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Flawless (1999) is a drama film starring Robert De Niro, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Barry Miller. The movie is set in New York City in the late 1990s and tells the story of two unlikely friends - Walt Koontz (De Niro), a retired security guard, and Rusty Zimmerman (Hoffman), a drag queen. The film opens with Koontz suffering a stroke that leaves him partially paralyzed and unable to speak properly. He becomes frustrated and depressed, and his relationship with his neighbors and family suffers as a result. One day, Zimmerman moves into the apartment across the hall from Koontz and begins practicing his singing, which disturbs Koontz. However, after a rocky start, the two become close friends as they bond over their mutual loneliness and isolation.

The movie explores the themes of acceptance, tolerance, and friendship as the two characters learn to look past each other's differences and find common ground. De Niro's character, in particular, struggles with his own prejudices and discomfort around Zimmerman's lifestyle but gradually learns to accept and support him. Hoffman delivers an outstanding performance as Zimmerman, bringing both humor and humanity to his portrayal of a character who is often marginalized and ridiculed.

As the story unfolds, the two characters find themselves in a situation that forces them to rely on each other and confront their own fears and prejudices. The film raises deeper questions about identity, authenticity, and the struggles of marginalized communities in a society that does not always embrace diversity.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its depiction of New York City. The movie captures the city's energy, diversity, and grittiness, providing a vivid backdrop for the characters' struggles and triumphs. The film also features a great soundtrack that includes jazz, soul, and pop classics from the 1960s and 1970s.

Overall, Flawless is a touching and thought-provoking drama that highlights the importance of compassion, empathy, and acceptance. The performances by De Niro and Hoffman are top-notch, and the film serves as a reminder that we are all flawed and in need of love and understanding. While the movie may not be for everyone, it is a worthy addition to any collection of thoughtful and engaging dramas.

Flawless is a 1999 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 50.