Best Lesbian Film Reviews Page 4, lesbian movies, lesbian DVD reviews

Top Lesbian Film Reviews
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Orlando (1993, 93 min, GB) Director: Sally Porter Studio: Columbia Starring: Tilda Swinton, Billy Zane, Quentin Crisp, Lothaire Bluteau, John Wood, Jimmy Somerville This sumptuously filmed comedy of sexual mores, attitudes, and gender-switching stars the luminous Tilda Swinton as Orlando, a bewitchingly androgynous young man in the 1600s who, through a deal made with Queen Elizabeth I (regally played by Quentin Crisp), becomes immortal. As the centuries go by, Orlando strolls through the elaborate pageant that is English history, and during his adventures for love and self-discovery, he changes sexes, yet all the while, retaining his/her independence, kind heart, and a droll sense of humor to her adventure-filled fate. Though this film is not overtly lesbian, it was adapted from Virginia Wolf’s novel of the same name which was written for her lesbian lover. More info on *Orlando* Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: Orlando Love this Film! Not really totally lesbian, but written by a gay woman, Virginia Woolfe, for her GF and it is a powerful, beautiful, movie. *****	*Orlando*
Our House (2000, 57 min, US) Studio: Cinema Guild A must-see for lesbian and gay parents everywhere as kids take center stage in voicing their thoughts on growing up as children of gay and lesbian parents. The film focuses on five different families ñ all of diverse incomes, races, communities (from Arizona to southern New Jersey), and household arrangements (single queer parents, lesbian mom raising her kids with her female lover, two gay men raising a family.) A fascinating, frank exploration that elicits startling comments by the children (most, but not all, supportive), the parents and even straight parents who share custody. They talk of their comfort in telling their friends and classmates, their thoughts on whether they themselves might be gay or lesbian (usually not), and even the underlying anger at being different. Directed with great sensitivity by Meema Spadola, herself the daughter of a lesbian mother. More info on Our House: A Very Real Documentary About Kids of Gay and Lesbian Parents Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: Our House Didn't see it, but sounds like a great documentary.. ?	Our House
Pandora's Box (1928, 110 min, Germany) Director: G.W. Pabst Studio: Kino Starring: Louise Brooks, Fritz Kortner This expressionistic classic features a luminous Louise Brooks as the sexually insatiable Lulu, a prostitute who ensnares a series of men and one woman with her fetching beauty and beguiling indifference. This is the first film to present a well-developed lesbian character, Countess Geschwitz (Alice Roberts), one of the people who falls in love with the temptress. More info on *Pandora's Box* Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: Pandora's Box Didn't see it, but would love to do so. ?	*Pandora's Box*
Paris Was a Woman (1995, 75 min, US) Director: Greta Schiller Studio: Zeitgeist Starring: Sharl Benstock, Berthe, Giselle Freund, Sam Steward, Dr. Catherine Stimpson From the director of “Before Stonewall” comes this alternately interesting and scholarly documentary centering on the lives of several expatriates who lived and worked in Paris between the wars. Paris, specifically the area known as the Left Bank, became an intellectual, religious, racial, sexual, and political haven for so many artists, including Hemingway, Joyce, and Picasso. But this well-researched documentary probes past the era's “stars” and focuses on the many women and lesbians who also thrived, those being Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas, publishers Sylvia Beach and Adrienne Monnier, New Yorker columnist Janet Flanner, heiress Natalie Barney, painter Romaine Brooks, and Djuna Barnes and her lover Thelma Woods. More info on Paris Was a Woman Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: Paris Was a Woman Love this documentary! Not really totally lesbian, but a wonderfully done piece of herstory. *****	Paris Was a Woman
*Personal Best* (1982, 124 min, US) Director: Robert Towne Studio: Warner Starring: Mariel Hemingway, Patrice Donnelly, Scott Glenn One of the earliest and best handled Hollywood dramas on lesbianism. The story follows the relationship of two women athletes who become friends and then lovers during tryouts for the Olympics. Mariel Hemingway is tenderly affecting as the younger, unexperienced woman who finds that her love for this woman is a fleeting foray on the road to her eventual heterosexual life. More info on Personal Best Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: Personal Best The first lesbian film I ever saw at a movie theater. Girl gets girl, girl loses girl--to boy. Sad ending on this one. ***	Personal Best
