Amazon.com

Leo (Kevin McKidd) is an endearing pup of a blue-eyed lad lookingfor old-fashioned romance with a happily ever after. Convinced to join afriend's drum-thumping New Men's Group ("Let these strong loving menheal you!" begs leader Simon Callow, who all but steals the film as a manin touch with his inner guru), Leo confesses an attraction to anothermember of the circle in the spirit of sharing. He's the only gay man in the group but his confession starts a cascade of sexual reassessment, allencouraged by Callow's hilarious new age Iron John. Meanwhile Leo's gadflyof a roommate is having sex in other people's bedrooms all over town withhis new real estate agent lover (a sly, haughtily confident Hugo Weaving)and Leo reconnects with his childhood girlfriend Sally (Jennifer Ehle), who brightens the film with her sunny smile and wounded yet spiritedtenderness. Rose Troche, whose guerrilla American indie Go Fishtransformed a lesbian love story into a classic romantic comedy, herestraddles screwball farce and sophisticated sitcom with a clumsy style that skews more toward the latter, but she invests it with genuine affection. As the funny but flippant comedy winds up to almost painfully trite pairingsbetween the ricocheting couples-to-be, Troche's loving direction allowseveryone their dignity and their charm, even through the most contrived and kooky complications. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Wonderfully comical
I just spent a hilarious three hours (well, the film is only 105 minutes, but I kept hitting the reverse button on the remote) watching Bedrooms & Hallways. This film is clever and funny.

Leo and Darren, both gay, search for romance in their own individual ways. Leo is attracted to someone whom he thinks is straight. Darren just has one hell of a good time, often. And life falls apart from there.

The film begins with a surprise party for Leo, at which we meet all the principal characters of the film. Then by means of one long flashback we enjoy what led up to the current state of affairs (of which there are many). The ending is hair-brained and implausible but many of these films usually end absurdly. So, not an issue.

What makes this film so lovably wonderful are the characters. As for Leo, take him or leave him. He is one of those tiresome individuals who obsesses his way out of what could have been a meaningful relationship by insisting on 100% commitment. Oh, yawn. We've seen it a million times, so ignore him. Tom Hollander plays Darren to delicious excess. You may remember him from the "Absolutely Fabulous" episodes, "The Last Shout," in which he almost marries Saffron. Hugo Weaving (Priscilla: Queen of the Desert) plays Jeremy, Darren's love interest. Jeremy is a real estate agent, which gives him access to empty houses in which he and Darren meet to fulfill some eccentric fantasies. But Jeremy has to have the right decor. These two are the joy of this film. Simon Callow, as Keith, oversees a New Age men's therapy group that is hysterical. And James Purefoy is gorgeous as Brendan.

Finally, a gay film in which there is lots of kissing! And it's the good old fashioned open mouth, "I think you're so hot!" variety. The DVD lacks features, but it has a short and enlightening interview with the director, Rose Troche. One point - ignore the cover. It shows Weaving looking lasciviously at Purefoy. Those two have nothing to do with each other in the film. They never even meet. Just another example of marketing ineptitude. But the disk inside is wonderful! Now go buy it, Honey.

Fluffy but funny
Charming little film about a gay man and the crazy world that surrounds him, the film is delightful but doesn't stand too far above the many charming and delightful gay-themed British films that we've seen in the last little while (Get Real, Like It Is), but is probably most notable for being the one that really makes a concerted effort to stretch people's guidelines of what constitutes sexual orientation: the main character finds himself attracted to a straight man in his all-male therapy group, and the straight man actually goes out with him and ends becoming quite enamored in their relationship. The latter guy's girlfriend turns out to be our hero's ex-girlfriend from college, and they in turn find a possible reignition of their young puppy love. While not anything worth writing home about, the film is bright and lively and features a great Jane Austen-themed sadism dream sequence, complete with one of the film's stars Harriet Walker, who you might remember as the evil Fanny in Sense and Sensibility. Her scenes with Simon Callow are among the film's best ("I love being a woman," she says, "Not because of you but because of me.")

Amazing, funny, open minded...
A very original and satiric comedy ! A great pleasure: very nice story, good study of human behaviours, very well played by many talented actors and actress, never coarse and first and foremost it makes us learn being more tolerant and open minded towards other people. It doesn't matter if people are gay or hetero or anything else ; there only one thing interesting : they are all simply only human with qualities and fairlties.
A very good time in forecast...

Unexpected Twists and strange effections
Bedrooms and Hallways is an enjoyable and at times witty film that follows the lead ( Leo ) on his quest to find romance, love or a husband of sorts. It has the feel of a sit-com with undertones that hit on issues most of us can understand. It's more like light entertainment with a few fairly heavy moments. The production quality is good and the acting was right on. As a note, the actor that plays a kinky real estate salesman is the same actor that plays Mr. Smith in the Matrix movies and it was fun to see him in the truely twisted roll as a Gay sex monger with strange kinks. He hates cheep house wares. Maybe you have to see it to understand. The movie was good and worth picking up and adding to your collection. Its suggestive but tastefully done and would be OK for mixed crowds.

Cliched, but still entertaining due to unexpected situations
First fifteen minutes: the sledgehammer was out and the condescension began. Film was saying "all you people out there who have stereotypical notions about gay people...you're WRONG!".

Next half an hour: sledgehammer goes away, but a dreadfully rehashed plotline comes out. Gay man falls for straight guy who -- shut my mouth! -- may be interested in our hero after all. Agenda is out on the table. Can a moratorium be declared on this plotline?

Next 15 minutes: Straight girl (aka "former girlfriend) appears and wants our gay hero. Because straight girls are ALWAYS in love with their gay male friends, didn't you know.

Last half hour: This is where the story took a turn I had not seen before. People who believe a person is either gay or straight may be dissatisfied with the outcome, but I found it to be very true to life (including, but not limited to, mine). Love and friendship can be confusing enough as they are; throw sex into the mix and one inevitably starts questioning one's own assumptions.

Plot machinations aside, the perfomers are genial and it is nice to see films about modern Britain. There are some truly funny moments and everyone feels like a friend. I wound up enjoying this film a lot. ... Read more

Description

Chat room fantasy becomes unexpected reality in the Big Apple with roommates Jason and Chad.Jason, a.k.a. "hook up boy" is the typical online groupie searching endlessly for the next encounter.The game of "hook up" leads him to seedy porn theatres, hot phone sex encounters and chocolate romp on the dinner table!When Chad comes across "hook up boy" in an Internet chat room the story begins to take a whole new twist.A hot sexy love story filmed in New York City! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Dreadful
Quite possibly the worst film I have seen since Disorderlies starring the Fat Boys. The acting is awful, the script could have been written by a 10 year old and the score is so bad that it sounds like it was written on a Casio keyboard from Wal-Mart. There is not even a decent message to take away with you. Who doesn't know that chat rooms are not the key to finding love? This film (and I use that term lightly as the picture quality suggests videotape) is so rushed that it is over by the time you get back from the bathroom and even a child would be able to figure out the entire plot within the first 5 minutes. Simply dreadful and not worth wasting your time or money.

