lots of make-up, the people responsible for turning visually the cast into the characters did an incredible work. Those which stand out are Hedwig with the clothing, make- ups and wigs along with Miriam Shor portraying a man, Yitzhak, it's barely noticeable that a male character is being played by a woman. There're some scenes which were filmed using different, but still interesting, angles and techniques, providing an artistic tone and making the movie more unique. Regarding the musical presentations, there're both recorded audio and live performances. John C. Mitchell preferred that way instead of just having lip-sync shows to the passion and energy of the songs do not go unnoticed.Behind the make-ups, costumes, wigs and musical performances, there's a story which isn't just shallow and empty, but has certain depth, which induces you to think, talking about the search of love and your self- acceptance. Due to her strong personality and charisma, Hedwig affects you right from the start. As the film goes on, you get to know more about her and by the end you probably will very emotional and sympathized with her. John Cameron Mitchell did an outstanding performance to bring Hedwig to life, he succeeded in passing the whirlwind of emotions that Hedwig had as a result of her difficult and traumatic life.

Plot: Hedwig, an kid from the RFA with some gender issues, finds only one way to escape from his country. Sex-change surgery, marry an American soldier and then grab his mother passport to get the hell out of there. Now in the USA, we will witness her story: girl meets boy, boy steals her songs to become a rock star...all of it through a great musical, or better said a "musiglam". Ludicrous, is it not? John Cameron Mitchell adapts his own Off-Broadway play into the big screen, directs and stars as Hedwig, in a movie full of colors, light and music. A film that became an instant classic, a cult low budget movie, and a reference in indie filmmaking at the beginning of this century. Stephen Trask plays the role of guitar player in Hedwig's band, and he is responsible for the whole soundtrack, a track list as solid as touching; what a perfect music for such a story.I remember watching this film around 2002 or 2003 in a nearby cinema, a "Glam Night", films like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (Jim Sharman, 1975), "Velvet Goldmine" (Todd Haynes, 1998) or this very film. I am not a fan of musicals, they seem to me a bit absurd, but when I watched this, I thought: "well, if it's excessive, it better be ridiculously excessive". And so it was, but not only that, it is a great film, a touching story and a wonderful soundtrack. Meet Hedwig, it is impossible not to enjoy her story.

9.2/10This film plays like the love child of This is Spinal Tap and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Telling the incredible, fantastical tale of Hedwig it sort of feels like a surreal, sex-fuelled Forrest Gump (even linking the story to a historic event). Going by its plot, those thoughts and its unique genre placing as a camp punk-rock musical/opera on the surface you would expect this to be nothing more than just loud, brash and superficial. And while there may be an element of that there is also so much more here than just that. It's a film that is full of heart and sincerity. A film that toes the line between humour and poignancy. A film that is both joyous and heartbreakingly tragic. I may even go as far to say that it's a film that is rather oddly beautiful.For an outsider looking in you may think the film and the character will not have much to say to you, much for you to identify with. After all who is going to be able to relate to the story of an East German transsexual punk rock singer? Except that it's so much more than that, it's about themes and emotions that are almost universal. It's about feeling lost and like an outsider, trying to find a place to belong. And it's about dealing with love both lost and found. As a result we can probably all relate to Hedwig in some way.This is just a stunning effort from John Cameron Mithcell. As the film's writer, director and star its a truly immense accomplishment for him. His direction is raw, but so effective at imbuing the film with such a voracious energy and life. His script is a terrifically witty and fun affair, teeming with acerbic humour. And as the self described "internationally ignored song stylist" Hedwig, Mitchell's performance is just a revelation, absolutely mesmerising. It's probably the most I've enjoyed any performance in quite a while. Hedwig is like a cross between Lady Gaga and....and....no actually just comparing her to Lady Gaga just about does it! Well perhaps with a dose of 70s era David Bowie thrown in. The character is outlandish and very funny, but is also a fragile and rather sad creation. Mitchell brings so much depth and emotion to the role, grasping both the caustic humour but also the melancholy of Hedwig. And the fact that he has a stunning voice doesn't hurt either.Of course this movie would not work in any capacity whatsoever without the songs. And what an amazing success they are. Written by Stephen Trask they seem to channel a bit of a Ramones vibe and are just absolutely infectious. It may have been only my first viewing but before long I already found myself singing along to them. What is most impressive about them is that they are not just purely throwaway efforts only for entertainment. Each song plays a part in moving the story along, detailing Hedwig's journey to this point and adding layers to the character and his emotions. I don't think there's a dud song in the bunch, and my personal favourites would have to be the bonkers but brilliant "Origin of Love", the fun and sweet "Wig in a Box" and the lovely "Midnight Radio". Though the one I've been singing most since then is actually "Angry Inch." While Mitchell is tremendous there is someone who comes damn close to matching him – Michael Pitt as Tommy Gnosis. As the lost, troubled soul he is great but it's his scenes alongside Mitchell that are truly remarkable, the two sharing a terrific chemistry. Of special note has to be their final scene near the end of the film. With both men exposing their flesh and their souls it is a very powerful and beautiful moment. They don't actually say a single word, telling the whole story with their facial expressions and it is just wonderful.The film also looks tremendous. The clothes, make-up and sets all have a tremendously flamboyant and extravagant feel to them. Hedwig's preposterous hair, full-on makeup and series of sensational, garish costumes make it a lush, glam rock style picture to behold. Oh and there is also some lovely use of crude but delightful animation, which is just insanely charming. This is especially true whilst accompanying Origin of Love.Conclusion – Just a delight. A terrific find for me. Yes it's surreal. Yes it's bizarre and weird. As a result it's refreshingly original, whilst also being somehow believable, very moving and terrifically feel good. I was just expecting something silly and fun. Instead I was rewarded with something much more. Wonderful

And that is saying something, because i'm a total filmophile (yes, it's in the urban dictionary)and i used to work in the movie industry as well. i'm incredibly picky and have been called a film snob. but i LOVE and adore hedwig, the music is outstanding (one of my fav soundtracks as well), the story is great. their is humor, honesty, sadness, the reality of hardships and levity as well. it has it all. it should touch you, make you angry, make you laugh, make you cry, all the while grooving to the incredible music. john cameron mitchell is a HUGE talent (as just proved by his Oscar nomination for "rabbit hole", he was nominated for hedwig as well but due to the fact that it had been a play prior to the film, he was not qualified for certain nominations, "best original...." anything, because it had already been in the play). he plays the role amazingly well, touches you, breaks your heart and makes you REALLY feel for hedwig and his/her plight. everyone does a great job in the film. watch for stephen trask as well (as lead guitarist in hedwig's band) he is the songwriter, an amazing talent. hedwig will ALWAYS be one of my fav films ever and i HIGHLY recommend it, even to the homophobic, ESPECIALLY to the homophobic.