Amazon.com

Grande Ecole merges the delirious ogling of naked flesh withhighfalutin' cultural theory from abstruse thinkers like MichelFoucoult--a whiplash-inducing combination that could only come from theFrench. Paul (Gergori Baquet), a middle-class student, arrives at a snootyeconomics school and finds himself lusting after his new roommate, theupper-class Louis-Arnault (Jocelyn Quivrin)--even though Paul already hasa hot-and-heavy relationship with his luscious girlfriend Agnes (AliceTaglioni). Paul's sexual confusion leads him into an affair with ahandsome Arab groundskeeper named Mecir (Salim Kechiouche), who fallshelplessly in love with Paul. Grande Ecole awkwardly combines raceand class consciousness, the defense of a death-row inmate in Texas, andan extensive shower scene with the school's water polo team--but whatfinally gives it heart is Mecir, whose love for Paul seems doomed totragedy. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Amazon.com

They're here, they're queer, and they make Sex and the City look like a demure tea party. Showtime's quintessentially American Queer As Folk--based on the British miniseries--pours on copious amounts of hot and steamy sex. This slick (and slickly entertaining) series shares the same basic concept as its British counterpart--centering on a group of gay friends living in a primarily industrial city--but after that, all bets are off. Whereas the British version focused on the gritty, realistic drama of its characters, the American QAF is a glossy, fun soap opera that occasionally tackles big issues but never lets you forget that life at times can be a party, and you shouldn't be one of those poor suckers starving to death. A good part of the show's charm lies in its cast--boy-next-door Michael (Hal Sparks), ruthlessly seductive rake Brian (Gale Harold), out-and-proud Emmett (Peter Paige), wallflower Ted (Scott Lowell), and nubile teen Justin (Randy Harrison)--who grew from standard gay prototypes to intriguing characters by the first season's end. And while some subplots didn't work (such as Emmett's farfetched foray into gay-conversion therapy), others were quietly affecting, including Brian's coping with his father's death. Some may object to the show's relentless fixation on sex (and gay men--there are just two lesbian characters), but this is a series that in its own polished way is both engrossingly fun and truly groundbreaking. It's liberating to watch an American TV series in which the straight world is only peripheral. Let's hear it for the boys! --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (211)

QAF Complete First Season Is Finally Here! The Wait Is Over
This is actually the best series ever put on the air. Showtime is trully live up to their title and now the most anticipated DVD release ever is finally here. Before the Second Season start the first season will be release to DVD and Video. This is the best collections of one of the great shows on cable TV. Buy QAF on DVD and start your collections and collect all Seasons of QAF on DVD. It's increadible!!!!10 stars!!

QUEER AS FOLK is one of the most amazing TV shows!
Queer As Folk is one of the most amazing TV Shows ever and is a landmark as the show for the new millennium. The Queer As Folk DVD Box Set has all 22 episodes of the first season of the most controversial and bravest series in the history of television. The total running time of all 6 DVD's is approx: 1,205 minutes which includes Bonus features such as: behind the scenes outtakes, deleted scenes, special edition episodes, a Photo Gallery, DVD rom extras, A 6 minute Season 2 Sneek Peek, and much more. Queer As Folk shows the life of a group of gay guys and a lesbian couple living in Pittsburgh. Now I had been hearing so much about this amazing Showtime series for sometime, yet I had never seen a single episode as I did not have Showtime, but then in July of 2001 I heard this show was coming to DVD in its entire first season and I knew I was in for a real treat. I waited up until the very day of Queer As Folks release date on January 8, 2002 and I purchased this DVD collection not knowing what to expect. I knew it was a gamble to buy an expensive DVD collection of something I had never seen before, but I went with my heart and I bought it. I can honestly say this was truly one of the BEST DVD investments I have ever made. When I got home I knew it was gonna be a while before i watched all 22 episodes and as i got through the first 2 pilot episodes I was hooked and so excited to see the next episode, just as I am when I watch The Young And The Restless. It took me 3 days to watch all of the episodes and I am amazed at how honest this show is on dealing with gay life. Queer As Folk makes no apologies and thats what is so great about this series. From the graphic fornification scenes to the drama of dealing with the prejudice that still haunts America, this show is so brave and I give Showtime a big thumbs up for having the gaul to take on such a big risk as Queer As Folk. This show is as close as it gets to real life. This is not a show just for gay people, but for ALL people. It deals with human emotion and thats something we can all relate to whether we be straight, gay, bisexual, black, white, brown or in between. I have since signed up for Showtime just for this show. I encourage anyone who has a open mind and a open heart to BUY this amazing DVD collection as it will inspire you and if nothing else open your mind to a lifestyle not as uncommon as you may think. Watch more than one episode before you judge this amazing series.

Queer As Folk- What's the Big Deal?
That's exactly the point of this groundbreaking achievement in television- to convey the idea that being queer is no big deal! It makes homosexual sex part of mainstream viewing and serves to break down barriers that face homosexuals in society. As the series opens, the sex is 'in your face,' but viewers are quick to realize that sex is secondary here; it is merely an aspect of the lives of these characters, which are extremely well-written, developed, and acted. Sexy Gale Harold plays Brian Kinney, the object of everyone's affection and desire. Harold's talent and sex appeal have solidified the show's success. Hal Sparks plays Michael, the cute, "boy next door" type who has an overly-supportive mother. The role of Justin, the 17 year old man in a boy's body, is played by Randy Harris. Scott Lowell (Ted) and the beautiful Peter Paige, who plays Emmett, the "Queen" of the group, rounds out the cast of friends. Thea Gill and Michelle Clunie also join the cast as a lesbian couple finding their way through commitment and parenthood. The relationships created in this series are a welcomed dose of reality and emotion. Audiences of all types can find themselves enjoying the drama and comedy that combine as a perfect recipe for brilliant television. My only hope is that the success of this series pushes writers, directors, and actors to demand more of this type of material to work with. And homophobes BEWARE! Gale Harold can put even the straightest men in touch with their gay side.

Thanks Showtime, Very Helpful
Ok, Apart from being a fantastic programme. Well Written, Cast and hosting many great story lines. The show helped me as a gay guy. When i was younger QAF was released on tv in the uk. And at that time i was going through many difficulties with regards to my sexuallity. And the show helped me allot. It has loads of info that is very helpful to someone such as myself. So many things including sex, dating, hiv/aids and so much more.

The American version is allot hotter than the uk version, but in terms of scripts its a million times better. I have seasons 1 & 2 and have just ordered 3. And when 4 is released that will be ordered too.

This is more than just a series, its there for more than entertainment, it serves as a guide book for gay men and gals whether young or old.

Bravo the creators, your work is masterful!