Good looking guys
If anything this movie is worth it simply for looking at the good looking guys. The story line is a little preachy but still entertaining. "Chad" is particularly attractive and has a classical theatrical quality.

Charming and Sexy
Since this movie was filming in New York and I LOVE NEW YORK CITY I have to already give it credit. The story revolves around a guy who cruises chatrooms and how he isn't satisfied... His roommate a cutie blonde thinks hooking up should be the traditional way. It's not hard to figure out what happens but ya know sometimes I like knowing what happens - HELLO any Julia Roberts Movie... also MAKE sure you check out the commerical the company 10percent productions put in the extras menu - it's the hottest and gayest commerical i've ever seen - think calvin klein meets queer as folk! I'd recommend this charming and sexy story.

After-School Formula
Two good-looking gay guys are roommates in Manhattan. One likes to arrange dates in internet chatrooms; the other wants to get to know the other person first. The former gets "dates" - in a back area of an adult theater and with an 18-year-old nominally straight guy who plays baseball; the latter pines away at home. The roommates claim not to like each other. An underutilized, cute friend of the reserved roommate shows him how to get on the internet. Both roommates end up in the same chatroom. Try guessing the rest.

To its credit, this very earnest film flies through its motions in about 65 minutes. Snickers help one get past the wooden script and acting lulls. There are lots of skin shots, and the casting is attractive, though some of the sex scenes may not convince. (Maybe the two interviews in the extras section help explain that - both actors say they are straight and have never done this sort of thing before.)

While the movie clearly wants to show why getting to know someone before sex is better than a quickie through the internet, the roommate who holds back is not shown succeeding at getting much more than computer advice from a friend, who is told in turn that friendship is not enough to get any sex. The payoff for the slow-going roommate seems no better than the web-shopper's. It is not even clear the roommates will continue to tolerate each other.

Worthy, but trite... ... Read more

Reviews (30)

'Wild Reeds' bends and does not break!
For cinema buffs, this film is probably Andre Techine's best (although 'Thieves' comes close). Released in 1994, the movie won four Cesar Awards, including Best Picture.

That said, it's a great film anyway! Techine incredibly evokes--and captures--the landscape and atmosphere, the tonal integrity, the dynamic symmetry of the French countryside, his actors, and time sequence in a way that few can. Certainly, this film is a tribute to film-making, regardless of nationality.

Set in 1962 when all France was abuzz and alerted to the Algerian war and crisis, Techine micromanages the time/place/conflict into a boarding school setting. And while, indeed, it is a "coming of age" story in good form, cinema as art is not lost on Techine (nor generally the French!).

Featuring praiseworthy performances of Iodie Bouchez and Gael Morel, the film dwells on, but not exclusively, their relationship--which is not without its trauma, drama, and poignancy. The two boys

acknowledge their deep-rooted relationship, which is beauty itself. Unfortunately, love does not conquer all, as the romanticists would have us believe (and the vicious politics of the time rears its ugly head too often). Clearly, Techine's juxtaposition of their relationship--sexual and otherwise--is beautifully and sensitively done. The soundtrack, too, is worthy of praise (even the American pop music lends to the film's credence). Viva la France. And Techine.

(Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)

Beautiful movie, Talented cast
This enagaging coming-of-age French movie revolves round a sort of unrequited/forbidden love triangle (or quadrangle?) between four adolescents at boarding school in southwest France. This 1994 multi-Cesar Awards winner made stars of its talented young cast, notably the two cute lead actors, Elodie Bouchez and Gael Morel. Who, like their characters here, are good friends also in real life and have worked together on a number of movies since. For me, the intimate-yet-platonic relationship as "best friends" Francois and Maite is really frustrating. As in my opinion they make such a cute couple. (Luckily, Gael and Elodie make amends for this by jumping into bed together in "Le Plus Bel Age", the film they acted in together after this one.) Anyway, by the end of this movie, you feel like you have grown up a little bit with these young teenagers, and a sense that their innocent age has passed by. The soundtrack is also nice, with Johann Strauss's Voices of Spring waltz, Barber's Adagio for Strings and some well-known 1960s American pop music. And thank goodness this video keeps the original French language soundtrack, especially as subtleties and expression of dialogue always get lost in translation.

Excellent ! ! ! !
A must see coming of age story set in France during the Algerian War. Gaël Morel was perfect. Stéphane Rideau is shown young and absolutely gorgeous in some risqué scenes of the film. My only complaint is the DVD's inability to remove the English subtitles.

It goes where "Jules and Jim" didn't dare
One girl and three guys--it does J&J one better. I always wondered why Jules and Jim bothered with "the girl" at all when they were obviously one another's true soul mates. Although WILD REEDS is not a gay film, it does have one gay character who has a couple of classmates who seem to be either bisexual or open to experimentation. The four adolescent leads in this movie are struggling with their sense of being an outsider, which seems to be a universal for boys and girls, straights and gays alike. At the same time that they are trying to come to terms with their sexual natures, they are developing a sense of their place in the world. Each of them is affected by the political issues of their day (the war in Algeria), the struggle against authoritarian school teachers, and the expectations of their families. What I found appealing about the way the characters were portrayed and developed is that each one seems to receive equal treatment, has an equal share of grief and confusion, and is equally susceptible to normal human foibles. To wish that the story lines were more resolved at the end of the film would be to ask that this thoughtful little movie be something it was not meant to be--a splashy, big-budget Hollywood film totally ungrounded in human reality.

A MUST have glimpse at the innocence and discovery of youth.
This film carries you along the journey from the innocence of youth to the beauty of first time (...) discovery. It's captivating to empathize with the boys as they struggle through their socially deviant (...) attraction for their young classmates. The film is set in a boys school in picturesque southern France and stars the gorgeous and exceptionally talented Stéphane Rideau and Gaël Morel. The DVD is high quality however you can't remove the subtitles. A must have. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Wild Boys
An ambitious and original movie, Rainer Werner Fassbider`s "Querelle" is an interesting effort with some compelling moments but ends up being too flawed as a whole. This experimental release presents a surreal and dreamy mood that showcases Querelle`s (a marine played by Brad Davis) search for himself and his true nature. His search will lead to some risky relationships with a couple of his mates, presenting a movie that combines campy moments with some introspective and symbolic ones. What we have here is a film that explores human desire, narcisism, homo(sexuality) and seduction in an unique and peculiar way, even if the characters are too self-absorbed and the plot drags in many scenes. "Querelle" is too ambiguous and ethereal to deliver a convincing resolution, even if it delivers an unusual dark atmosphere with compelling settings and brilliant direction (the photography is also good, displaying excellent colours and textures). The acting is not very intriguing and the weird characters turn this into an unusual yet cold cinematic experience. Fassbinder presents some good ideas here, still this effort is to sparse and disjointed to become a solid movie.

