Reviews (47)

Lilies is a masterpiece...a brilliant piece of art.
I accidentally saw Lilies about five years ago when it was released on VHS in Canada. Me and my friends who had no idea what we were to watch, sat in silence for the two hours of this film with our jaws on the ground. Lilies remains one of my favorite movies, always causing catharsis.

This is a piece of theatre on film which, unlike many movie musicals or plays put on film, transfers beautifully and clearly. The conventions used in this film highten the truth and beauty captured in Bouchard's [stage] script. Though in the first few minutes of the play there may be a few unanswered questions, everything becomes clear--more than clear; poetic.

The acting is this film is beautiful. With a cast of mainly unknown actors, the subject matter is handled sensitively with a delicate touch. The central relationship of Simone and Valier is well defined and very well acted. Brent Carver proves his brilliance repeatedly in all his work, whether it's on stage or on screen.

I am a little tongue tied when I think of this movie becuase I get moved everytime I replay the story in my mind. It is powerful and beautiful. If this review has meant anything, let it mean that this movie could leave you speechless.

A great love story
An evocative, beautifully shot, and well acted love story. The movie opens in a prison, where a bishop has been invited to hear a convict's confession. Once on prison grounds, the bishop is confronted by that same convict, Simon, for whom he has lusted unrequittedly when they were childhood friends. What follows is the retelling of a tragic love triangle and the devastating events which led up to the imprisonment of Simon, the death of Vallier, his lover, and the bishop culpable role in them.

Unlike many other movies with a gay theme, this one is very well acted. Young Simon, played by Jason Cadieux, has dark hair, dark eyes, and is drop dead gorgeous. It is easy to see why he is the object of every man's lust. But the one who really caught my attention was Vallier, played by Danny Gilmore. Though pale and a little thin, he is ethereally beautiful. What's more, Gilmore and Cadieux has such an erotically charged chemistry that is not often seen in any cinema. Although not as sexually explicit as some others, the bathtub scene is as sensual as any I've seen.

This is a wonderful movie, one of my favorites. The only down side is that it has such a sad story line.

L'art pour l'art
Some films just can't be grasped on the first go-around. Lillies is one such film. After the first viewing, I was left more confused than moved, but the second time meant a significant improvement. Things came into perspective and I realized what a superb little film this is.

The story itself is quite ingenious. Quebec, 1952. A prison. The first scene opens with a priest arriving to hear confession. Nothing out of the ordinary......but as soon the confessional door closes, the mind-boggling roller-coaster begins. The penitent, Simon, has plans other than unburdening his soul. He and his fellow inmates put on a play within a play in order to help the unsuspecting Bishop Bilodeau refresh his clouded memory of events that happened some fifty years ago.....

Simon and Bilodeau study together at the local school where a third boy, Vallier, has fallen in love with Simon. Simon and Vallier tryst in the school's attic, while Bilodaeu secretly lusts after Simon himself. Bilodeau attempts to separate the lovers in the guise of 'saving' Simon's sin-tainted soul, when in actuality, he only wants Simon for himself. Simon's father soon learns of his son's secret affair and brutally beats him. In reaction, Simon runs from Vallier and prepares to marry a visiting baroness. The wounded Vallier retreats to his equally-forlorn mother and together they plan to crash the approaching wedding and put Simon's love to the test. Their plan reaps it harvest and Simon soon confesses his love for Vallier. A happy ending is in the works, when Bilodeau blunders back into frame hoping to elope with Simon. Rejected, he reacts rashly and seals Simon's fate for the next fifty years.

All the while, the film dances among the colorful past and dreary, incarcerated present as the inmates do their best to make Bishop Bilodeau confront his long-forgotten deed. The long-awaited 'confession' comes and the curtain draws, Simon avenged.

No doubt a sumptous feast of colors, striking images, great performances (the baroness steals the show with her smoldering, sexy aura), Lillies is also arch and contrived, in a word, theatrical. The dialogue is so poetic as to seem rhetorical and forced. The characters say everything so touchingly, yet they fail to touch us. Even the final confession falls limp. Everybody tries so hard to say dramatic things that the drama itself suffers. The characters don't make us feel their predicament. This unnaturalness--for lack of a better word--is further compounded by the complete absence of women in the film. Understandable, but the excess of male-ness unnerves and annoys after awhile.