There can be only one
OK, with 209 reviews as of today's date, I'll be brief. The show is excellent but no season will ever come close to the intensity, heat and uniqueness of season 1. IF YOU ARE GOING TO *OWN* ANY OF THE SEASONS, THIS IS THE ONE TO OWN. ... Read more

Description

Jeanne, a happily married, 35-year-old osteopath with a 7-year old son named Louis meets a pretty dancer named Marie at a party arranged by her husband. A son named Louis meets a pretty dancer named Marie at a party arranged by her husband. While Marie is much younger than Jeanne, there is an immediate chemistry between them.The two soon become close friends and Jeanne decides to start taking a dance class taught by Marie.But when Marie starts to fall in love with Jeanne and decides to kiss her, Jeanne discovers she too loves Marie.Jeanne must now choose between the happy family life she currently maintains and her new love. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

When it appeared on British television in 1999, Queer as Folk caused quite a ruckus. There was the sex, as graphic as most anything you'd see in an R-rated film. There were the questionable morals--after all, one of the lead characters knowingly seduced a virginal 15-year-old boy. There was, of course, the rampant homosexuality, seeing as the series followed a group of gay men living in Manchester. But what really got people talking was the quality of the series: no leaden soap opera or exploitative sex romp, Queer as Folk is an engrossing, incredibly well-written series that ranks with some of the best ever produced for British TV. Following the adventures of Stuart (Aidan Gillen), a rake capable of seducing anyone anywhere, and Vince (Craig Kelly), his boy-next-door best friend, as well as the family and friends who surround them, Queer as Folk paints a complex, emotional, and funny portrait of its characters, who range from the regular to the outlandish. Less sensationalistic than it sounds, Queer as Folk shares more in common with gritty, working-class British films like My Beautiful Laundrette and Beautiful Thing than it does with glossy, sex-themed American TV like Sex and the City or even the Americanized version of Queer as Folk. Though definitely comedic in parts, Queer as Folk takes a clear-eyed yet fond view of its characters, from lothario Stuart, who can be charming one minute and self-obsessed the next, to hapless Vince, a mess of insecurities who can't believe it when a handsome Australian (Peter O'Brien) falls in love with him. Fans of the American Queer as Folk will recognize the British counterparts to the American characters, as well as familiar plot arcs, but this series' writing and directing make it a far more dramatic--and multifaceted--look at gay life. This first season set, known as "Series 1," clocks in at four hours. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (65)

Refreshing, entertaining, real and inspiring!
Having not seen the American remake of this series, my partner and I sat down to watch this British series on DVD and quickly became hooked--not by the sex (which got so much publicity), but by the overall quality of the production--especially its writing and acting. We cared about these characters and their families (warts and all), and were disappointed when the first 4 hours were over. We're middle-aged urban Americans, but we identified very much with the universality of this younger British milieu--some things transcend time and place. It's inspiring to see gay themes treated on the screen with such intelligence, wit and maturity. We've come a long way. No lectures here. No moralizing. No black & white heroes and villians. Just some real, complicated, flawed but loveable characters struggling with how to be happy and proud in an imperfect world. We wish the DVD made better use of providing additional materials; more background on the actors, writers and such would have been appreciated. We bought the 90-minute, Part 2 conclusion as soon as it was available, and found it to be be inferior to the original series and an unsatisfying conclusion to the saga--but any opportunity to spend more time with these characters was appreciated. This is one of those rare series that I'm sure we'll watch again periodically.

Different, but good
Having been a major fan of the American QAF, it was great recently to see the British.

Like a lot of folks have said, the initial story line is almost identical, just treated in a different way. British is faster paced and funnier, especially after you get used to the Manchester working class slang. But the faster pace keep the characters from having quite as much depth, although I like how the relationship between Stuart and Vince turns out more than Brian and Mike. But I'm more of a romantic about stuff like that.

And the British is far more authentic in its approach to the working class culture. The American boys claim Pittsburg working class roots, but they behave like middle class suburbans.

Overall though, I like the larger cast, more complex story and character development of the American version. And there's nothing in the British that comes even close to the impact of the last show of season 1 American, especially for someone who's been through a similar situation as what happened to Justin. That one episode did more to heal my old emotional pains than years of counselling could ever hope to!! I also think the way the American told the story of Mike's 30th birthday was much better set up and followed through to a logical conclusion than Vince's 30th on the British. If I hadn't seen the American, I probably would have missed the point on the British.

But all in all, the British is definitely worth having if you're into QAF.

Sophisticated Series
While the American version of QAF focuses on sensationalism and sleaze, the original British version takes a more artistic approach to presenting gay life. Sure there are sex scenes, and soap operish situations, but they are handled in a more realistic manner. Watching this rich version of QAF is like watching a really good independent film. The acting is solid, the characters are multi-dimensional, and the writing is top-notch. Unlike the American version, drugs and backrooms are downplayed in UK's version of QAF. The only time drugs come into play is when one of the characters dies from an overdose.

?
Why do people like this? Its not like real life at all and in fact has done nothing but stain the reputation of hard working, moral, intelligent gay men.

THE BEST!
There are moments in every episode where you think "Nothing on tv well ever be better than this" (that is before you see the next episode).
The American version of Queer as folk is simply not comparable to this one.
Every second of the UK version is worth watching. Not every episode of the US version is worth watching. That¡¯s the difference. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Hugely Entertaining Mini-series!!!
I remember back around the year 93 or 94 a co-worker of mine urging me to see this. I resisted thinking I would hate it. I finally relented thinking my co-worker and I had very similar tastes in film & television and if she liked it how bad could it be. So I took the tapes home and one night when I was really bored I popped it in. Well I cannot tell you how entranced I was with this story and its characters. I almost couldn't stop watching. It's very addictive....trust me. In fact, the story is so good and its characters so true to life that it makes you yearn for a place like 28 Barbary Lane in San Francisco. I wanted a landlady just like Mrs. Madrigal and friends like Mary-Ann, Brian, Mouse, & Mona. And now finally the dvd release of my absolute favorite mini-series of all time. I guess there is a GOD!!! There are also some nice features included with the series which is great. So if you find yourself on the fence debating the cost of this purchase allow me to steer you in the proper direction in making a decision. Buy this dvd now!!! You will not regret it. And in case you need any more arm twisting, you'll also notice that of the 21 reviews posted every single one of them rated this a 5.

Something for everybody
The "Tales of the City" series has become dear to my heart - probably my favorite movie of all time. The characters are one's that you'll love, from Mona's search for her purpose in life, to Mouse's quest for love, to Mary Ann's innocent take on things. Especially wonderful is Olympia Dukakis as Anna Madrigal. Her devotion to the Tales movies is commendable and her performance is outstanding. All in all, this is a great story about life in San Francisco in the 70s, from gay to straight, hippies to suits, poor to weathly. The plot keeps you craving for more. Also, I have yet to meet anyone who has seen this and not liked it. And to top it, the books are even better. Enjoy!

Simply Brilliant
I loved this movie thoroughly. I can't say any more, except "Get me to Barbary Lane"!

Take me back in time . . .
. . . to a better place and time.