Queen Christina (1933, 97 min, US) Director: Rouben Mamoulian Starring: Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, Lewis Stone This classic drama features a severely beautiful Greta Garbo as the reluctant queen who spends much of the film dressed as a male. In an early scene, a trouser-wearing Garbo hugs and plants a full kiss on her lady-in-waiting (Elizabeth Young). Later, Christina comes upon the woman pledging her love to a man; jealous and hurt, she impestuously runs away from the castle. Christina eventually falls in love with a Spanish emissary, and the drama quickly turns into a heterosexual love story. More info on Queen Christina Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: Queen Christina Didn't see it, but would love to do so. ?	Queen Christina
The Rainbow (1989, 104 min, GB) Director: Ken Russell Starring: Sammi Davis, Amada Donohoe, Glenda Jackson, Christopher Gable Sammi Davis is great as Ursula, the earnest young woman whose sexuality erupts as she yearns for true love, self-respect, and independence in a society which frowns on all three. Amanda Donuhoe is delightfully decadent as Winifred, Ursula's gym instructor, seductress, and mentor. (This video is currently out of print and is not available for sale, but may possibly be found for rent.) More info on The Rainbow Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: The Rainbow Didn't see it. ?	The Rainbow
Salmonberries (1991, 94 min, US) Director: Percy Adlon Studio: Wolfe Starring: k.d. lang, Rosel Zech Lesbian song goddess k.d. Lang bares her soul in this Canadian love story from the director of Bagdad Cafe. Not exactly a fulfilling experience for lesbians (no consummation), it is the presence of Lang and her accomplished soundtrack that makes the film notable. More info on Salmonberries Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: Samonberries Didn't see it. ?	*Salmonberries*
Seduction: The Cruel Woman (1985, 84 min, Germany) Director: Monica Treut (& Elfie Mikesch) Studio: First Run Features Starring: Mechthild Grossmann, Sheila McLaughlin This highly stylized and dreamlike exploration of sadomasochism stars Mechthild Grossmann as Wanda, a glamorous dominatrix and proprietor of the local “gallery” of bondage. As she moves from lesbian relationship to relationship, the film plumbs the depths of the dark side of sexual desire. Sheila McLaughlin also stars in this slick visual fantasy which is inspired as much by the photography of Helmut Newton as by Leopold Sacher-Masoch's 1869 work, Venus in Furs. (German with subtitles) More info on Seduction: The Cruel Woman Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: Seduction: The Cruel Woman Didn't see it, but sounds like a hot time in the city! ?	*Seduction: The Cruel Woman*
Serving in Silence -- The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story (1995, 100 min, US) Director: Jeff Bleckner Studio: Columbia Starring: Glenn Close, Judy Davis, Jan Rubés, Wendy Makkena, Margarethe Cammermeyer This is a television dramatization of the true story of Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer's battle to remain in the Army after she came out as a lesbian. The Barbra Streisand-produced story stars Glenn Close as the 26-year veteran, Bronze Star winner and former Nurse of the Year who was booted out of the armed forces when, during routine security clearance screening, she admitted to being a lesbian. Close is steadfastly determined (and a bit cold) as a woman who refuses to compromise her beliefs and resolutely seeks reinstatement through the legal system despite pressure from the Army, her children, her former husband, and even her artist lover (played by Judy Davis). More info on Serving in Silence -- The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: Serving in Silence Another great one showing the unfair treatment of lesbians in the military. Wonderful acting by Glen Close. ********	Serving in Silence
The Sex Monster (1999, 97 min, US) Director: Mike Binder Studio: Trimark Starring: Mike Binder, Mariel Hemingway, Renée Humphrey, Taylor Nichols, Missy Crider, Christopher Lawford, Joanna Heimbold, Kevin Pollak, Stephen Baldwin This sex comedy centers on the premise: What if you convinced your wife to have a ménage-a-trois and she liked it so much you find yourself sleeping on the couch? Mariel Hemingway stars as a quietly contented wife, Laura, whose libido is set afire after she reluctantly agrees to allow another women in bed with her and her husband. Laura's long pent-up lesbian desires explode into a frenzy of kisses, grinding, and other oral pleasuring, and all of this action leaves poor Marty the odd man out. More info on The Sex Monster Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: The Sex Monster LOVE THIS MOVIE!! Mariel Hemingway making out with women, all kinds of women, what more could you want? I watch it every time it comes on cable. Some really funny parts, and any man who has ever entertained a threesome with his wife or GF should watch this film before doing so. *****	*The Sex Monster*