Not bad, just too uneven to convince.

Rub a Dub Dub
First of all when you get the DVD version, you have the opportunity to watch the film as it was originally filmed - in English. Anyone who speaks French and can read lips knows that the film was dubbed into French (and not just bad sync-sound) - the film was later released back in the states with English subtitles under the French dub (talk about a triple threat).

I must say that I love this movie for tackling issues that 20 years ago were definitely still taboo in the mainstream. Although not a masterpiece in terms of plot development, I believe it stays true to the development of Jean Genet's characters - and of course the cinematography is stunning. Like watching a live action Tom of Finland cartoon directed by David Lynch at times... Wonderful.

Wings Of Querelle? Little To Desire?
These comments refer to the DVD edition. First of all and for the record, this flick was obviously filmed in English (!) as anyone who watches lip movements can readily detect. Of course, if you only saw it on VHS or a VHS derivative, you probably couldn't see any lips, much less lip movements.

This flick is so bad that it rapidly becomes a parody of a cheap porn flick without the porn part. HEALTH WARNING TO PROSPECTIVE VIEWERS: The ubiquitous voice-overs, presumably reflecting the deepest and innermost feelings of the particular character involved in a given scene, can send viewers into uncontrollable spasms of laughter! Just when one expects some profound reflection by a character on the current state of affairs (no pun intended) what emerges are increasingly banal sexual descriptions that, were they to be quoted here, would be canned by the censors along with the rest of this review. If you could somehow cross this flick's "thought-bubbles" with those in Wm. Wender's fatally dull and unimaginative "Wings Of Desire", you would have the instantaneous creation of not one, but two cult classics!

Wooden acting by Brad Davis and others makes this flick a parody. Stay away from this turkey unless you want to liven up a party with the X-rated unintended hilarity, where caustic comments by the audience can greatly add to the fun. A zero-star flick if ever there was one.

sorry, this is not a good farewell for Fassbinder
It's very sad that this film became his last. I too love Fassbinder's work and Brad Davis is great, but you can't say that by watching this piece. Please see this after you went through all other movies from this master otherwise you would get wrong impression about his talent.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
This movie truly made me rethink my pompous blow-hard nature: that is to say, I'm fanatical about Jean Genet, madly in love with Brad Davis, and I even MOSTLY like Fassbinder. But for some reason, I can never seem to get through the first half of this movie.

Jean Genet's forbidden story of Querelle was, simply put, never meant to be translated into a movie. The internal struggles of Querelle were too innate, too complex...to ever be categorized and flow-charted and minced down into two hours of a panel-by-panel film script.

Now, with that said, I think Fassbinder made an excellent attempt to put you right up inside the taboo story of our favorite murderer/hero. The scenery is luscious, the costumry finely detailed, the casting superb. Not to mention the delicious sailor booty of a certain leading man, Brad Davis.

Still, I find this movie left me with much to be desired. After the torrid affair of Querelle and Nono, I wanted to roll over and go to sleep (no underlying meaning meant). Even THEN, there was only so much tension up until that point, and the plot manuevering that Fassbinder undertook did nothing to appease me. For example, the lusty leiutenant who writes of Querelle in the novel, keeps, instead, a tape recorded diary. With any horribly tedious passages taken directly from the text. In terribly stiff monologues.

Scary stuff.

All in all, I rated this movie with four of five stars. It perfectly compliments any Genet collection and makes for wonderful ornamentation on your DVD shelves. But if you've never heard of Jean Genet or never saw a Fassbinder movie, you should probably buy a different homoerotic brothel-lined story of metamorphoses and love. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A modest knockoff of My Own Private Idaho, The Toilers and theWayfarers rests heavily on the well-sculpted shoulders (and more) of its young hero, Dieter (Matt Klemp). Dieter and his friend Phillip (Andrew Woodhouse) are outcasts in the German-American town of New Ulm, Minnesota. Phillip, who knows that he's gay, runs away to Minneapolis. Dieter starts to hang out more with Udo (Ralf Schirg), a recent immigrant from Germany who's a bit of a boozer and a loose cannon. The two of them also flee New Ulm for the big city, where Dieter discovers that Phillip has become a street hustler. But Dieter has also discovered his own sexuality, and the two friends become lovers. Grainy black-and-white cinematography gives The Toilers and the Wayfarers a striking look. The script meanders a bit but has a forthright charm, much like its star. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Art, form and grace
This was a walk off of the beaten path. It's filmed in black and white with a mix of subtitles and English. It was rather well done and an enjoyable way to spend an evening. This is a very sexy film without any detailed sex. It's done so well that it's better than seeing the detailed act, it allows for you to fill in the gaps. It gives you a wonderful story and great acting from the lead. It was well worth the cost and I got much more than I expected. The lead is very convincing as a fresh, unsoiled young man in a town that hold no hope for growth. You see him transform before you're eye's as he discovers the reality of what waits outside the small town, on the path he has to travel. This is a tastefully sexual and seductive film that will remind you of what it was to be young and unsoiled, it will excite you're senses and leave you pondering what will happen to him now?
Not all the actors turned in great work so I felt four stars was fair. It's worth it for the lead. His acting was great and he looked splendid, as you will see for yourself.