Tales of the City is classic 70's SanFrancisco at its very best. The beautiful charachters brought to life by author Armistead Maupin are so lovable and well drawn that this series made me long for the 70's, which is QUITE a feat in itself!

wonderful
This is storytelling at it's best. There are so many storylines that are tied in together. I was born in 78, so I couldn't say whether or not it was a realistic representation of the era and the place, but it seems fairly realistic. There are just so many interesting characters.
Having said that, this isn'ta show for children. I love it and would certainly recommend it to otehrs ... Read more

Amazon.com

A remarkable movie. L.I.E. centers on Howie, a 15-year-old boy whose mother recently died in a car accident. Neglected by his father, an unscrupulous contractor who's constantly having sex with his new girlfriend, Howie falls in with a group of boys who break into houses for kicks. After one break-in Howie is caught by Big John (Brian Cox, the original Hannibal Lecter from Manhunter), a former Marine with a taste for young boys. But the relationship that develops between Howie and Big John surprises them both. L.I.E. captures male adolescence more genuinely than any other film in recent memory; the realism of the relationships, particularly between Howie and his father, is completely compelling. The movie affects all the senses; you can practically feel the texture of Howie's blue flannel sheets, smell the greenery that grows along the Long Island Expressway. Amazing performances, vivid direction, smartly written--superb all around. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (89)

All the light and dark of the heart
It is not surprising to me that viewers are so quick to bandy labels around while discussing L.I.E.. Pigeonholes make matters of the heart that are otherwise complicated and hazy, easy to deal with for those who hate to think or be challenged. If that's what the creators of this excellent film wanted to do, they would've issued out black and white cowboy hats to the actors.

But this movie is not simplistic. Listening to the commentaries by both the director, Michael Cuesta, and Brian Cox (Big John), I noticed that neither ever utters the word "pedophile" in relation to Big John (In fact, the film itself shows he not only desires young teenagers, but young, adult men of 18-21 range, and women as well). Nor do they peg Howie as a "gay youth"--in fact, they both deny that Howie's sexual identity is set. That's because L.I.E. is not about categories, it is about the complexities of the human heart that lie beneath the surface.

For myself, L.I.E. is about two things: (1) discovering the difference between love and lust, and (2) the fundamental condition of human loneliness and our search for honest intimacy. After the recent death of his mother, Howie has just discovered deep loneliness and is trying to resolve it as fast as he can; running away to California for adventure with a rebellious, sexy friend seems like the magic pill/instant cure for all his problems. As for Big John, years before the time of this film he decided to quench his loneliness in shallow sex with males of various ages, and in creating broad yet shallow relationships with the prominent members of his community. Yet he's never allowed anyone to get inside and really touch his heart, apparently not even his current adult lover/roommate.

Suddenly, Howie is confronted with this man, who unlike Howie's father or friends, has answers to his questions about his worth and place in the world (and also knowledge of sex, which is a big part of life for a teenager). Simultaneously, the once-"Big" John is rendered small and weak in the face of the quiet grandeur and adolescent vulnerability of Howie's gentle, honest nature. For a moment, their lives intersect and neither of them knows quite what to do...both are in foreign territory, and both walk away with something they never had before. Howie walks away with the knowledge of his own value as a human being (hence, he's able to assert himself in confrontation with his father later in the film, and proclaim himself to the world), and John walks away knowing that he's made a permanent and vital difference in the life of another person, and that he's finally loved someone else, truly and completely.

This film should not be missed, misunderstood or pigeonholed and forgotten. It is a boundary-breaker that speaks of the need for love and intimacy that lies most deeply in the human soul, regardless of superficial appearances.

Extraordinary!
This is an awesomely well-made movie, from the acting to the writing to the cinematography - it has a reality & honesty that are very rare in American films - and it's also funny and compassionate. Brian Cox's performance has to be one of the acting pinnacles of film history. I hate to praise one actor by knocking others, but I automatically thought of two better-known actors who might have been cast as Big John but thankfully weren't: Albert Finney & Anthony Hopkins. Both would have fit well but both would have overshadowed the character. Big John as he is written & played in this film is one of the most complex & honest human beings I've ever seen in an American movie. Paul Franklin Dano is every bit as impressive as Howie showing extraordinary sensitivity & range. Both Dano & Cox should have won every major acting award of the year (if there was any justice in that industry). Michael Cuesta has made a truly extraordinary film, one that I'm sure will become a classic over time.

A touching story that should be watched
Other reviewers have given the plot synopsis, so I'll spare that. But this is a wonderful movie about a controversial subject--intimacy between a teen and a an adult. Paul Dano gives an excellent performance and a very believeable one. (He is a handsome young man too.) On the surface, people may miss the point that this movie is really about friendship and not sex and gives a redeeming quality to the older man (Brian Cox). This movie is not to edify pedophilia, or make it okay. But what is wrong with with caring relationship with another human being that doesn't have to focus to sex? I'm glad this film was made to present another reality of life that really exists. I gave this movie a 4.5 which isn't possible by this rating system, but decided not to round up. The only thing I didn't like was the Hollywood ending--why does someone always have to go to jail and/or die to make a movie? Definately an under rated film that should be viewed.

Surprisingly good I command you to watch it
OK to say the least, this movie isn't for everyone. On my part i thought i would've been shocked but really i wasn't that shocked at all in fact there wasn't that much provocative scenes there was just minor, but my opinion doesn't really count seeing as i have seen a lot more provocative movies than this. but surprisingly i enjoyed it there really wasn't too much deep and wrist-slitting scenes. it seemed short and pg rated i must've gotten a pg copy but the ending was good enough i also thought the boy how played howie the protagonist and messed up kid in the movie, to be hot and cute in that stagatorry rape kind of way.

Viewer
A beautiful, painfully honest and extremely controversial film that depicts a pedophile as a sometimes caring and loving father figure. The scene where Brian Cox shows the young boy how to shave is so filled with both paternal love and twisted sexuality that I can not get it out of my mind. How many kids even have a father figure in their homes today? How many young boys resort to drugs, violence, risky sexual habits from lack of parental love, care and supervison?
Can a pedophile fill the void of an absent father?
All of you who would rather go out drinking, spend the whole weekend in front of the TV, I sincerely hope you will make time to watch this movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Todd Haynes, ever unpredictable, follows up his experimental trilogy Poison and his restrained Safe with this flamboyant study in glam rock through the kaleidoscopic lens of Citizen Kane. Christian Bale plays Arthur Stuart, a reporter sent to investigate the legend of rock legend and bisexual pop icon Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers as a not-so-thinly veiled David Bowie), who disappeared a decade ago after staging his own mock assassination. But Arthur is flooded with memories of his own adolescence as he interviews Slade's friends and business associates, peeling back the layer of makeup and spangles that was the model of rebellion for a generation of middle-class British kids and discovering a hollow center. Ewan McGregor almost steals the film as the punk pioneer Curt Wild (equal parts Iggy Pop and Kurt Cobain), the genuine article to Slade's calculated, coifed image of glitter stardom.Haynes's film lacks nothing in capturing the flamboyance and spectacle of the era with flashy filmmaking and kitschy costumes, and if the plot seems lost in the preening and visual fireworks, perhaps that's the point: behind the façades and manufactured fronts is nothing but glitter, energy, and a beat. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (216)

Beautiful, Lyrical, Fascinating, Glam Movie
I absolutely loved this movie from the first time I watched it late one night strictly by accident. The acting is superb by all of the main characters with McGregor really shining in his wonderful punk role of Curt Wild. This guy really proved what a talented performer he truly is. John Rys Meyers who plays Brian Slade was quite delicious to watch and I'm a straight female...I must say the scene where Slade and Wild are on stage together for the first time and the guitar scene was quite a turnon.

Of course, I'm a huge Christian Bale fan and he was wonderful as well as the reporter investigating the disappearnce of our rock icon Slade 10 years after a fake murder was staged. The flashbacks to his youth were well done and inciteful into his character.

Jack Fairy was a great character that added a bit of mystery and a true image of glam days. Eddy Izzard, what can you say, the guy is fantastic.