She Must Be Seeing Things (1988, 85 min, US) Director: Sheila McLaughlin Studio: First Run Features Starring: Sheila Dabney, Lois Weaver This interesting love story follows the rocky relationship of Agatha, a New York lawyer, and Jo, a filmmaker. While Jo is out of town, Agatha comes upon her diary and photos, which suggest that she is developing an interest in men and may be unfaithful to her. Agatha's growing jealousy and her frantic attempts to keep her wavering lover interested result in her donning men's clothing and spying on her unsuspecting partner. More info on She Must Be Seeing Things Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: She Must Be Seeing Things Didn't see it, but sounds interesting. ?	*She Must Be Seeing Things*
Show Me Love (1998, 89 min, Sweden) Director: Lukas Moodysson Studio: Strand Releasing Starring: Alexandra Dahlstrom, Rebecca Liljeberg, Erica Carlson, Mathias Rust, Stefan Horberg, Josefin Nyberg This comedic, romantic Swedish drama is set in the backwater town Amal and follows teenager Agnes (Liljeberg), a serious, dark-haired high school outsider who secretly falls in love with the carefree Elin (Dahlstrom), one of the cool “in” girls. Agnes is a troubled baby dyke who needs a hand. How Elin reaches out to the other teen and how their friendship turns to a relationship is told in a sympathetic, uplifting, and wonderfully romantic fashion. (Swedish with English subtitles) More info on Show Me Love Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: Show Me Love Didn't see it, but sounds like a great one for young women who are coming out. ?	Show Me Love
Therese and Isabelle (1968, 102 min, France) Director: Radley Metzger Studio: First Run//Image Starring: Essy Persson, Anna Gael, Barbara Laage, Anne Vernon Set in an all-girls' Catholic boarding school, this milestone film is a tender glimpse at the erotic affair of two young women. Unlike many other works of the period, this provocative drama offers a non-exploitative picture of budding female sexuality, some very hot love scenes, and lots of schoolgirl emotional tension. (French with English subtitles) More info on Therese and Isabelle Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: Threse and Isabelle Didn't see it, but would like to do so. ?	*Therese and Isabelle*
Thin Ice (1995, 88 min, GB) Director: Fiona Cunningham Reid Studio: Wolfe Starring: Sabra Willams, Charlotte Avery When black photographer and amateur skater (Williams) loses her bed and skating partner shortly before competing in the 1994 Gay Games competition, she begins a desperate search for a suitable replacement. She thinks she finds one in Nathalie (Avery), a young “straight” woman and skating novice. While the two fine-tune their technique on the ice, they also begin a romance that proves to be just as difficult to master. A heart-warming romantic comedy. More info on Thin Ice	Thin Ice
Three of Hearts (1993, 101 min, US) Director: Yurek Bogayevicz Studio: Turner Starring: Sherilyn Fenn, Kelly Lynch, William Baldwin, Joe Pantoliano Stung by her sudden breakup with Ellen (Sherilyn Fenn), the lovelorn Connie (Kelly Lynch) concocts a wild plan for reconciliation. She hires male hustler Joey (William Baldwin) to seduce and abandon Ellen, breaking her heart so Connie can get her back on the rebound. Though not the breakthrough Hollywood lesbian film it promised to be, veering into the comforting embrace of heterosexuality, it is still remarkably charming and far from a complete failure in dealing with lesbian issues. More info on Three of Hearts Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: Three of Hearts Sad. Woman with woman, strays for man, la, la, la--the woman who plays the Drag King on L Word, Kelly Lynch, is in this film. ***	Three of Hearts
The Virgin Machine (1988, 85 min, Germany) Director: Monika Treut Studio: First Run Features Starring: Ina Blum, Susie Bright This thought-provoking sexual odyssey tells the story of a young West German woman and her search for “romantic love.” Frustrated by the emptiness of her native Hamburg, Dorothee decides to flee her home to search for her mother, who is living in San Francisco. Once arrived, however, her trek turns into a process of sexual discovery. Filmed in a steamy black and white, the film exudes a sensuality in which simple lust is transformed into glorious eroticism. (English and German with English subtitles) More info on The Virgin Machine	*The Virgin Machine*