Deter goes to the big city
Deter (Matt Klemp; now thats a Germanic name)and Phillip (Andrew Woodhouse) are best friends in high school; while talking during gym class the over bearing gum instructor (his acting isn't convincing) punishes Deter for the infraction and he get "spanked". Meeting down at the river afterwards, Phillip informs Deter " I burned my gym uniform "; they tossel about and Phillip starts to kiss Deter; at first he looks like he might be injoying it but pushes Phillip away, "What are you doing ?". Gets up and runs away, Phillip apologises, but Deter keeps running down the road and you see no more of Phillip.
Udo (Ralf Schrig) has moved from Germany to the USA to live with is aunt; by the way Udo is Deters cousin. Udo sits around his Aunt's house and drinks and doesn't seem to want to get a job (reminds me of a roomate I once had); auntie is not impressed.
She kicks the bucket and Udo inherits aunties house and money that he squanders it on a new car etc. Well Deters family is not impressed with this behavior and is concerned with his constant compaionship and time with Deter. While Udo drives up to show Deter his new car, the father has a show down with Udo and suggest he has become to close and personal with his son, and that Uno is after Deter's body. (give the guy a break dad, he doesn't know anybody else in town his age that speaks his language)Deter speaks his opnion and defends Uno and his overly strict prussian father blows a cork and drags Deter into the house; they have words and Deter admits (you miss part of this in the subtitle???) that he is gay not Uno. I love this next scene; you see Deter's room and then hear "F---K YOU!" and deter enters and slams the door; pops really P.Oed now and spanks Deter on his bare bottom. Deter has had enough and goes over to Uno's and hides out there and convinces him to take to Minneapolis to join Phillip. To keep it short they do go on the road, Thelma and Louise style, and join up with Phillip (who has been writting to Deter).
Uno can't hold a job; Phillip has resorted to prostitution and convinces Deter to do the same; Deter and Phillip have reconciliated and become lovers now but Detrer gets busted by the vice squad; who inform him his father doesn't want him back.
Promising to show where the others live, he breaks away from the police and decides it best to leave town.
I didn't like the ending; felt like it left you hanging. The acting was for the most part good, Andrew Woodhouse'es acting was forced; they should have cast someone else. The "mother" was terrible.
I enjoyed the movie as it shows what can happen to a kid if he is forced, one way or the other, to leave home and live on the streets.

I LOVED THIS MOVIE!
This is a very captivating, erotically charged film. Matt Klemp, the young actor who plays Dieter, acts with such sensitivity and pace, that I have re-watched this film many times. I don't remember being so fascinated by a character in a very long time. His beauty is great enough (I couldn't take my eyes off of him), but his acting was really superb. What gets me about this film is how horrible the adults treat this very sweet 16-year-old, who possesses such goodness: he takes 10 swats from his sadistic gym coach for his boyfriend; Dieter's father, who gives the impression that he loves him, calling him a young man when he allows Dieter to have a beer, hypocritically turns around and spanks him like a child when he suspects his son of homosexual behavior, and then won't let him come home after he has run away and is found. Dieter is an example of a very brave, innocent young man too good for his elders!

Way above average for this type of film
This is not a GREAT film by most standards but that said it is a very good one. Let me explain. So many gay films (and especially ones involving hustling as a theme) are violence and drug ridden cliches that leave me cold. In this film the characters are allowed to develop, the acting is pretty good and there is a semblence of a story outside of the usual "hustling is a hard cold way to survive". To me the mark of a good film is when you actually begin to care about the characters. This film has that. This film also avoids cliches and sappy hollywood endings. The end result is that you feel as if this film showed you the private lives/motivations of its' three main characters. The ending suffers from being too vague perhaps but it certainly seems realistic. Over all a good film and the actors are all good looking in their own way. One note, the whole film is in black and white if that bothers you you had better skip this film.

The Toilers and the Wayfarers
Every bit as sexy as it appears to be. If that's what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed. The plot , however, is a thinly constucted series of unrelated events that happen to these two guys. Not nearly enough character development. Dieter, for example, runs away from home and lives on the street working as a prostitute because his father spanked him. This seems unlikely based on what we've seen of his character up to this point. My verdict: very erotic with a story that's diverting enough but lacking in depth. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Cheryl Dunye has transcended the usual pitfalls that pockmark most lesbian-themed movies: specifically, the usual angst and suffering that occur when the gay gal falls for a heterosexual friend. The Watermelon Woman is more a cultural document, addressing speculative sociological gayhistory themes with an interesting and engaging cover story about a video store clerk named Cheryl (played by Dunye) who, in her research for a movie, comesacross an old-time black actress simply called "the watermelon woman" andbecomes obsessed with her persona. In the process, Cheryl finds herselfembroiled in a relationship that parallels that of her icon.

What makes The Watermelon Woman special is its layered story line and its willingness to present its characters as comically flawed. Dunye also creates an aura of mystique around the enigmatic watermelon woman, and her life and tribulations become fascinating to the viewer. Even Camille Pagliashows up to make commentary about the "actress," and while thestory-within-a-story concept is tricky, the power and purpose of the movie emerges, and the character becomes as fascinating as if she were flesh and blood. --Paula Nechak ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Widening the Spectrum: Multiple Issues, Multiple Minorities
As a lesbian film student of color, I find inspiration in Cheryl Dunye's vision. "The Watermelon Woman" seamlessly weaves together the issues of race relations, ethnic and lesbian identity construction, and prevailing oppression in all its subtleties. Setting up the film as a pseudo-documentary of an aspiring filmmaker's research on a Black lesbian actor from the thirties counterpoints a historical context of these issues, with its modern manifestations. An excellent film from a multiple-minority perspective. The acting may call for more training, but the successful execution of the issues excuses the sometimes contrived reading of lines. The portrayal of Guin Turner's naively ignorant character (a white woman who prefers men and women of African-descent) was well written and played. The film illustrated race relations on many sides of the issue -- the relations between people of the same race and cross-racial relations. Funny, as well as socially valuable, "The Watermelon Woman" is one of those rare films that reaffirm my expectations for film: not just as a form of entertainment or art, but as a tool for social commentary.

Excellent portrayal of the artistic process...
This movie is the story of a woman that wishes to become a film-maker. She becomes obsessed with an actress from the 30's - and begins searching for information on her, and films a documentary in the process. Soon, the lead's love life begins paralleling the actress that she is researching.

This film can be viewed on several levels... as a (lesbian) love story... a romantic comedy, if you will. It can be viewed as a story about African American women finding their place in an urban society. Or it can be viewed as a study of the creative process.

The love story bored me (luckily both Cheryl Dunye and Guineviere Turner are both really hot!)... but the exploration and struggle of the artistic journeys of Cheryl was very interesting. Any film-maker, artist, photographer, etc. would enjoy this movie... and it should not be dismissed as another silly, unrealistic lesbian love story.

you just don't want to part with this film..
Was it Jamaica Kincaid who said that there are books you just can't part with? That you just have to take them with you after you read them at, for instance, a library? (Well, whoever it was, was she justifying book thefts? I like to think so, for I understand such a quick and strong 'attraction' to certain books myself. There really are books that you can't part with.)

The minute The Watermelon Woman played on the screen, I felt that can't-part-with-this kind of instant affection toward it. It was funny, honest, and cool. I collect DVDs and this one surely made the top on my list for future purchase. I'm almost grateful to the school I attend that its library has it in its collection. I had an absolutely good time watching it.

Insightful Examination of Black Lesbian Indentity
The best films inform and enlighten as well as entertain. Cheryl Dunye's debut feature, WATERMELON WOMAN does just that. It takes the viewer on a fascinating journey into one black woman's life as she searches for a lesbian role model. She finds her in the form of a mysterious figure known only as the "Watermelon Woman." Utilizing a light-hearted, documentary style approach, Dunye (who also stars in the film) has crafted an intelligent and entertaining film that will resonate with many viewers, irrespective of one's sexual orientation.