I loved this movie for it's glitz and glamour, for it's quirkiness and campiness but mostly for the FANTASTIC music and acting. CRANK IT UP and enjoy!!

stellar cast and far out cinema create incredible parable...
a lot of people will tell you they don't like velvet goldmine. they say it has no plot, or that it's boring, or its just based on david bowie's life. if you lived through the 70's and you're looking for a movie that is totally about celebrating the glam of your youth, then maybe this movie is not for you. however, if you're nutty for well crafted historical fiction, insanely innovative cineamatography, and really good, well acted movies than velvet goldmine will be right up your alley!!

velvet goldmine is about a young reporter (Christian Bale) who's been running from his past for ten years. the decade has brought him full circle to the ackwardness and loneliness he's been trying to escape, by taking him down memory lane in his latest assignment; an article asking, "what ever happened to brian slade (johnny rhys-meyers)?". on his quest, the reporter hears a very bowie-esque (and cinematographically, amazing) story about slade, and in the end, discovers that he doesn't have to run from his past anymore.

Just like a Prancer, a Gypsy dancer pt. 2
In addition to my last review, I should point out, after reading reviews saying "this isn't what Glam was really like"... The movie isn't supposed to be a historically accurate. "The ages live in history thru their anachronisms" (Oscar Wilde). The movie is "a work of pure fiction", and if you try to degrade it into fact, you're missing the beauty of it. It's a fairy tale. Glam rock, Oscar Wilde, etc... are merely vehicles for it to play out.

Just like a prancer, a Gypsy dancer
The film is beautiful. It's a fairy tale, love. Make no mistake about it. It's not a "history" of Glam rock and the characters are composites of many real people without being too much of anyone. It's a fairy tale.

The film is very symphonic and atmospheric, and flutters thru the celluloid sky. It can be confusing at first viewing, because everything is juxtaposed and jumbled. It flickers between eras, characters, and storylines in a half-remembered dream way. The movie must be watched as a feeling, not a sit-back-and-relax caper.

The movie is NOT based on David Bowie and Iggy Pop, at least not entirely. They never had such an affair and never had such lives. The movie is fiction. Brian Slade is no more David Bowie than he is Marc Bolan or Jobriath, and Curt Wilde is no more Iggy Pop than he is Lou Reed and David Johansen. And neither of them are any of them. They're composites of the essence of real people - or of the feeling of them - thrown into a London backdrop thru the lens of Citizen Kane and an Oscar Wilde fairy tale.

Many of the events are real events (Brian's Top of the Pops performance, as well as his relationship with Cecil, is very much akin to Marc Bolan's performance and relationship with Simon Napier-Bell -- The Maxwell Demon album cover is an almost exact remake of Jobriath's self-titled album cover, etc...). Many of the events are real fictions (the movie plays out threw a Citizen Kane-like sequence -- Oscar Wilde's story "Star Child" is carried throughout the movie via a green pendant which is passed around, not to mention many Wilde quotes and parables from stories such as "The Remarkable Rocket" and "The Picture of Dorian Gray"). But nothing in the movie is real. It's simply beautiful fancy.

The film is based around reporter Arthur Stewart, who is, in 1984, on a quest to discover the mysteries behind a fake murder/publicity stunt of Brian Slade in 1974. Everything and everyone in the movie circles back to him, and his discovery. What does he eventually discover? Symbolicly, himself. Literally... watch the movie.

The real Star of the film is Jack Fairy, a beautifully elusive archeotype with the grace of Garbo, the fantasy of Oscar Wilde, and the power of Marc Bolan who silently glides thru the movie, not saying a word until the end, but playing one of THE MOST VITAL ROLES in the movie (he and Arthur make the movie... Brian and Curt are just vehicles for everything to happen).

Many great songs too, from T. Rex, Roxy Music, Lou Reed, Cockney Rebel, etc... Most of them covers, though. As well as newbies such as Shudder To Think and Pulp.

It's a beautiful film. Not action packed, kinda confusing, and not too tethered to a plot. But beautiful - ethereal. It's very layered. If you enjoy Glam rock, Oscar Wilde, Citizen Kane, fairy tales, or just things and people to fall in love with, you'll probably like the movie.

Oh, one interestingly thing to point out is the surplus of Roxy Music songs, but the lack of a Bryan Ferry-like character. Bryan was a consultant for the film, so methinks that's intentional - he made sure they kept him out of the muck.

Very disappointed
I am a big fan of the whole "70 Glam" era. I am also a huge fan of Iggy Pop and the Stooges.
Here is the low down.
1. This movie is lame.
2. The only cool part of the movie was when Ewan/Iggy/Kurt was singing TV Eye.

This movie portrayed Iggy Pop/Kurt as David Bowie's lover. I don't think Iggy was having sex with Bowie. I wasn't there and I don't know for sure.

This was a huge disappointment. I think I was expecting something different. ... Read more

Reviews (133)

Over the top lesbian melodrama
"Lost and Delirious" is for people who like their melodrama laid on thick and heavy with few subtleties. (Also I'm sure they're are plenty of guys who will enjoy it simply for the tame lesbian love scenes between its two attractive leads.)

The story is simple: young Mary Bradford arrives at an all girls boarding school and there she is used simply as a conduit to tell the audience the story of the doomed romantic relationship between her two roommates: preppy, bosomy "Tori" (Jessica Pare) and wildgirl "Pauly" (Piper Perabo.) When the relationship between Tori and Pauly is discovered, Tori breaks it off out of fear that she'll lose her family and, as a result, Pauly goes insane. In another review someone noted with approval that the school's faculty act with compassion and understanding upon the discovering that Pauly has developed a fixation on Tori and not with stereotypical condemnation. However, that's where this movie lost me.

Pauly is a deeply disturbed character. There is nothing wrong with being a heartbroken young lesbian, but there is something wrong about being a violent, verbally abusive, psychopathic stalker! The school should have forced her to get help or kicked her out. However, "Lost and Delirious" is over-the-top melodrama and so we have sit through the inevitable conclusion of Pauly's emotional collapse. (I would just shake my head in wonder if anyone is surprised by how this movie ends.)

One of the most beautiful and heart- wrenching movies ever!
Lost and Delirious is truly one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen. When I first rented this movie at the local Blockbuster, I was debating to myself whether or not renting this movie was a great idea or just a waste of money. When I started the movie, I was thrown into a world of confusion and sadness when I met "Mouse" played by Mischa Barton, who was on her way to the Perkins Girls College. I immediately developed an understanding of Mouse's shy, insecure personality when she was reflecting on the image of her dead mother. I was later greeted with Victoria -played by Jessica Pare, and Pauline - who was brilliantly played by Piper Perabo. Tori and "P", Mouse found out, were lovers who had an incredible bond toward one another. Unfortunately the two lovers were doomed because of the ever present homophobia that existed in Tori's parents, and her disgusting little sister. Watching Pauly pledge her undying love to Tory, and watching Tory reject her over and over again, made me feel like my heart was being ripped from my body. I have never felt such an incredible bond to a movie's characters, and I have never felt so sad and crushed about a movie's ending. This movie will leave you weeping, but it will also leave you with a better understanding of true love, how beautiful it is, and how easily it can be hidden by fear.

