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My aim is to make this a definitive page of reviews of all the lesbian movies out there. So if you know of any we have missed or not been lucky enough to see, maybe you could e-mail your review and I will pop it on here!
Laure Charpentier * Runtime 1hr 42 minutes
  We meet Gigola and her lover at the start of the film declaring their undying love for each other, then fast forward to a few months later and her partner has committed suicide, thus changing Gigola forever. The innocent young girl is replaced by the lover who walks the streets of Paris, rescuing girls from their pimps, seducing lonely older rich ladies, drinking far too much and driving beautiful cars, whilst also spending her evening with the other lesbians of Paris in 1963 at the Chez Moune, who never cease to be shocked by her behavior
If you are a fan of european cinema then some of the players will be familiar to you, Rossy De Palma (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown), Eduardo Noriega (Open Your Eyes, The Devil's Backbone), Marisa Paredes (All About My Mother, The Skin I Live In) Thierry Lhermitte (The Dinner Game), Marisa Berenson (I Am Love) and introducing Lou Doillon, daughter of Jane Birkin, as the eponymous Gigola.
It's a quirky film, you really get a feel of the times and also of the emotions flowing through Gigiola as she trys in vain to subdue them after the loss of her partner. You revel in her rebelliousness and yearn to get to drive with her in that car across Paris at midnight! A great film and highly recommend it!
It is based on the long censored book of the same name... definitely one to add to the LnL Christmas list.
Oliver Schmitz* Runtime 100 minute
 Set in an African village within a close knit community. The film tells the story of some of the early families struck by AIDS and the ignorance and prejudice shown by other villagers when it came to the new killer disease.
The film was very moving and well written. The actors portrayed the horror experienced by the illness and the attitude of others exceptionally well. The film had subtitles but that didn’t distract from the message in anyway.
The film was great, the best I have seen for a very long time. It was a reflective experience from our point of view of the little people knew back then and what they had to endure.
Prejudice isn’t just about the colour of your skin, sexuality or faith it can reach further but still have a huge and negative impact on the people that are the victims of the prejudice.
Well worth watching – brilliant film, very profound.
Lee Friedlander
Runtime * 96 minutes
2009
  What a brilliant hillarious film! Loved it!
Picture the scene, your younger sister is getting married, you are dating a man who your folks would think was totally unsuitable. So you take your best friend who happens to be as camp as Christmas, and worse than that whilst at the wedding tries to tell a school mate he is gay. The story gets misconstrued and you are suddenly a dyke to all those who know and love you…
Well that’s just the beginning of this hillarious film! A definite must if you want a light hearted evening in.
Greta Shiller *Runtime 94 minutes
2009
  I didn’t really know anything about this documentary prior to viewing it earlier today but it was a riverting story of the passage of American gay rights up to The Stonewall riots. The people who were interviewed were obviously interviewed in the 70s which gave us their personal knowledge of the time prior to the riots of ’69. They explained how it was in the 20s with the secret gay clubs in New York and San Fransisco and how people got wise to these locations and would travel from far and wide to hang out with like minded people.
There were also great stories of how the war changed life for a lot of gay men and women, as of course the army was full of gay people. How this allowed the ladies to have their own income which then gave them more choice and they were able to alter their path from the life they might have had to have led, had they stayed in their home town.
This is a very important documentary as it shows how far we have come, but of course how far we still have to go.
Thoroughly enjoyed it and gave a real insightful peek at how it was for gay people in those days and what they achieved long before Stonewall
Bloomington
Director Fernanda Cardoso *Runtime 83 minutes
2011
 Bloomington is a classy modern and enjoyable movie, the story line is pure teenage fantasty, an ex tv star 'Jackie' decides to change her path and goes to college, she is told stories of the sexy teacher Catherine Stark, who is infamous for seducing her female students, she is gorgeous and any student I'm sure would be thrilled to be seduced by her, so risking her career the two begin a torrid affair. It doesnt take long for them to fall for each other. the story is a very well told, we get to know these two characters and what makes them tick. We really enjoyed this film, its a great modern take on an age old story, well shot, and very well acted!
Director Nana Neul *Runtime 93 minutes
2011
 
Liz and I settled down to watch this film, having no idea what it was about, I decided to save the literature for afterwards therefore being able to judge it on its merits alone. The first thing that sprang to mind is that this is a beautifully shot film, You start off with a landing plane caught in the reflection of a beautiful lake. You then meet Mel, adorned in delightful plastic hat and overall as she works in a food factory. She is asked to look after the new boy and there begins an unlikely friendship.
Mel's life changes forever when she literally runs into the love of her life 'Jenny' - they end up having a magical night together. Unfortunatly Jenny has no idea that Mel is in fact a girl... this is where the problem lies.