Unlike other films dealing with gay characters or themes, WATERMELON WOMAN is not pretentious or preachy. Instead, it tells a simple story which touches upon universal themes such as searching for one's place in the world. Dunye, while not a polished actress, is nonetheless appealing in her lead role. Her character possesses a youthful charm that makes you really care about her journey. The other members of the cast are also appealing.

Adventurous filmgoers tired of formulaic plots will find much to savor in this film. Aspiring filmmakers can also look at the film as a guide in how to create a compelling story on a modest budget. Being one of the few people to actually see the film during it's brief theatrical run, I was happy to learn that I could see it again in the convenience of my own home. Now a much wider audience can enjoy this special film. Check it out.

On another note, her next film, STRANGER INSIDE, is slated to premiere this year on HBO. Hopefully, that film will live up to, if not surpass the promise of Dunye's earlier film. Only time will tell.

A Trip Out Film!
This Film is very Creative&Eye-Opening.it Shows The World&Lives of Lesbian Women.it deals with Race,Sex&Class Issues.i happen to catch it on B.E.T Starz's&it kept my attention.it showed the flaws of The Women&everyday struggles&Battles they went thru.I wish HBO,Showtime,etc...would also show this film for a wider audience.because this Film Balance's out alot of things.it's a trip out film! ... Read more

Description

"Damiana" was filmed in October of 2002 in the hills near Austin, Texas.This is an erotic movie with scenes edited artistically to match the original musical score by Fistful of Voodoo which is a blend of ethereal electronica, industrial and tribal drums & bass that's broken only by occasional sensual narratives. It has a mystical quality that blends with the erotic aspect to create a compelling visual panorama. The models/actresses are beautiful and passionate in their performances.

Enter the world of a pagan girl in the Hill Country of Central Texas. Follow her on a day of that starts out by herself wandering the woods and undressing to feel the Autumn sun.Later she is visited by two intimate girlfriends who strip while shooting guns and rifles and firespin naked to the sound of African drums. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

forget the controversy--it holds up well
When "Frisk" debuted at the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Film Festival it was met with outrage and shock by filmgoers. Viewed as homophobic in it's content and portrayal of gay men, the movie has gotten a bad wrap, but forget what people say and pick up this hot flick for mature audiences and see it for yourself.
A gorgeous cast of hot guys who do nude scenes (most notably handsome adult film actor Michael Gunther in the lead), some tight, if not artsy camera and lens work, as well as a more cohesive storyline that pulls together the arguably complicated tale as penned originally by author Dennis Cooper, make this a noteworthy film.
Not for the faint of heart, content includes controversial portrayals of BD/S&M, underground leather and fetish culture, as well as homicide, suicide, snuff and carries a generally moody atmosphere from the get go.
Interestingly enough, there is some humor to be found, but admittedly it's pretty dark, and while I wouldn't consider this film to be a black comedy per se, it does carry certain elements unique to the particular genre
Cast also includes Craig Chester and Parker Posey in supporting roles, and a cameo from Alexis Arquette as a punk for hire.
It needs to be said that the physical content of the film is largely symbolic to the plot and events (more so here than in Cooper's world), and comes down to a simple theme of sexual exploration.
If you collect art house erotica on DVD, this is a highly reccomended film.

"Frisk:" Isnt As Graphic as the Book.
Under the blood, knives, sex, violenvce and murder, lies a decent film. If you can stomach the more-than-disturbing visuals, graphic sex, violence, then you'r sure to appreciate the spirited performances by Michael Gunther and Parker Posey. VERY DIFFERENT from the book. All in all, not bad. I think me and my friend are the only ones who have seen this movie...

Really sad and messed up
This movie is what happens to someone when their mother has an affair with their pediatrician and they find out about it. Really messed up stuff.

interesting
I found this movie to be pretty interesting and welcomed change from the typical gay movie themes. It was dark, gritty and somewhat disturbing at times. The sound and acting were not always the best. I think that the flaws made it much more interesting. It was great to see someone who was brave enough to step outside of the box. I'm glad that there are movies like this one. How many movies can we watch with drag queens, circuit boys, gay men with HIV and hustlers? Great movie. You may have to watch it a few times to really understand everything in it.

Intense
an intense exploration into the limits of gay sexual fantasy. ... Read more

Description

This uniquely poignant and funny film focuses on the rekindling of a school relationship that has taken on a new twist. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Different For ... Just About Everything
What a brave and unusual romantic comedy. Thank God the BBC is still open-minded enough for such projects, which are not only important, but ultimately wonderfully entertaining.

At the core of the boy-meets-girl, who used to be one of his mates at school, now transsexual, love story is Steven Mackintosh, who portrays Karl-now-Kim with such dignity and style that this film never feels sticky or cumbersome, as one might fear going into it.

Rupert Graves plays the bad-boy "Prentice" with such charm that one thoroughly understands why Kim allows her new-found, quiet life to be turned upside down. He shows Kim that finding the right gender doesn't necessarily make you a whole person...That comes from conviction and caring. It requires passion - something he's full of and is able to rekindle in his old schoolmate. And who knows...maybe she'll get him to change his socks daily!

Thoroughly charming!

Accurate and empowering
Wow. Steven Mackintosh does a *great* job of portraying a transsexual woman on her journey from fear and stealth to love and empowerment. I'm not sure exactly what it is that Kim is supposed to see in Prentiss (although I do understand about love for one's high school sweetheart being pretty blind), but still, they don't seem to have all that much in common. But that's the way that romantic comedies work, isn't it?

Nits to pick: 1) They had sex with no lube?! Ouch! (Transsexual women aren't usually able to self- lubricate.) 2) Provera is a progestin, not an estrogen, and wouldn't be Kim's primary hormone after surgery. (It's also nasty stuff better avoided in favor of micronized progesterone.) 3) The film editor picked absolutely the *worst* possible angle for Kim in the "afterglow" scene -- she looks like a guy.

Other than that, though, the film was remarkably accurate (right down to the dilating stent in Kim's medicine cabinet), and strongly empowering. It left me with a warm fuzzy feeling.

Good acting, decent script, just not my cup of tea
Different for Girls is an interesting film. It is well acted and well directed. However, I don't know that it is a film for everyone. It deals with the subject of post "change" of a transgendered person and how they try to fit in to society. It is quite touching and sensitive. Steven Mackintosh is quite good as the transgendered person and Rupert Graves is dynamite as he is in everything he does.