Lost and Delirious
Lost and Delirious is a haunting and very impressive film. Mischa Barton does an excellent job as the new girl sent to live at an all girl's college. She quickly becomes close friends with her two roommates, Pauline and Tory, who are also lovers. The imagery and cinematography in this film are done brilliantly, some of the best I've ever seen. Great story outstandingly told as well. The acting is occasionally a bit overdramatic, but still quite superb. The ending is a little predictable, but I think most people (the smart ones anyway) would find this film to be quite evocative and most excellent nonetheless... And they would definitely be right :).

Based on the book The Wives of Bath by Susan Swan.

NOT a "lesbian" flick
This is NOT a "lesbian" movie. I keep seeing this movie listed as a "lesbian" movie--as though it's only for a lesbian audience. It's not. It's an amazing piece of art about that deals with universal themes of love, acceptance, betrayal (of the self and of others), friendship, loyalty, honesty, peer pressure, emotional dependance, parenting, prejudice and more.

Mainly, it's about the damage done by labels, as lead Paulie says to Mouse, "I'm not a girl in love with a girl, I'm Paulie in love with Tory." So don't label, watch. And don't think this movie won't move you if you aren't gay. It will.

I'd say it's one of the most quietly powerful movies I've ever watched.

Tender and sad
I thought this was an exceptional movie. Not growing up lesbian, but now an out lesbian, I understood the feelings of rejection and hurt. My partner, however, looked at me with tears in her eyes (not a "crier"), and said to me, "This is why most adult lesbians are f***ed up." It really hit home. The level of devastation, not only to be rejected by your lover, but a denial of ever being involved...whew. We both thought the movie was beautiful, sad, and suprisingly not over the top--not even the ending. I highly recommend this movie. ... Read more

Description

In this 'riveting mystery-romance', two men’s lives intersect andbecome one through a meeting of pure chance.Drew, a small town forest ranger rescuesMark, an injured hiker suffering from amnesia. As he recovers, he and Drew form a closefriendship that slowly grows into something much more.Unfortunately, their timetogether is cut short when the hiker's old life comes back to reclaim him. A sexy andintriguing love story, Gone But Not Forgotten is a film not to miss. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Wished I had seen it on the big screen
Movies for me have always had a "bigger than life" impact when seen on the big screen for the first time. I wished I have had my initial viewing of this film at the theatre. This flick is definitely one of the better gay romance movies to come out over the past few years that can be appreciated by both gay and straight audiences. If Michael Akers can do this remarkable, credible, and satisifying a project on his limited budget for this film, I can't wait to see what he will do when the "bank vaults are open." The dialogue and scenes do jump awkwardly a bit from time to time, but nothing that detracts or cheapens the overall quality of this film. No, this is not a "Meryl Streep- Oscar-worthy" movie. If it were, the true power of this flick would have been lost.

This likeable cast has a great chemistry together, which added to my enjoyment of the film. What is all the more amazing is that this was the movie debut of all the actors. Aaron Orr (Drew Parker) put forth a wonderful and credible effort of making me laugh, making me cry, and bonding me to his character as few actors have over the past few years. My big surprise was the supporting role of Ariadne Shaffer as Catherine Reeves. I thought I was in a "time warp" watching Kathleen Turner 20 years ago! Matthew Montgomery (Mark Reeves) put in a great effort of creating the sensitive, confused amnesia victim and expressing to the audience Mark's coming to terms with his sexuality and who he really loves. Bravo Aaron, Ariadne, and Matthew! We will be all the better seeing these upcoming actors in future projects over the next few years.

The chemistry and bond between Drew and Mark was very evident throughout their scenes together and the main reason this film doesn't disappoint. The love scene between the two main characters goes beyond the typical Hollywood "sanitized" scenes, but is tastefully and affectionately done.

Michael Akers' first film is a recommend "must-see" for all romantics out there. It is not a surprise this film was the official selection at almost a dozen or so showings around the 2003 festival circut. With the just the right balance of humor, happy, hope, sad, and serious, this film gets better and more satisifying to me upon each viewing. Good cast, good dialogue, and great cinematography... get a date, turn down the lights, cuddle, and enjoy! This film has an addicting quality to it that will make you want to watch it again and again.

Wished I had seen it on the big screen
One of the better "guy gets guy" date films to come out in a few years. I always enjoy movies more on the big screen and as enjoyable as this film was to me on the TV screen, I think I would have enjoyed it more if my initial screening had been on the big screen. Nice cast! They have a great chemistry together, which added to the enjoyment of the film to me. Can't understand the reviews panning this film. No, it's not "Oscar-worthy-Meryl Streep" acting... if it were, the true power of this film would be lost. If Michael Aker's can create a movie this good on a limited budget, I can't wait to see what he can do when the "bank vaults are open." An enjoyable film with just the right balance of humor, happy, hope, sad, and serious that will satisify and make you feel good. I have watched it several times and it gets better and more satisifying to me on each viewing.

Beyond independent
One man wrote, directed, and edited this ridiculously long melodrama. Re-titled, "Joan Crawford Loves Joan Collins" this story requires a three movie expansion to help him swing his extra thick plot-punch (not to mention smacks, bitch-slaps, and panic-attacks.) Buy this as a donation only.

Wonderful Movie
Yes this movie is rather amateurish. This was a shoestring budget. Those things aside, this is a wonderful movie. The cast is very good. The plot can meander around but all in all believable. Do yourself a favor to is watch one of the extra feature with commentary by Matthew Montgomery and the writer/director. You get a good understanding of how the movie was made and the struggles that went into the movie.

Go and forget it
This is one of those cheap digital video (not high definition) shot movies that make you wish filmmakers still had to write a decent enough screenplay to interest a producer to raise some serious money to make a picture. I like movies to look good, I think it's half the fun of watching them. And maybe money is not the problem.
Well, to tell the truth I've seen much worse than this one, but I don't think this makes the grade as a serious movie. The cheapness comes through embarrasingly, and it clearly marrs the script. As it often happens in this movies, the story is unbelievable, the pace drags and the acting is mediocre.
About the dvd itself, it's 1.85 non-anamorphic and of course it looks like digital video. ... Read more

Amazon.com

HBO caused a stir when it aired If These Walls Could Talk, a portrait of three women from three generations (all who occupied the same house at various times) who had unwanted pregnancies. HBO utilizes the same gimmick in the sequel, this time telling the story of women who love women.

The three stories of If These Walls Could Talk 2 are uneven. Far and away the most powerful and moving story is the first, taking place in 1961, starring Vanessa Redgrave as a woman "widowed" when her partner of 50 years suddenly dies. Redgrave is phenomenal, and her piece alone makes this sequel worth watching. The 1972 portion stars Michelle Williams, who finds dealing with the sexual politics of the gay community increasingly more complex when she falls in love with a boyish woman (played by Chloë Sevigny). The most modern piece, taking place in 2000, portrays a contemporary lesbian couple (Sharon Stone and Ellen DeGeneres) determined to have a baby. The light nature of the story detracts from the more serious issues of the earlier segments. Despite the mixed fare, HBO once again proves itself on the cutting edge of moviemaking, with this rather daring film that will both provoke and entertain. --Jenny Brown ... Read more

Reviews (72)

A look at relationships over time
There are 3 stories to this movie, with the setting being the same house for all three stories.

