Brightlyme i know i wasted 90 mins of my life.

Matho The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

Abegail Noëlle While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

Brooklynn There's a more than satisfactory amount of boom-boom in the movie's trim running time.

Matt Neumann Paris Is Burning is a riveting documentary that focuses on the aspirations and culture of African American homosexuals and transsexuals. One very important aspect of the film is the depth that is shown of the culture of these men. Prior to this film, there were not many people, including myself, that new much about African American homosexuals, transsexuals and drag balls during this time. After watching the film though, I felt enlightened about this culture and had a new understanding of what these people were like, how unfairly they were treated, and their desire to be accepted in society. The mix between interviews and shots of the actual balls, the film is very well put together and is also easy to follow. Even though you might not be interested in the topics of balls, homosexuality, racism, or voguing, you might be surprised by hoe much this film pulls you in and keeps you interested until the end. I would definitely recommend the film to anyone, especially those looking to expand their point of view about different topics.

airleder In a film in which the subjects are referred to as having "3 strikes against them" from a socioeconomic, racial, and sexual preference perspective, we as viewers are taken deep into the tight knit community that is New York Ballroom culture. This group of individuals is completely marginalized and essentially shunned by the white patriarchal structure of our society. One of the key aspects and benefits of being a part of a culture of this nature for these individuals is the sense of community that exists as a result. For a group of men who had no one to turn to in their day to day lives, their involvement in the ballroom scene was crucial to their survival as human beings. They were given a place to express themselves and feel comfortable in their own skin (or the skin of others). The way in which the concept of "drag" is explained in the film is not simply a definition consisting of describing gay men who dress in women's clothes. In Paris is Burning, drag is a way to take on a new identity; to disconnect oneself from reality. Chosen costumes and ensembles range from Marilyn Monroe to Marine drill sergeants and anything and everything else imaginable. The transparency with which Jennie Livingston made this film with in terms of her ability to be that ever so crucial fly on the wall, truly gave the subjects their own voice that flowed naturally throughout the film. The hand-held shooting style employed by Livingston made for a genuinely warm and poignant piece. Similar to Shirley Clarke's film Portrait of Jason, the camera and the subjects have very intimate relationships. In both films, ample time is spent focusing on hand motions and body language. By following the model of 90's queer documentary, Livingston contributed to paving the way for other free form documentaries to exist within the culture. Paris is Burning is an ethnological piece that effectively explores a subculture within itself. Ethnographically speaking, Livingston dissects and debunks this marginalized group of individuals "strike" by "strike" throughout the course of the film. We as viewers are able to understand and absorb the fact that these men are people and this is their passion. For people who are unfamiliar with this culture, listening to these men tell their stories and express the importance of the new york ballroom scene in their daily lives, it is quite easy to understand. Paris is Burning paved the way for documentaries focused on marginalized groups of people. In terms of the internet, the majority of the documentaries i come across that are web based (but function in a similar way as Paris is Burning does in terms of purpose and aesthetic) are centered around marginalized groups. Ethnographies are an excellent way to gain an understanding of something or someone that you would not have access to otherwise. Being able to post personal reviews centered around internet based material, leads to the overall further discussion and progression of society and personal relationships with difficult subjects such as race, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation.

msm2-1 Wonderfully put together..I wish there was a follow up to this documentary to follow up with the lives of some and celebrate the lives of others lost...there should be a part two..a real one. It was great..the film wasn't long enough..I would like to know why the creator of the film did not follow up!! this is so important to the community period..well if your are reading this please consider doing another documentary of this sort...I am really tired of hearing from naive writers how AIDS and Men go together when they don't; actually its the hetero's that we need to look into..this film didn't even bother to mention HIV or AIDS and I was so glad for that..I really appreciated the break downs and definitions too. Thank you s much for allowing this film to exist.

preppy-3 Documentary starts in 1986 in NYC where black and hispanic drag queens hold "balls". That's where they dress up however they like, strut their stuff in front of an audience and are voted on. We get to know many of the members and see how they all hold together and support each other. As one man says to another--"You have three strikes against you--you're black, gay and a drag queen". These are people who (sadly) are not accepted in society--only at the balls. There they can be whoever and whatever they want and be accepted. Then the film cuts to three years later (1989) and you see how things have changed (tragically for some). Sounds depressing but it's not. Most of the people interviewed are actually very funny and get a lot of humor out of their situations. They're well aware of their position in society and accept it with humor--just as they should. We find out they all live in "houses" run by various "mothers" and all help each other out. The sense of community in this film is fascinating.When this film came out in 1990 it was controversial--and a big hit. It won Best Documentary Awards at numerous festivals--but was never even nominated for an Academy Award. Their reason was "Black and hispanic drag queens are not Academy material". Fascinating isn't it? Homophobia and racism all together. Seen today it's still a great film--and a period piece. It just isn't like that anymore--the NY they show no longer exists. The balls are still held but not in the spirit we see here. Also drag has become more "accepted" in society (for better or worse). And I've heard the houses are gone too. That's kind of sad. I WOULD like to know where these characters are now--I know two died of AIDS but I have no idea about the others. And what DID happen to that 13 year old and 15 year old shown? Still, it a one of a kind documentary--fascinating, funny and riveting. A must see all the way! A definite 10. Where's the DVD???