If there is a problem with this film, it's that it seems to be preaching a bit more than I think it should. I'd rather see it less a drama and more "a day in the life of" sort of film.

An *Awesome* - BUT - "True* Movie
I throughly enjoyed this movie from beginning to end! When I first saw it, I cried because I am a Transsexual (a label given by the Psychiatric profession to people "Born" with this medical condition). I watch this movie at least once a week because I "Totally" relate to what Kim went through during her Transition as well as her life afterward especially in dealing with her family, friends, co-workers, law enforcement, etc. The actor who portrayed Kim did an "AWESOME" performance in his portrayal of a woman -- in her walk, talk, mannerisms, reactions to every situation that she found herself in, and her quiet moments by herself.

The actor who played her friend "Printice" did a wonderful job in portraying her close friend from earlier in life even if he still exhibited immaturity in different situations. His reactions to Kim, what she looked like as a woman, her attitude towards him, his reactions to her, and the situations he found himself in were wonderful because they depicted the reactions that most people would find themselves in if they experienced the same things that Printess did. I HIGHLY recommend this film to everyone!

The Brits do it again.
If your sole point of transsexual movie refrences is "The Crying Game", you *have* to check this movie out.
Far from the contreversy of "The Big Secret", this movie paints a more realistic portrait of the actual, day-to-day life typical of a modern woman, (who happens to be transsexual), trying to make it through the relentless grind of society and relationships.
It is sweet in watching the re-kindled relationship between Kim and Prentice, old school mates, and the mind-wrapping required to adjust to the reality that is.

A sample quote from the movie that illustrates this:

Prentice: (Slightly stand-offish) "I'm not gay, you know.."
Kim:(with a resigned sigh) "Neither am I"

Although it doesnt tap into some of the darker aspects endured by Transpersons, it certainly tells a story not entirely like our own..with a twist. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Some kind of politically-correct morality play?
OK, so the guy's a jerk, but in the end he accepts his wife's female lover as part of the family --- sounds like a new Disney movie to me!

Actually, Josiane Balasko did a decent job directing this film, but casting herself as the truck-driving lesbian was a bit too much! Yes, it was realistic --- but therein lies the problem! Visually, I'd have much rather seen a hot-looking, sexy, dark-haired woman seducing the beautiful Victoria Abril. I mean, to put it a different way: beautiful bodies a more enjoyable film do make!

An OK but not a Very Good Film
This is not a very good film. It is supposed to be a comedy. Unfortunately, Josiane Balasko, so wonderful as Gerard Depardieu's forbidden love interest in Bertrand Blier's "Too Beautiful for You" (1990), shows here that she can be a heavy-handed director, a comedy screenwriter without wit, and a comic actress who simply isn't funny.

This is a movie with no good lines, unforgivable in a comedy. There are, however, two bright lights in the film, the only actors who do manage to be funny: Ticky Holgado, a supporting actor who plays the business partner and best friend of the humorless male lead (Alain Chabat), and the ever delightful Victoria Abril, one of the two female stars of the love triangle (the other being the humorless Ms. Balasko), whose physical displays almost save the film.

Victoria Abril is a wonderful and underrated actress, still breathtakingly gorgeous at age 36 (recognizable to most viewers from Pedro Almodovar's "Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!"), who displays her physical gifts with wit and abandon. For some people her presence will be enough to justify purchasing this DVD. This writer, in fact, despite his negativity toward the film, purchased the DVD while owning the VHS tape, but he confesses unashamedly to having been secretly in love with Ms. Abril for almost two decades, even with her clothes on.

This film enjoyed an enormous box-office success in France, and has pleased most American movie critics. It is not without entertainment value. But it could have been so much more.

Even a cinnamon twist is not this good!
I had no idea what I was getting into when I got this movie. As a huge foreign film buff there I was taking a gander at this movie and realizing the script was totally hilarious.

Basically it focuses on this married couple who have two children, a French family. And of course, the man, not wanting to offend all of the women he's ever met, sleeps with them all. (Side note, it is actually a compliment when men make passes in France, it is offensive to not do it, it means the female is not worth trying with; interesting huh?)

Anyway, hubby cheats, the devoted wife finds that a dyke passerby can fix things, be there for her, and even have dinner.

A steamy romance ensues with the wife and her new woman and the cheating hubby does not take it to well.

You will laugh your ass off in this movie! I don't want to spoil it, but suffice it to say, I bet the script writer has had a very interesting marriage!

A surprisingly good and funny film...
I've seen this film a few times now. Each time I see it, I show it to a friend who hasn't seen it. They all loved it. Makes me like it that much more when I see them enjoying it.

"French Twist" is about a cheating husband has to deal with the fact that his neglected wife has found another love interest... a woman. That he cheats on his wife on a regular basis is not the issue, to him. His ego and pride being stepped on by the whole situation is the problem and it makes for some very funny material.

The three main characters (Josiane Balasko, Victoria Abril and Alain Chabat) work extremely well together. Just bouncing lines off one another and interacting beautifully. Just when it looks like all will work out another element is added to stir the fire.

The film was written and directed by Balasko who also stars as the "other" woman who's looking for love and destroying a home. Or is she? Chabat is amazingly funny as the philandering husband and Abril is also very good and quite beautiful as the passionate, yet somewhat confused wife.

Check it out for yourself. Don't let the subtitles hold you back. It doesn't take away from the film at all. Get ready to laugh.

Ridiculous Lesbian Fantasy
Anyone who has ever read lesbian erotica will recognize some of the plot elements of this silly movie. The naive, ultrafemme, housewife, who slaves all day for a selfish, uncaring, philadering husband, meets a wonderful, butch lesbian and within a short while (a couple of hours?)is seduced by her charms. Rescuing "straight" women from unhappy marriages is a huge theme of lesbian erotica. It's a rather unbelievable premise, and this movie makes it seem even more implausible. I just did not believe that the homely, overweight, and repulsive Marijo could be irresistable to the gorgeous Loli. It wasn't until I discovered that the director had cast herself in the role of Marijo did I understand- if you were in the position to decide who gets to do love scenes with Victoria Abril would you take one for yourself? Obviously, Josiane Balasko is a smart woman. (It sort of reminded me of a "Seinfield" episode- you know the ones in which ugly, dorky Jerry and ugly, dorky George somehow always manage to get dates with impossibly beautiful women. It's that implausible!)

Overall, this move had some laughs, but its premise was absurd and by the end of the film I detested everyone of these characters. They were just so selfish! As Helen Lovejoy says: "Will someone please think of the children!" ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Thanks to the Stonewall Girls
As a student of gay and lesbian history I approached this movie with a cautious mind. My caution was soon overcome by the fabulous characters, plot and honest (but fictitious) depiction of what it was like to be shunned by society. The Stonewall riots were fought by people who were marginalised in many ways-dykes, latinos, transvestites, drag queens and African-Americans fought the original gay battles that were soon taken over by a white middle class. That is why the movie spoke to me. It showed that the human rights battle is not a white middle class only issue but is an issue no matter who you are.