The first story is set in the 1950's and shows the sorrow of having to keep a lesbian relationship secret. Vanessa Redgrave's utter destruction over the death of her partner and her being unable to show the full extent of her loss. From the hospital to the gold digging relatives, no one offers her true comfort for what she has rightfully lost and she must grieve alone.

For me, the second story was the best. Set in the 1970's, it tells the story of a feminist who falls in love with a masculine dressed woman. The passion is overwhelming. There is a nude scene that really shows pure sexual passion. Michelle Williams potrayal of the feminist is a moving and wonderful thing to watch.

The final story is about 2 women trying to conceive a baby. While I'm not sure about the chemistry between Ellen DeGeneres and Sharon Stone, I do think Sharon Stone gives a tender portrayal of a loving woman. I found the watching of the children in the park to be a little creepy and unnecessary.

Even if you aren't a lesbian, just the acting and the emotions of relating to other women is worth the rental or purchase price.

Incerdibly Touching
I thought "If These Walls Could Talk 2" was great, with the great performances. Thank god for HBO, I've seen it many times on it, and it's sort of a guilty pleasure. I can't help but watch it everytime it comes on. I thought every story was very moving, with the perfect cast to pull it all off. I thought the first segment was very touching, but I couldn't really relate to it, so it was hard to really get into it. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the second and third segments. The second segment with Michelle Williams, Nia Long, and Chloe Sevigny were fantastic. It struck a chord in me, I realized how biased the world can be towards one another. I liked the irony of one lesbian being incredibly ignorant to another, because they weren't "lesbian" enough. It revealed to me how cynical we all can be. I disagree with a lot of the reviews about the third segment, I thought it was great! It was humorous and heart-felt. It is by far, Ellen DeGeneres's best performance. Sharon Stone was so comical, which the enitre movie needed. Ellen and Sharon had great chemistry, in my opinion. The seemed very believable, from the passion towards one-another, to the commitment of trying to conceive. They were a truly loving and commited couple, which I respected very much. I recommend this movie to anyone, lesbian, gay, bi, or straight, it's a terrific movie.

I fell...
in love with Chloe Sevigney (segment 2) after I saw her in this film. She's absolutely amazing. Okay, this isn't a review but I really had to add this to amazon.

If This Bathroom Could Get a Word In
I've got the pitch for IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK 3:

Pro-choice lesbians who are politically-active athiests! Cher and Sharon Stone survive a Sam Peckinpah-styled shootout when crazed religious fanatics open fire on them for helping poor confused young girls into the local abortion clinic. When Chloe Sevigny, their adopted daughter, dies in the attack, Cher and Sharon decide to instead turn their attention to removing all crosses and nativity scenes from America.
Just as the religious fanatics take aim at them at the last nativity scene, Ellen Degeneres appears as angel to stop the violence and magically transform all Americans into loving, tolerant gays and lesbians. The abortion debate essentially disappears since children must now be shipped into the States as the populations growth drops to zero.
Unfortunately, none of them now believe in God or angels, so they open fire on the angel and the entire world is destroyed in a ripping special effects climax.
You can't tell me that wouldn't be more entertaining or informative than anything in the first two WALLS films.

I had the same problem with the first WALLS film that I had with this one: drama sidestepped to make a political statement. Most of the America isn't gay or lesbian, so the film could've been more interesting by seeing reactions to the characters' lesbianism in families and work and so forth.
Instead, we see that lesbian relationships can be just as cutesy and bland as the most lame straight love stories.
The horrible injustice of the first segment could've been cleared up through a simple will.
The second was the most interesting.
The third was like watching a Hallmark card commercial at one frame per half-hour.

HBO has all the tools to make a daring, provocative film. Maybe someday they will.

honest, sweet, and relatable
i thought this was a really good movie. The third part with ellen and sharon was my favorite and the part that i identified with the most. i love the part right before the love scene when ellen asks sharon why they are watching TV. i love how sharon turns the TV off. it is so cute. i have always liked 'Thank You' by Dido but this movie made me like it even more. i didn't relate as much to the second part but thought that all the actresses did a great job. the first part was sad and i'm glad that they put that in the movie. one of my favorite movies! ... Read more

Reviews (53)

Opposites attract in this wonderful love story
"Desert Hearts," directed by Donna Deitch, opens in Reno, Nevada in 1959. The film, which is based on a novel by Jane Rule, tells the story of Vivian (played by Helen Shaver), a prim-and-proper college professor who has come to Nevada to get a divorce. There she meets Cay (Patricia Charbonneau), a lusty, free-spirited casino worker. The relationship between these two beautiful women is the focus of the film.

"Desert Hearts" is a wonderful film. It's very erotic, tender, and moving. The women's story is complemented by excellent production values and effective use of period music. The performances are superb all around. The leads are backed by a great supporting cast; Audra Lindley is particularly good in a zesty, touching performance as Cay's stepmother. But it's the powerful chemistry between Shaver and Charbonneau which ultimately drives the film. Every scene between them is one to be savored.

The DVD version of the film includes a fascinating feature-length commentary track by director Deitch. She discusses the original novel, her own relationship with novelist Rule, the casting process, the music of the film, key scenes, and much more. Particularly fascinating is the window she offers into the financial realities of independent filmmaking.

"Desert Hearts" is about romantic love between two women. It's also about a mother-daughter relationship and about friendship between women. The beautiful scenes of the land and horses as well as the casino scenes give added appeal to the story of these interconnected relationships. I highly recommend this enjoyable and touching film.

Stole My Heart
I loved this movie! It is my all-time, favorite lesbian love story. More recent films have touted themselves as having eclipsed this story, but frankly, I have not yet seen a lesbian film that is better than this one. Yeah, this film has some hokey parts. I do not like the way that director, Donna Deitch suddenly fades to black as a transitioning technique. I do, however, like the 1950's vocal music in the background. The music mirrors the mood of the film and of the characters. I also liked the authenticity of the film in terms its 1950's setting. I liked the old cars and the old clothes and the old slot machines. Even the leather couch and the cowboy-patterned dishes hasten back to the 1950's. I especially liked the performance of Helen Shaver as Vivian Bell, the uptight eastern professor who comes to Reno for a quickie divorce. I had seen her in movies before but it took this movie for me to recognize the depth of her talent. Audra Lindley (AKA, TV's Mrs. Roper from Three's Company) is also excellent. I never really knew where the Audra Lindley character was coming from, even though I have probably seen the film at least ten times. I think that not understanding the character's full motivation is part of the intrigue of her performance; you're never really sure where her true affections lie. The interplay between the two main characters is awesome. It is wonderful to see the attraction grow and to see the younger character's boldness and both character's vulnerability. I give credit to the writer, director and actresses for the authenticity with which they recreated the awkward and often tentative moments of new love. If you never buy or see another lesbian film, buy and see this one.

I Liked Jane Rule's Novel MUCH Better, But . . .
This film contains what may well be the most powerful & well-done love scene I have ever seen on film. If only everyone's "first time" with his or her lover could be this beautiful! Ah, well. Actors can rehearse, as Shaver & Charbonneau did, according to director Dietch. But ordinary real-life lovers have no such luxury . . .

