Actor Ryan Phillippe attends the Los Angeles Film Festival's third annual Spirit of Independence Award in Los Angeles June 28, 2007.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Peirce's first film, "Boys Don't Cry," about a transgendered character, was a box office and critical hit for a low-budget film and garnered Hilary Swank a best actress Oscar.

In "Stop-Loss," Phillippe portrays Brandon King, an army sergeant who comes home to a welcoming parade only to find himself stop-lossed -- ordered to return to duty even after his volunteer contract ended.

His dilemma raises numerous conflicts for Phillippe's character and his fellow soldiers, played by Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as well as the women they come home to.

(China Daily/Agencies March 26,2008)