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

Top Lesbian Film Reviews

Page 4 of 5
Page 1: Aimee & Jaguar to Clair of the Moon

Page 2: Daphine to Gia

Page 3: A Girl Thing to Looking For Cheyenne

Page 4: Lost and Delirous to Serving in Silence

Page 5: The Sex Monster to Wild SIde

Lost and Delirious (2001, 100 min. US) Studio: Lions Gate Films Cast: Piper Perabo, Jessica Paré, Mischa Barton, Jackie Burroughs, Graham Greene, Mimi Kuzyk Director: Léa Pool REVIEW: Léa Pool’s (Set Me Free) new film Lost and Delirious vividly captures the insular world of the private girls school and the pangs of intense first love. Young Mouse Bradford (Mischa Barton) is sent to an all-girls' boarding school by her distant, unconcerned parents. At first lost, she soon finds friends in her two senior roommates: zingy and ferocious Paulie (Piper Perabo) and charming Tory (Jessica Paré). The three become close friends, during which time Mouse realizes Tory and Paulie are sharing a secret, passionate affair. Mouse accepts this, but the rest of school isn’t so open-minded, and when Tory’s younger sister catches the two, things begin to spiral downward. Tory, determined to fit into her family’s ideals, starts dating boys while Paulie goes ballistic, fueled to reclaim her lover no matter what it takes. Adapted from Susan Swan’s turbulent novel "The Wives of Bath" by screenwriter Judith Thompson, Pool’s first English-language film is a steamy, accomplished and ambitious follow-up to her understated, autobiographical Set Me Free. Thompson’s script removes some of the novel’s more violent and fantastical elements but retains its taut emotional core, Romeo and Juliet-like passion, and a whole lot of tension. There’s certainly a heaping helping of feverish, gorgeously shot sex between the attractive young leads – so much so that a Sundance programmer referred to Lost and Delirious as “eye candy for girls.” And Pool proves herself to be a director Hollywood should part waves for. More info on Lost and Delirious
Love & Suicide (2006, 98 min, US) Studio: Maverick Cast: Sarah Reardon, Stella Johnson Director: Mia Salsi REVIEW: This direct-to-video film was inspired by a true story of two friends who learn that their love for each is more than either anticipated. When pretty but troubled Kaye moves to New Orleans with her family, she forges a special friendship with Emily, a sexy and rebellious high school senior. Will pressures from families and friends lead Kaye and Emily's passion to the bedroom? More info on Love & Suicide
A Love to Keep (2007, 98 min, Spain) Studio: Picture This! Home Video Starring: Carmen Elias, Juan Fernandez, Juli Mira, Julieta Serrano, Sergio Caballero, Susi Sanchez, Toni Sevilla Director: Juan Carlos Claver REVIEW: Pilar and Elvira, two teachers in Spain during the waning years of the Franco era, become friends, then roommates, then ardent lovers. But their blissful time together ends abruptly because during this period in Spain, their love is illegal. When Pilar's domineering mother discovers her daughter's Sapphic propensity, she institutionalizes her, despite her father's objections, telling the doctor to do whatever it takes to "cure" her daughter. For years, Elvira searches for Pilar, writing letters to every asylum in Spain, and imploring Pilar's parents to tell her where she is. But Pilar's mother is resolute. When Elvira finally locates the asylum on her own, the guards refuse her entry, and the emotional anticlimax brings her to her knees. (Spanish with English subtitles). More info on A Love To Keep
Loving Annabelle (2006, 77 min, US) Studio: Wolfe Rebellious Catholic schoolgirls, hidden secrets and a controversial romance all unfold in the newest addition to the lesbian cult classic canon, joining films like The Children’s Hour and Mädchen in Uniform. REVIEW: Annabelle (Erin Kelly), the defiant daughter of a senator, arrives at a prestigious Catholic boarding school after being expelled from many others. It’s up to the school’s poetry teacher Simone (Diane Gaidry) to ensure the rebellious teen does not stir up trouble. Brazen and beautiful, the new student quickly turns heads with her striking beauty and clever charm. Fellow student and bad girl, Cat (the fierce Laura Breckenridge, TV’s “Related”), pounces, but her advances are quickly denied because Annabelle’s eyes are focused on a bigger prize -- Simone. She aggressively makes her move in class, dissecting e.e. cummings’ poetry of sexual innuendos and sending Simone’s heart fluttering. The teacher desperately tries to conceal her lust not only because she is an educator, but also because she is suppressing her lesbian past! On a holiday weekend, the student and teacher are the only two remaining on campus. This time they cannot stop their wildest desires. In one moment their sweltering, uninhibited passion illuminates the screen, and in the next, a flurry of guilt unmasks the reality of responsibility. Kelly and Gaidry’s chemistry is mesmerizing, expressing their characters' deepening attraction with stolen glances and the subsequent revelations of their relationship's emotional consequences. Talented writer/director Katherine Brooks brilliantly captures the conflicting emotions of erotic, romantic attraction and the apprehension due to the sexual and spiritual risks involved. -- Kelly Burkhardt More info on Loving Annabelle
