Lesbian Movies - DVD & Video - Page 5

An early feminist classic, Maedchen in Uniform was originally banned in Germany and censored in the U.S. Set in a strict boarding school, the tale of a lonely girl's crush on a female teacher proved too sensual for many. With Eleanor Roosevelt's help, U.S. condemnation was reversed, and the film was later named best film of the year by the New York press. Today considered one of Germany's greatest films, the all-female production stands out for its sensitive acting and tender portrayal of female love.

Three unlikely characters become stranded in the desert when the boys slam into Tuesday's car. She's a photographer on her way to an assignment and the crash is a real irritant, as are the boys in the other car, who are on their way to California to meet GIRLS on the beach. There's a great scene when the boys see Tuesday exit her car legs first and they stare at her in complete awe. They start out as an unlikely trio waiting to be rescued. Both boys are dismayed to learn that Tuesday is a lesbian (she probably breaks all their stereotypes of what a lesbian is)...

Opening in Alsace-Lorraine before the Second World War, we follow the struggles of two women, one of whom is Jewish, and their families as they resist the German occupation. As their love ever deepens in the face of horrible oppression, we learn not only how deception can be honorable but the price of loyalty. This is not a very explicit movie nor is the print in pristine shape but it is a wonderful story very unlike many of today, particularly in the way that others not only accepted but defended their love.

Set in Melbourne's outer west, this is a coming of age tale of a writer who emerges from a miserable existence. Kokkinos presents her predominantly female Greek Australians in their ugly/beauty, their behaviour tribal, impulsive and unexplained. As in Head On, sex is about power, attraction cloaked in animosity. Even a tender lesbian advance is coloured by the metal rings worn by the seducer. That the lesbianism is due to an absent mother, one who is seen in dreams wearing a blood red dress no less, is a cliché, though the father acts just as disinterested.

Jeanette Winterson's semi-autobiographical novel transfers wonderfully to the screen in this BBC adaptation (with a screenplay by Winterson). Jess is the adopted daughter of evangelical Christians living in the northwest of England during the 1960s. Her mother wants Jess to be a missionary, but when she falls in love with Melanie, Jess begins to realize that there is more to life than church.

Andrea Weiss wrote "Paris Was A Woman" which contains so much more than any video could hope to include... but the film is an excellent glimpse and overview of extraordinary American women, who relocated to the left bank of Paris in the 1920's. They stayed during the war and amidst the bombings, from their sisterhood, arose some of the best classical literature known today. See Radclyffe Hall, Djuna Woods, Natalie Clifford Barney (my favorite), Colette (35+ years before "Gigi" hit Broadway), Dolly Madison, Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas as well as James Joyce, Ernest Hemmingway and Pablo Picasso... and their loves, struggles and glorious triumphs.

Athletes Hemingway and Donnelly have lesbian relationship while training for the 1980 Olympics. Annoying direction--too many close-ups of feet--but scores touchdowns galore when dealing with feelings, and women's relationship to manipulative coach Glenn. Perceptive, sensitive performance by Hemingway. Directing debut for top screenwriter Towne.

Winner of the Grand Prize at The Toronto International Film Festival, Set Me Free is a fresh and insightful coming of age story in the tradition of Francois Truffaut's 400 Blows. Hanna's father is a holocaust survivor, a struggling poet, and a communist. Her mother supports the family and is on the cusp of a breakdown. And at thirteen, her sexual awakening includes an infatuation with her teacher and best friend. As Hanna is thrust into the complexities of adult life, she finds expression and release through the existential resignations of a prostitute in Jean Luc Godard's New Wave film Vivre Sa Vie (My Life to Live)

Independent New York filmmaker McLaughlin's lesbian love story explores the complex sexual and emotional commitment of two women professionals. 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. The drama is a bit stilted and not entirely successful, but there are moments of great insight and fine acting by Sheila Dabney and Lois Weaver.