Aside from the history lesson, Stonewall combines a great story, great songs, great characters, embellishes them all with some self-depreciating drag queen wit and punches home a fab movie that leaves you feeling how far we've come and how far we've still got to go. A great human rights story told with love and humour. Buy it.

What can I say but "We are the Stonewall girls, we wear our hair in curls la la la la....."

Good story, history for those who don't remember
Enjoyed this movie. The (i believe) fictional characters provide an entertaining story and backdrop to the real Stonewall event.

We tend to forget how gays & lesbians were treated as real criminals as little as 30 years ago - when police raided gay bars just to beat up the patrons, and get their names published in the daily paper, assuring you that you would lose your job and be outted in a very public way. I was cringing in my seat at some of the stuff we had to deal with back then - considering how open we are today. Really makes you think.

Nice film with a cute story against the historical backdrop.

Great version of the Stonewall story
All accurate? Perhaps not, but a well told story. The actors do a great job in their roles and any liberties taken with history are either reverential or entertaining. The drag queen version of a greek chorus is too cool.

This movie sucked!
There really isn't much more to say, but I'm sure I can find something... Let's see, the acting was next to terrible, the plot lacked anything dynamic, and for the most part it was just boring. It did have it's good points though (the most important one being that it eventually ended). There were some nice butt shots, unfortunately they weren't of very nice butts. There were some ok drag numbers. The only decent part of this movie was the riot scene, and that doesn't happen untill the end (hope I'm not giving away the ending!)

Anyway, I would not reccomend this movie to anyone!

Stonewall six stars!!!
I thought I should own and watch this movie, since it was on the birth of equal rights for Gays (being the good little queer I am). It was so funny, and educational. I can not believe I had not heard of it until I browsed the Gay/Lesbian section of Amazon. The acting is great, and the period clothing is dead on. Don't rent it, you'll just want to go buy it afterwards, so put your rental $$ towards to purchase. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Chutney Popcorn takes up where quirky lesbian-themed comedy Go Fish left off. The twist? Reena (director Nisha Ganatra) is of Indian descent, but her girlfriend, Lisa (Law & Order's Jill Hennessy), is not. This isn't a problem in and of itself. Reena's mother, however, views her daughter's sexual orientation as a "disability" and describes Lisa as Reena's "college roommate." Then there's Reena's uptight sister, Sarita, who discovers she can't conceive and draws even further away from her sibling. When Reena offers to be a surrogate, things just get worse. Lisa flees for fear that a baby will ruin her relationship with Reena, while Sarita changes her mind--but it's too late: Reena is pregnant (via artificial insemination). There's a happy ending, of course, but fortunately it isn't too happy--you get the sense that Sarita still has a way to go before she can accept herself as fully as her unconventional, artistic sister. --Kathleen C. Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Jill Hennesey is great in this quirky flic
Jill Hennessey made this along with many other indy flicks between her stint on Law and Order and Crossing Jordan. I see a lot of Jordan in her character her- she is tough and guarded, yet needs friends and affirmation, hot headed yet caring.
Her lover is played subtly and with a light touch. I liked this lesbian movie- caught it on Showtime as one of their gay theme film specials. Works as a love story and a relationship movie- period. The fact that it is between 2 women is beside the point- the issues that face this couple are age old and handled well with a nice cultural flavor not seen too often in American cinema.

For my fav Indian/American romance check out Mississippi Masala with Denzil Washington.

ok
This is one of the better lesbian films. I must admit I have yet to see anything like it and I liked the fact that it dealt with other races and pregnancy options for lesbians.

Nisha Ganatra Rules!!
This is an excellent film, I first saw this movie back in June 2001, I don't know how many times I have watched it since, but from the very first time I saw Nisha I thought-Wow what a beautiful woman! The movie was and is outstanding. The other Actresses and Actors were good, too. The storyline was something positive to think about. Reminded me of my younger days, bringing out many emotions, in other words it touched me like hardly any movie has. Nisha is magic. Am looking forward to many more of her creations. This woman has it going on. I am very happy to have gotten the chance to see this movie, then own it, on VHS and DVD.

One of my favorites
Chutney Popcorn is one of the bessst cross-cultural lesbian films I've seen so far. It's not decadent or in this "admire us just because we're hot lesbians" mode, but has a plot and purpose. Above all - it's directed in a very artistic essence - the color juxtoposition and emotional interplay. Check that out next time you watch it.

...AND BABY MAKES THREE
This is a decent directorial effort by Nisha Ganatra, in this film about families, lesbian lovers, and cultural divides. This film is her first feature film and it shows in its somewhat amateurish constructs. Still, there are some flashes of promise.

Reena (Nisha Ganatra), an artist of Indian descent, and Lisa (Jill Hennessey of Law and Order and Crossing Jordan fame) are lovers, despite the fact that Reena's tradition bound Indian mother is in total denial. She is still trying to match Reena up with a member of the opposite sex, refusing to acknowledge Lisa as anything other than Reena's roommate.

When Sarita (Sakina Jeffrey), Reena's older sister gets married, she soon discovers that she is infertile. Reena offers to be a surrogate mom, and Sarita initially agrees. After some failed attempts through a fertility clinic, Reena, with the cooperation of Sarita's husband, Mitch, decides to get pregnant the old fashioned way, at home by using a turkey baster. She succeeds where the specialists failed.

Unfortunately, this causes problems with her relationship with Lisa, who is initially unable to come to terms with Reena's pregnancy and what it will mean to their relationship. Sarita is also having difficulty, changing her mind when it is too late to turn back. She sees it as a reminder of her own failing and questions the impact that it will have on her life and marriage. Reena's and Sarita's mother, however, grasps the irony of the situation, and eventually comes to terms with it, as well as with the nature of Reena's and Lisa's relationship.

Nisha Ganatra should have concentrated on just directing this film, rather than acting in it, as she is no actress and is the weak link in the cast. Moreover, there appears to be little chemistry between her and Jill Hennessey, which does not help the film. There are, however, some very funny moments in this moderately entertaining film, having mostly to do with the character of the mother.