The L Word: The Complete First Season (2004, 600 min, US) Director: Mary Harron, Rose Troche, Lynne Stopkewich, Clement Virgo, Daniel Minahan, Tony Goldwyn, Kari Skogland Studio: Showtime Cast: Jennifer Beals, Leisha Hailey, Karina Lombard, Laurel Holloman, Eric Mabius, Katherine Moennig, Mia Kirschner, Pam Grier, Tammy Lynn Michaels, Guinevere Turner, Anne Archer, Julian Sands, Ossie Davis, Lolita Davidovitch, Snoop Dogg, Rosanna Arquette, Helen Shaver, Kelly Lynch REVIEW: Like the best drugs, "The L Word" will hook you from the first moment and not let go. If you're a " "Sex and the City," and "Six Feet Under" addict, "The L Word" is not to be missed. We fully expected politically correct, boring TV, what we got was a group of new friends/high drama. Tim (Eric Mabius) the sweet straight man wants to marry his high school sweetheart, Jenny (Mia Kirschner) who is a total psycho. She sleeps with anyone who will give her attention and drama is her middle name. They live next door to Bette (Jennifer Beals) and Tina, the upper-class, child-seeking lesbian couple who've got lots of intrigue of their own. Shane breaks hearts and sleeps with all the young girls -- she just needs better judgment. Dana is a tennis player just coming out of the closet who may have picked a psycho girlfriend. And then there's Alice, the bisexual journalist, who's played by Leisha Hailey, the only out dyke in the cast! In a strong recurring role is blaxpoiltation star Pam Grier as Bette's recovering sister Kit. Definitely not just for lesbians, "The L Word" features hot sex, strong writing, superlative acting and drama you won't want to miss a moment of. More info on The L Word: The Complete First Season Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: L Word Season 1 Lots of women say "No one WE know looks like that, or is rich like that, or on and on and on." We say "WHATEVER!" The L Word touches on subjects that most shows just skirt over, and we LOVE IT. The only complaint we have is Jenny. Goddess, please help us with Jenny. Guess there's always got to be at least one Problem Child in everybody's world, and Jenny is that character. *****
The L Word: The Complete Second Season (2005, 600 min, US) Director: Mary Harron, Rose Troche, Lynne Stopkewich, Clement Virgo, Daniel Minahan, Tony Goldwyn, Kari Skogland Studio: Showtime Cast: Jennifer Beals, Leisha Hailey, Karina Lombard, Laurel Holloman, Eric Mabius, Katherine Moennig, Mia Kirschner, Pam Grier, Tammy Lynn Michaels, Guinevere Turner, Anne Archer, Julian Sands, Ossie Davis, Lolita Davidovitch, Snoop Dogg, Rosanna Arquette, Helen Shaver, Kelly Lynch REVIEW: High on drama and cable TV sex and nudity, "The L Word" has struck a nerve with American television watchers. One of Showtime's biggest hit shows, the stylish and over-sexed ladies of "The L Word" always make for compelling viewing. While some have argued that the second season was weaker than the first, we loved it more, never missing an episode. The finale was too low on drama and had the politics turned too high, but that's a small complaint about our favorite TV show. More info on The L Word: The Complete Second Season Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: L Word Season 2 YUMMMM. Hot sex scenes moving into strap-on sex; cross dressing while packing; pregnant women having the big O in pools; mothers coming out;, daughters in lust and love; hot as hadees women; smokin' good times, and Jenny is even a little better!!! *****
The L Word: The Complete Third Season (2006, 644 min, US) Studio: Showtime, Paramount Cast: Jennifer Beals, Leisha Hailey, Mia Kirschner, Laurel Holloman, Katherine Moennig, Pam Grier, Erin Daniels, Rachel Shelley, Sarah Shahi, Daniela Sea, Dallas Roberts, Alan Cumming, Eric Roberts, Billy Jean King, Russell Simmons h REVIEW: "The L Word" is back on track again with the third season. Lots of soapy drama, hot dyke sex and quirky characters. When we started setting up the episode guide below, we got the chills and the tears started again. Spoiler alert! If you know nothing of the startling events in the third season, don't read on. The death of Dana, a much-beloved lead character, was shocking. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer it seemed like it was a place for the writers to insert an important issue into the show. We had no idea that Dana was going to die. The death and subsequent mourning were handled with elegance and intelligence. Again, "The L Word" has taken television to a new level. It's the best thing on TV. The creators, writers, directors, actors and crew are the best and brightest on the air. If you aren't clued into this remarkable series, start at the beginning. You won't be able to stop! More info on The L Word: The Complete Third Season Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: L Word Season 3 Ahhh, more hot women making hot love--plus great story lines--we are still loving it! *****