My main problem with the film was its portrayal of Frances Packer. Don't get me wrong--Audra Lindley's performance is terrific (& such a pleasant surprise after only having seen her in __Three's Company__!). But Dietch & Cooper made Mrs. Packer out to be a venomously lonely & alcoholic homophobe. Rule's portrayal of her in the novel is much more sympathetic & broad-minded.

I believe at least one other reviewer made similar objections, but I just had to put my 2 cents in.

In the end, I applaud Ms. Dietch & everyone involved in Desert Hearts for working so hard to bring this groundbreaking film into being!

love story
This movie was the first lesbain movie I truly fell in love with. I felt my self in the movie through each sceen.I would love to have seen the stars go into more detailed sex sceens. But you can still feel the love. It was a very good love story. It would please me to see a part 2 to this movie.

can't miss
This is a wonderful movie of two gorgeous women who make love and one drops her water onto the other while they're at it. I watch that part over and over. And I'm a girl. ... Read more

Reviews (124)

Intense & Beautiful!
Heavenly Creatures is my favorite movie of all time. It's about two highly intense girls who become best friends in the deepest sense of the word. They don't really seem to have anyone but each other. To help deal with this, they create a fantasy world, first in words and books, then with clay. And all the while it's active in their mind. They escape into this world called Borovnia and into each other. When Juliet (played by the incredible Kate Winslet) comes down with another bout of tuberculosis, she's quarentined in a hospital and the separation proves to be extremely difficult for Juliet and Pauline. But the real test comes when Juliet is to be shipped out of the country. That bit of separation is too much for the girls to handle and they go to desperate lengths to prevent it. Whether or not they succeed, I won't say.

This movie is based in truth. Much research can be done online as to the factual content of the movie. Many people question if their friendship turned into any sort of lesbian relationship. Other questions have been raised as well. However, fact or fiction, this is one of the most incredible movies out there for viewing. It's beautiful and breathtaking and something everyone should see. I can't recommend it enough.

"Come with me..."
"How can these heavenly creatures be real?" asks Pauline in one scene of "Heavenly Creatures," the exquisite and horrifying docudrama of a real-life murder in New Zealand. Peter Jackson uses spectacular special effect, great actors, and outstanding direction to show us how these heavenly creatures became monsters.

In 1952, Pauline Parker (Melanie Lynskey) is a loner at her proper New Zealand school, until the day Juliet Hulme (Kate Winslet) arrives -- an intelligent, witty, daring girl who appeals to Pauline. They share a love of the arts, writing, sculpting, drawing, fantasy, and tenor Mario Lanza. Soon the two of them are nearly inseparable, spinning their fantastical tales of castles, knights, unicorns and beautiful ladies. (The foremost ladies, Deborah and Gina, are modelled on themselves) Even Juliet's four month stint in the hospital doesn't separate the girls through their letters and shared fantasies. But soon Juliet's father (Clive Merrison) becomes concerned that their close friendship is "unhealthy." It is, but not just in the way he thinks.

The two girls' emotional attachment has turned incredibly intense, so that they barely think of anyone but each other, and the fantasy stories begin to seep into reality for them . Pauline drops out of school and stops talking to her parents; Juliet learns that her mother is sleeping with one of her clients, and that her parents are divorcing. Now she's being sent to South Africa, and there is no telling when she will see Pauline again. Unless they do something about their parents so that they can stay together... such as murder.

Peter Jackson kicks off "Heavenly Creatures" by emphasizing what a beautiful, in most ways peaceful country (via a cheesy 1950s documentary). But he rapidly shows that beauty is not everything -- the complex and beautiful fantasy land of Borovnia has a sort of amorality in its stories, that reflects the girls' own minds. Their mothers are problematic -- one is selfish, the other is controlling -- but the girls begin to see them as mere obstacles to be dealt with. Jackson doesn't just show what the two did, but showed why they did it. But even then, he doesn't sugarcoat anything.

Melanie Lynskey is excellent as Pauline; she has something of the look of both a child and a woman, switching between smiles and sullenness, depending on who she's speaking to. And the luminous Kate Winslet plays the somewhat devil-may-care Juliet, whose vivacity and charm overrule any of Pauline's reservations. "It's everyone else who's bonkers!" she says gleefully when Pauline casts doubt on her own sanity. The supporting actors are also good, especially Clive Merrison and Honora Peirse as Juliet's dad and Pauline's mom, who are both concerned about their children.

The dialogue is outstanding, both chilling and simple ("Our main idea for the day was to murder Mother"; "we decided to use a rock in a stocking, rather than a sandbag..."). And Richard Taylor's handling of the CGI and prosthetics is oustanding. One particularly vivid scene has a hillside transforming into an exquisite garden. And nobody except Peter Jackson could have pulled off the idea of including living clay figurines or four-foot-wide butterflies, but somehow it not only works, but adds to the surreality of the story. Jackson's unique camerawork is here as well; if you enjoy his swooping shots and close-ups, then this will be a treat to watch.

There is some sexual content, including Pauline in bed with a young man, and the two girls in bed with each other (where they envision the other as the guy they desire -- a very creepy scene). The DVD is pretty bare-bones, unfortunately, without a "making of" or director's commentary. There are some trailers for other movies, and the trailer for this one as well. (Which is not so amazing because it wobbles a little as it played)

While Juliet went on to become bestselling murder mystery writer Anne Perry, no one is entirely certain what happened to Pauline. This movie is frighteningly vivid, beautifully made, and exquisitely directed, destined to be a modern classic.

not so heavenly
While I watch alot of muder,mystery and suspence movies. This movie was an insight to two girls who murder. This true story is simply disturbing. Kate Winslet plays Juliet Hulme. Juliet and Pauline are selfish and cruel to think of only themselves and kill for the two girls to be together. Did anyone know that Juliet Hulme changed her name to Anne Perry? Name sound a little familiar? Well thats because Anne Perry is a murder mystery writer. What a way to channel thoughts of murder!!! Write about it and make lots of money. I guess since she couldnt just keep killing people for real. She decided to write about instead. Hey Anne, your one sick puppy!!!!!!

A Chilling And Suspenseful True-Story Classic
It still amazes me how Peter Jackson went on to direct three of the greatest epics in the form of "The Lord Of The Rings" that grossed a combined total of $3 billion worldwide when some six years previously directed low-budget films such as "Heavenly Creatures." They say the best things happen by accident (or is that just me?) and just two and a half hours ago I was flicking through the channels, looking for something to watch when I stumbled amongst Heavenly Creatures. Dubbed by my TV guide as an 'intense and atmospheric treat,' I decided to sit and watch it, if not only for the adorable Kate Winslet. By the end I was convinced I had just watched one of the best films I have seen in years!

In 1954 two girls brutally murdered one of their mothers in what still remains, to this day, perhaps the most documented and sensational murders in New Zealand's history. "Heavenly Creatures" tells the true story of this crime drama and highlights their strange friendship. If you think before you watch this that you're just in for another stereotypical blood-splatter flick then you are very much mistaken.

Pauline Rieper (Melanie Lynskey) is a typical student in a strict all-girls' school who is completely bowled over when Juliet Hulme (Kate Winslet) joins her school and tears up her pathetic existence into something radical and fresh. They have similar interests such as the arts, sculpture, English and the tenor Mario Lanza. Eventually both the romance and the frightfulness of it all reaches a tragic conclusion. In their all consuming friendship Juliet and Pauline create a "Fourth World," better than heaven (because it has no Christians), inhabited by the clay figures they have fashioned to represents their friends and where the music of Mario Lanza, the greatest tenor on earth, is always in the air.