Despite its artistic over-kill, Lillies is ultimely redeemed by its creativity and stunning beauty. Every scene is superbly crafted. Kudos to director Greyson, he truly understands his camera. No shot is wasted. Whether it's a close-up or a back-drop, the images in this movie often hit home harder than the dialogue. And the music. Lofty and atmospheric, it alone is worthy of four stars.

And true to its theatrical origins, Lillies does deliver the moral goods. We are instructed and edified through the suffering of Simon and Vallier. Bouchard's play starkly outlines the tragic cost of running from ourselves. To quote another 'playwright's' immortal words, 'To thine ownself be true.' For those looking for a luscious piece of tasty and filling eye candy, then look no further!

Outstanding, ground breaking and fresh
This was an exceptional film with a fresh and enjoyable concept. The story was wonderful and dramatic. It was strange but that's part of the charm of this film. The other reviews gave you the basic concept of the story line, so all I can add is that it is an excellant addition to my collection and will be one of my more unusual selections. I was unsure when I ordered it however I'm very happy I did. This is a very good investment. Buy it!

Buy this! Now!!
A beautiful film, with a beautiful cast....A tale of young (gay) love, treachery, and vengeance...One of my all-time favorite films....A must-see film, must-own esp. if you love gay cinema... ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Van Pham needs help
This movie shows American soldiers commiting war crimes yet Van says they are spotless in this "racist" film. what a load of crap. The acting is ok, the story is well done as far as the strong emotions brought to the surface as the soldiers attempt to heal their emotional scars. As far as the people criticizing the amount of action, the title accuratly depicts the error of an individual who is under heavy fire and calls in bad coordinance for the air strike that kills his fellow troops.

The Viet Nam Experience Was SHEER HELL!
A No holds barred view of the conditions of war and the Hell we called Viet Nam, this DVD is a no glitz unvarnished look back at the experiences of Viet Nam Vets. This group of Marines are forced to relive their experiences on a trip back to Viet Nam many years after the war ended. Intended as a revelation of events that led up to the massacre of innocents, this experience of the hellacious events of this warfare serves as a wakeup call to those who glorify war. This war especially was HELL and this DVD captures the essence of this experience vividly!

The worst vietnam movie ever!!!!!!!!
I rented this trash thinking it would be good. I've seen the directors other film"Boys of company C", and it was great. But this movie is done w/cheap recording, crappy acting, and a stupid ending. By far the worst vietnam movie i've ever seen.

Under Heavy Sedation
Under the guise of being a movie about healing of Vietnam War Veterans this movie is just the opposite. In the movie these old soldiers get together and find out what trigger happy baby killers they were when they were young. Apparently there are still folks out there that find it neccessary to keep on spitting on vets. I picked up this DVD cheap and kind of sorry that I spent the six bucks for it. If you want to see a good Vietnam flick, spend your money on WHEN WE WERE SOLDIERS. It is a much better storyline and the folks in it actually do a good job of acting. UNDER HEAVY FIRE on the other hand is a B movie, with a lousy story and poorly executed. Sappy-sappy-sappy with a big group hug in the end. What a waste. Why do I have to give this move a star. Why can't I give it a minus three stars?

Under Heavy Fire
I had recently watched this movie one early Sunday morning around 3:00am when I couldn't sleep. I at first thought it was one of those B rated movies so I choose to continue watching it and yes the acting wasn't all that great, but what intriqued me mostly about the movie was the fact that Veterans's were returning back to Vietnam and reliving nightmares and dealing with old demons and problems. The acting was alright considering what the movie was about. It really captured my attention when mistakes were made with the command structure and how misunderstanding and anger brought these band of brothers back together after so many years of pain. So hey the movie made it's point to me and that is why I ordered the DVD so I can watch it again. Great job Capser Van Diem and the remaining cast. Thanks! ... Read more