As a director Ms. Ganatra displays some promise. It is hoped that in the future she will concentrate on where her talents seem to lie. ... Read more

Description

You know who they are: it's those guys with theclose-cropped haircuts, buff-shaved bodies, piercings andtribal tatoos in all the right places. It's those boys who are itno the circuit party scene... it's a brotherhood...it's a total roving party from one city to the next. The White Party, the Black & Blue Party, the Blue Ball... Thescene has a darker, dirtier side and both parallel elements of the circuit world are explored in this sexy, lively reality-based film. Stars Brandon Delcampo, Greg Stevens,Jason Cavallo, Matthew Sloan, Todd Nash, Tone Desario - Director: Lenid Rolov, Stewart Halpern ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Watch this one...and walk through the looking glass
I found the documentary "When Boys Fly" to be a surprisingly engaging and fascinating, candid, shocking and sometimes sad peek through the looking glass to see what really goes on at "gay raves," aka circuit parties. Filmmakers Rolov and Halpern did a great job in showing us the world in which this segment of so-called "A-listers" live and party, and how some newcomers and White party veterans are drawn into the circle of rave party life and its immediate results...good and bad. The quick editing makes for a fast-paced viewing and humor is where you might not always expect to find it in this honest and non-judgemental portrayal of this subculture within a subculture that I believe can be enjoyed by gay and straight, young-to-middle-aged audiences alike.

A beautiful and powerful film
Rolov and Halpern have made a beautiful and powerful film with "When Boys Fly." I had never thought of the world of gay circuit parties as something I would find particularly intriguing, yet this film answered questions I didn't even know I had. A must see!

Great video
This is a great video. I first want to say this is not a movie, which I thought it was when I bought it. Its follows some gay guys as they go to a circuit party in Florida. Its great at showing how some guys live their lives. The best thing I liked about the movie is how it is all "real" and nothing was staged. It also has great video quality, and great editing.

When Boys Fly
It was completely engaging and fun. The characters were diverse and interesting. I wished that it would continue on it was so interesting.

When Boys Fly
I really enjoyed this film. Never having attended one of these parties, I enjoyed the look into this fast-paced lifestyle that this film provided. I feel that this film was an honest and real depiction of what can and does occur at these parties. "Boys" depicted the hardcore drug/party life and those who attend these parties to just let loose and have fun. It was a fair and honest depiction of the party scene. ... Read more

Description

An evocative, sexy, romantic drama about two women who fall in love unexpectedly during a Winter's stay in the resort town of Cape May, New Jersey. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Blah
I bought this because the back cover stated that the end love scene was too die for or something to that effect. Now you can read the other viewers' comments to find out what the story is about. But this movie only kept my attention because it was a lesbian flick. And i watch it whenever i get tired of all the straight people on television. the story line was poor and the action was bad. for once i want to see a lesbian film with substance. just another low budget bad acting lesbian film you can add to the list.

dreamy lesbian sleeper
This often overlooked film is a must-see for anyone interested in a realistic love story between women. The film has a lazy, sleepy feel to it that matches the lead character's personna as well as the town it was filmed in (Cape May, NJ, USA).

No one sleeps with men, a welcome relief from the gaggle of other films on the market that seem to refuse to acknowledge the idea that many people are Kinsey 6's.

An excellent story, loveable, honest characters, beautiful scenery. An all-around great indie film!

RENT DON'T BUY
This was an okay movie. Just okay, not horrible not, just okay. I liked the camera work and Roberta and Mickey are easy on the eye.

The straight diner owner Shelly was annoying sometimes and I saw too much of her. Roberta's best friend was interesting for the too few moments she was in the movie. That's a character that should have been given more air time. Not often do I see a black lesbian with straight black friends.

Mickey bordered on being a stereotype leather wearing dyke. Heavy smoking, heavy coffee drinker ... come on, give it a break. Knew a lot about her, and her friends. Her friends were fun.

Midway the movie takes a long nap coming to terms with Uncle Charlie's illness. It doesn't become sad it goes to deep sleep. It falsely moves the Mickey-Roberta relationship forward.

Bedroom scene was nice, safe and sweatless. It did not make me want to hit the rewind button. The movie picked up a little after that.

Why is it so hard to amke a quality lesbian film
This film lacked storyline and acting talent...and something occured in the transfer from either film or video to DVD which added insult to injury. The story represents it self as sexy, there was no chemistry between the actors. The script was so unrealistic, I cringed during the dialogue....I didn't mind the efforts of the director of photography but the work was harmed in either editing or transfer..The movie does not flow,,,Is it hard to make a quality lesbian film? "A Family Affair" and "Aimee and Jaguar" are two of the best films to come out in the last 5 years in this genre...why don't these "hobby" filmakers view these better films for instant film school in how to write a screen play and direct a film...just cause one has money to make a film there are better investments than putting it behind poor filmakers...The talent is out there...This is not a fair representation of lesbian filmaking...nor a good film

NOT A GOOD FILM AND IT WILL NEVER BE IN SEASON...
Not good, boring, poor acting and writing, well advertised sex scene was less than a soap opera in the afternoon...(ok 2 women that was the big difference?)
No more time to waste on this one...rent it first do not buy it until you see it once...This film will never be in season ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Powerful film & excellent DVD transfer
FOX AND HIS FRIENDS is one of Fassbinder's most poignant and accessible works. The story and performances are direct, and the look of the film is polished. Yet it also deals powerfully with some of his central themes, such of the search for love, and exploitation in its many forms (both homosexual and heterosexual). Wellspring Media has released a pristine DVD of the film, from a carefully restored print. If offers both a vivid new Dolby 5.1 soundtrack, as well as the original stereo, plus filmographies and Web links.

Fassbinder is very effective at shattering, or at least twisting, stereotypes in his films, whether they concern people from a "different" class (MERCHANT OF FOUR SEASONS), race (ALI: FEAR EATS THE SOUL), age (MOTHER KUSTERS GOES TO HEAVEN), or physical ability (CHINESE ROULETTE). In FOX AND HIS FRIENDS he focuses on homosexual men, in one of the first films ever to depict their lives - warts and all - as complex lived experience. (Of course, in the years since FOX's 1975 release, film has come a long way in exploring the diversity of homosexual experience.) Fassbinder made only a handful of other films dealing with homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people: 1972's THE BITTER TEARS OF PETRA VON KANT, 1978's IN A YEAR OF 13 MOONS, and 1982's QUERELLE. All are worth seeing, and each remains among his most controversial works.

Since some people consider FOX to be homophobic, it's worth noting that there are perhaps as many unscrupulous straight characters (including Fox's new lover's mother and father - who swindle him for the "noble" purpose of keeping open their business, which employs 70 people) as homosexual ones. Also, Fox's bar buddies include several caring and likable homosexual and transgender characters, who represent a diversity of ages, body types, and demeanors (some are "straight-acting," others love to camp it up). And Fassbinder, in his most demanding role as an actor, gives his most nuanced performance. There are many complex layers to Franz "Fox" Biberkopf, and Fassbinder explores them all, from street-smarts to sweetness to pain to