The two girls' emotional attachment has turned incredibly intense, so that they barely think of anyone but each other, and the fantasy stories begin to seep into reality for them. Not even a four-month stint in hospital for Juliet can keep Pauline away. Pauline drops out of school and stops talking to her parents; Juliet learns that her mother is sleeping with one of her clients, and that her parents are divorcing. Now she's being sent to South Africa, and there is no telling when she will see Pauline again. Unless they do something about their parents so that they can stay together...such as murder.

Watching the film I felt a continual underbelly of lesbianism playing a major role. These suggestions are continually squashed, however, due to the times the movie is set in where homosexuality is an 'unnatural' subject. Kate Winslet is superb as the bright and luminous Juliet and with her posh accent, she brings a certain level of humor to the film that would have been impossible without her. Melanie Lynskey portrays Pauline superbly too, contrasting from the mature attitude of a fully grown woman to the sly grin of an evil teenage girl who knows too much. The films comedy moment can be cheesy at times, but are intentional in their positions in that they counterbalance the horrifying scenes. Many moments pre-horror build up the suspense brilliantly, then perform a sort of anticlimax. However, the peaceful and tranquil music that plays just before the brutal and obscene ending is obviously intentful.

The ending is what stays with the viewer most when looking back on the film The way Jackson directed the scene to be something truly spectacular was superbly pulled off. The screams of the mother and the cuts to the alternative-world made me want to cover my eyes in fear, but I persisted and watched through the horror. The dialogue of the film is brilliant, and only Peter Jackson could come up with the idea of life-size clay models that walk and talk. Six years later he'd be making something a lot grander. Richard Taylor supplies the CGI effect and is superb in doing so making for surprisingly life-like, realistic characters - remember, this was 1994!

In the end what you have here is a fantastic and timeless film that is perfect for college/University studies both in direction and content. What is most fascinating, apart from the real-life chilling theme that features prominently throughout, is the fact that Peter Jackson went on to become one of the world's most celebrated directors in history, whilst Kate Winslet went on to star in the most successful motion picture of all time! This is a film that will appeal to all generations (obviously not youngsters) of people with a thirst for crime, horror, blood, gore and fantasy. Don't try and ignore it - this film will make your head spin!

Absolutely breathtaking...
Recently, I was fortunate enough to have my fiance introduce me to this movie. Its one of her all time faves, but she wasnt sure if I would like it or not. Truthfully, neither was I.

Good LORD, I loved it.

Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynsky were absolutely phenomenal; the story was at once disturbing, brilliant, and cute; the scenery was breathtaking, and the direction showed that Peter Jackson was brilliant long before making LotR.

All in all, if you enjoy movies that make you think, you'll love this. I loved it when I saw it, but after having a while to process it, and mull it over, it's become an instant favorite.

This movie at times has a VERY David Lynch-type vibe to it, and as I said, will definitely make your head spin.

I dont think I could possibly recommend this movie more. SEE IT! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

When Brandon Teena, a young man with an infectious, aw-shucks grin andan angelic face that's all angles, wanders into Falls City, Nebraska, he takes to the town like it's a second skin. In little time he's fallen in with a gang of goofy if temperamental redneck boys, found himself a girlfriend, and befriended enough people to form something of a small family. In fact, it's the best time Brandon's ever had. However, there are shadows looming over Brandon's life: a court date for grand theft auto, a checkered criminal record, and a seemingly innocuous speeding ticket that could prove to be his undoing. Why? Because as it turns out, Brandon Teena is actually Teena Brandon, a woman masquerading as a man.

This fascinating story was based on real-life events (as documented in The Brandon Teena Story) that occurred in 1993 and ended intragedy: Brandon's rape and murder by two of his supposed friends. Despite thishorrible outcome, however, in the hands of director Kimberly Peirce (who cowrote the unfettered screenplay with Andy Bienen), Brandon's story becomes not oppressive or preachy, but rather oddly and touchingly transcendent, anchored by Hilary Swank's phenomenal, unsentimental performance. Swank inhabits Brandon's contradictions and passions with a natural vitality most actresses would refuse to give themselves over to. Brandon's deception is doomed from the start, but Swank's enthusiasm is infectious, and when Brandon starts romancing the sloe-eyed Lana (a pitch-perfect Chloë Sevigny), he finds a soul mate who wants to transcend boundaries and fated identities as much as he does. The last part of the film, when Brandon's true identity is discovered, is truly painful to watch, but in between the agony there are touching moments of sweetness between Brandon and Lana, who wrestles with the truth of who Brandon actually is. You'll come away from Boys Don't Cry with affectionand respect for Brandon, not pity. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (214)

Important stuff!!!
When's the last time anyone dared to tackle such a subject? We already know that some of the details of Brandon Teena's life needed to be changed to make a concise and coherent film. There is no question that Brandon is not a nice person; he's a user, forger, thief, etc. Still, it's an interesting person around which Kimberly Peirce chose to center her first film. Certain elements of Brandon's life have been "abbreviated" but this was for the flow of the film's narrative. There is really no way anyone can fault Hilary Swank's brilliant performance. She was in practically every frame of the film; Chloe Sevigny brought out the sweetness and tenderness from Swank's character. She also personified the boredom of the lower class, mid-Western, stuck-in-a-rut, karaoke singing, girl at dead-end. There are people like this.It's frightening to think that previous reviewers don't believe it. It's a riveting film, and Hilary Swank gives one of the most courageous performances. Even if you don't believe the gender switch, Ms. Peirce's film is an important one.I love this film. There's ugliness, and it's dealt with appropriately. This IS a true story (edited for content), though a good display of red-neck culture. Most instructive. Most upsetting. Most enthrallng. Hilary deserved every award.

Truth Hurts
Boys Don't Cry certainly deserves praise for its many fine performances - although most of the actors did not have much to work with. Only Brandon and Lana are written with depth, and even they could have been written with more depth. But Swank and Sevigny did Oscar-worthy work with what they were given. Swank in particular deserves kudos for getting through some of the film's more brutal moments.

After seeing the movie, however, questions remain. More about Brandon's background would have been particularly interesting and helpful - perhaps a scene of seeking help earlier in life.

That said, the story of the last few days of Brandon's life is one that should be told. And here it is told well. The gritty style of filming matches the bleakness of all its protagonists' lives. The brutality of Brandon's rape, its aftermath, and the subsequent murders are as horrifying as anything I have seen on film. Despite the horror of the murder, Brandon is not quite depicted as a martyr. (S)He does make serious mistakes throughout the movie, and at times it is difficult to feel sympathy for Brandon even if it is clear that this is a person with few choices that could really lead to any permanent sort of happiness. That is the source of my sympathy for Brandon.

Facinating and strange
The production quality both audio and video was good. The script was facinating and truely sad. This was not a feel good movie and in fact will leave you angry. Teena Brandon was a self destructive, confused young lady that wanted to be accepted and loved however she could not accept herself. The story is about how she lived and the situation that leads to her death. It was actually very well acted and I was impressed with the finished product. This is a quality addition to any collection.

Powerful<