Tipping the Velvet (2002, 178 min, Great Britain) Director: Geoffrey Sax, Acorn Media Starring: Rachael Stirling, Keeley Hawes, Anna Chancellor, Jodhi May, Hugh Bonneville, Johnny Vegas, Alexei Sayle, John Bowe, Sally Hawkins Tipping the Velvet is a stunning tour-de-force lesbian romantic drama in grand BBC style with fabulous music, costumes, acting, language, story and yes -- sex. Nan Astley (Stirling) is a sweet girl who shucks oysters in her parent's Whitstable oyster parlor. One night she accompanies her family and boyfriend, with whom she is not smitten, to the vaudeville show. On stage she is entranced by the site of male impersonator, Kitty Butler (Hawes). After weeks her stares come to Kitty's attention, and Nan is summoned backstage. When Kitty asks her to become her dresser, she readily complies. Just a small touch of Kitty sends her reeling. This powerful BBC drama is both a frank depiction of lesbianism and a witty and moving account of a young woman who will win your heart while searching for her own. More info on Tipping the Velvet	*Tipping the Velvet*
The Truth About Jane (2001, 91 min, US) Director: Lee Rose, Studio: Starlight Home Entertainment Starring: Stockard Channing, Alicia Lagano, Kelly Rowan, Ellen Muth, James Naughton, RuPaul Jane (Muth) appears to be like any other teenage girl, except to herself. The cutest boy in the class flirts with her, but all she feels is the dull ache of attraction for the adorable new girl in class, Taylor (Lagano). Jane's mom (Stockard Channing) assumes that her daughter is just like any other fifteen-year-old girl, confused about her adolescence. Fifteen-year-old Jane lives the quintessential suburban life with her parents and younger brother (whom she can't stand). Although popular, Jane has always felt somewhat different than her peers. However, after meeting Taylor, a transfer student at school, Jane's life changes irrevocably. Jane and Taylor become close friends very quickly, and Jane feels a connection to Taylor that she's never felt with her other friends. One night, Taylor kisses Jane, and it becomes clear to Jane that she's found what has been lacking in her life. More info on *The Truth About Jane* Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: The Truth About Jane Good coming out story. Woman who stars in Dead Like Me is in this film. ****	*The Truth About Jane*
A Woman Like Eve (1979, 100 min, Netherlands) Director: Noichka van Brakel Starring: Maria Schneider, Monique Van De Ven This sensitive drama stars Monique Van De Ven as Eve, whose secure but unhappy marriage ends in divorce when she finds fulfillment in the arms of a free-spirited lesbian folk singer played by Maria Schneider. An early European effort at a positive portrayal of lesbians, which was made by a production crew made up primarily of women. (This video is currently out of print and is not available for sale, but may be found for rent.) More info on A Woman Like Eve	*A Woman Like Eve*
When Night Is Falling (1994, 96 min, Canada) Director: Patricia Rozema Studio: Wolfe Starring: Pascale Bussières, Rachael Crawford, Henry Czerny Camille (Pascale Bussières) is a Christian academician romantically involved with Martin (Henry Czerny), a nice enough fellow teacher more interested in advancement than romance. Camille's repressed emotions and desire for true love come to the surface after she meets flamboyant circus performer Petra (Rachael Crawford). Despite being opposites, the two are attracted to each other. Initially denying her sexual attraction to the exotic African-Canadian Petra, Camille plays a repetitive game of “I want you, no, I don't”; that is, until Camille finally unleashes her pent-up desires in one of the more sexually charged lesbian love scenes ever filmed. More info on When Night Is Falling Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: When Night is Falling Sweet film about a repressed teacher falling for a wild circus performer. The dog scene was a bit distrubing, but the filming was beautiful, especially the trapeze artists, and the women were lovely, and we give it a big 4 stars! ********	*When Night Is Falling*
Wild Side (1995, 96 min, US) Director: Franklin Brauner Studio: Pioneer Starring: Christopher Walken, Anne Heche, Steven Bauer, Joan Chen This torrid love story is packaged in the guise of a standard straight-to-video soft-core action/thriller. Anne Heche is Alex Lee, a banker by day and a high-class hooker by night. Both of her careers are sent in a tailspin after a $1,500 tryst with Bruno Buckingham (Christopher Walken), a bug-eyed, high-living businessman with criminal intentions. An elegant and gorgeous Joan Chen is Virginia Chow, Bruno's wife, who meets and immediately is attracted to the beautiful Alex. Before she realizes it, Alex is caught up in a plot to inject a computer virus into the national banking system, is a pawn of a sex-crazed FBI man, and in love (with Virginia) for the first time. This is an action/thriller that is actually a lesbian wet dream in disguise. More info on Wild Side Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: Wild Side Love this one, but then we love Christopher Walken. The sex scene between Joan Chen and Ellen's ex, Anne Heche, is hotter than hades. We saw Oprah interviewing Anne Heche and saying "You NEVER thought about being a lesbian BEFORE you met Ellen?" Thinking Oprah must have seen this movie, because we sure didn't believe that load of crap either. ********	*Wild Side*