The L Word: The Complete Fourth Season (2007, 625 min, US) Studio: Showtime, Paramount Cast: Cybill Shepherd, Jennifer Beals, Marlee Matlin, Leisha Hailey, Mia Kirschner, Laurel Holloman, Katherine Moennig, Pam Grier, Erin Daniels, Rachel Shelley, Sarah Shahi, Daniela Sea, Dallas Roberts, Alan Cumming, Eric Roberts, Billy Jean King, Russell Simmons, Kristinna Loken REVIEW: The L Word Season 4 picks up with the women wrestling with issues close to their hearts. As with previous seasons, old demons rear their ugly heads and a host of new characters are brought into their fold, offering them access to a broader community with diverse issues. Newest additions to the cast include Cybill Shepherd, Marlee Matlin, Janina Gavankar and Rose Rollins. Special guest stars are Rosanna Arquette, Eric Roberts, Bruce Davison, Kristanna Loken and Jane Lynch. This season, the war in Iraq becomes an integral part of Alice's (Hailey) life as she struggles to move on after the death of Dana; Helena (Shelley) tries to find financial independence and come to terms with leaving behind a world of privilege; Phyllis Kroll (Shepherd) -- who takes the courageous plunge late in life to come out of the closet -- risking everything that has defined her life up to now; and, Bette (Beals) has to deal with Jodi Lerner (Matlin), a woman who confronts her head-on about her Type-A personality. More info on The L Word: The Complete Fourth Season Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review: L Word Season 4 Ditto on Seasons 1-3!!!! *****
Maedchen in Uniform (1931, 89 min, Germany) Director: Leontine Sagan Studio: Home Vision Starring: Hertha Thiele, Dorothea Wieck REVIEW: Written by lesbian poet Christa Winsloe and based on her play “Yesterday and Today,” this landmark film revolves around a young girl who is sent to a repressive Prussian boarding school where she develops an “unnatural” attachment to her female teacher. While the headmistress declares Manuela's affections to be scandalous, her classmates convey their support and understanding. (German with subtitles) . More info on Maedchen in Uniform Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review:: Maedchen in Uniform Didn't see it, but would like to do so. ?
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit (1989, 165 min, GB) Director: Beeban Kidron Studio: Fox/BBC Starri ng: Geraldine McEwan, Charlotte Coleman REVIEW: Adapted for BBC-TV by Jeanette Winterson from her novel of the same name, “Oranges” chronicles the coming-of-age of a young British lesbian, Jess (Geraldine McEwanin). In her turbulent struggles with her domineering evangelist mother (Charlotte Coleman), Jess grows up to be a fiercely independent young woman. More info on Oranges are not the Only Fruit Amazing Dreams Short-Short Review:: Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit Didn't see it, but would like to do so. ?
Orlando (1993, 93 min, GB) Director: Sally Porter Studio: Columbia Starring: Tilda Swinton, Billy Zane, Quentin Crisp, Lothaire Bluteau, John Wood, Jimmy Somerville REVIEW: 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. *****
Our House: A Very Real Documentary About Kids of Gay and Lesbian Parents (2000, 57 min, US) Studio: Cinema Guild REVIEW: 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. ?
Pandora's Box (1928, 110 min, Germany) Director: G.W. Pabst Studio: Kino Starring: Louise Brooks, Fritz Kortner REVIEW: 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. ?
Paris Was a Woman (1995, 75 min, US) Director: Greta Schiller Studio: Zeitgeist Starring: Sharl Benstock, Berthe, Giselle Freund, Sam Steward, Dr. Catherine Stimpson REVIEW: 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. *****
Personal Best (1982, 124 min, US) Director: Robert Towne Studio: Warner Starring: Mariel Hemingway, Patrice Donnelly, Scott Glenn REVIEW: 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. ***
Queen Christina (1933, 97 min, US) Director: Rouben Mamoulian Starring: Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, Lewis Stone REVIEW: 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. ?
The Rainbow (1989, 104 min, GB) Director: Ken Russell Starring: Sammi Davis, Amada Donohoe, Glenda Jackson, Christopher Gable REVIEW: 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. ?
Salmonberries (1991, 94 min, US) Director: Percy Adlon Studio: Wolfe Starring: k.d. lang, Rosel Zech REVIEW: 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.. ?
Seduction: The Cruel Woman (1985, 84 min, Germany) Director: Monica Treut (& Elfie Mikesch) Studio: First Run Features Starring: Mechthild Grossmann, Sheila McLaughlin REVIEW: 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! ?
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 REVIEW: 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. ****

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