I won't spoil it for you, many of the right ups compare it to 'Boys Don't Cry' and with good reason but this is a quirky lovingly made film, with beautiful scenary, a nice way to while a way a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Cheryl Dunye, Anna Margarita Albelo *Runtime
2011
 Way back in the 90s when I was aware that I was gay, the world wasn’t quite as acceptable of such things as it is now. I remember watching some great movies made during that time that helped me so much with who I was and that it was ok to be gay. Two of which were ‘Go Fish’ and ‘The Watermelon Women’. I really liked both of these films and have watched them time and again.
Fast forward to yesterday which was infact my 39th birthday and I received a review copy of ‘The Owl and Hooters’. The reason I mentioned the first two films is that some of the orginal cast from them are featured in these two films. Guinevere Turner, Cheryl Dunye, V. S Brodie to name a few.
‘The Owl’ is a Film Noir and ‘The Hooters’ is a kind of making of but is in fact far more than that. You re-discover the actresses as they are now, pondering on how the work they did in the 90s has affected the way lesbians are perceived today. To be frank there is some bitterness there from some of them, a feeling that the struggle they went through is now forgotten and taken for granted.
The other aspect that the film / documentary discusses is all about the new ‘boxes’ / labels that we have to put oursleves in. There is a really interesting scene in the film where they discuss whether to make a character a trans character or not and the ever gorgeous and brilliant Guinievere Turner pipes up, ‘enough… no more boxes we are who we are kind of thing’ (not verbatim) and I thought hallelujah! At last a voice of sanity - you can’t expect to please everyone with every film you make!
Sea Purple
Director: Donatella Maiorca *Runtime 105 Minutes
2011
 This is a beautiful poignant film. And all the more so in that it is actually based on true events!
The story is of Angela and Sara. Angela is a rebellious girl, whose father wanted a son and never forgave her mother for the error she made! The father is a bully of the first degree, not only to his family but to all those around him. Even so Angela stands up to him, which isn’t at all wise as his treatment of her is extreme to say the least.
The romance of the story is that Angela is madly in love with her best friend Sara, who went away as a child but comes back a beautiful young lady, after a lot of persuasion Sara acquises, but how can the two possibly be together. Angela’s father tells her she is to marry a local boy, to which Angela declares her love for Sara to her father who can’t cope with this at all and locks Angela in a box beneath the ground… She is inprisoned for a long time until her mother finally comes up with a ‘solution’. Angela is to become a man, therefore making her father happy and most of all she can then marry the women she loves.
To think all this occurred in 19th century Sicily is rather astounding. We think we have trouble with our sexuality in these times.
The lead actresses are both stunning and incredible in their roles. Angela is played by Valeria Solarino, Sara by Isabella Ragonese. The film is visually beautiful and deeply imotive.
official site
The Wedding Song 
Karin Albou
Run Time * 96 minutes
 This film is about the childhood friendship of two teenage girls, one Muslim and the other Jewish - set in Tunis during 1942 and the German occupation. The Germans' promise of freedom is dividing the Arabs and the Jews, their lives will never be the same again.
Nour is very much in love with Khaled but her father forbids the marriage of the two until Khaled has a job and money to support his daughter. So Khaled having picked up the propoganda that the Germans have distributed decides to side with the Germans and forbids Nour from seeing Myriam.
As the Jews start to be singled out, even the once safe and peaceful surroundings of the hamam becomes danagerous for them.
Having narrowly escaped the Germans Myriam's mother Tita feels the only way to keep them safe is to try and marry her daughter off to a wealthy doctor. However, Myriam wants none of it, she is disgusted by the doctor and takes the blame for something Nour has done in order to stop the wedding going ahead.
The friendship is tested to the limit but the bond between the two girls is long and deep.
Although there are no specific lesbian encounters during the film it is very evident that the closeness that the two girls have, could be seen as sapphic and very tender.
The film has subtitles but I really enjoyed it. Very deep and thoughtful and well cast. The two girls who had the starring roles played their parts with empathy and understanding of a very difficult time and place with the undercurrent of two very different religions with very difficult cultures and values.
I definitely would recommend the film.
A Marine Story 
Written and Directed by Ned Darr
2011
 What a brilliant film! We knew we off to a great start when I recognised the grogeous Dreya Weber from one of my all time favs 'Everything Relative'. I fell in love with her then, and once again in this film!
You first meet Alexandra Everett (Dreya) as she walks back to her home town after leaving the marines. As the story unfolds you learn that this was not a voluntary decision, but brought on by the US Government's 'Don't ask don't tell' campaign. The film gives a great insight into how this affects people within the military, who are so passionate about fighting for their country that they go to such great lengths to hide who they really are.
The film also looks at Alexandra's home and how the people in her town relate to her, and how she inspires one of the locals to turn their life around.
There are very dark moments in the film, a gritty film that tells a story that needs to be told and tells it well. the film is beautifully shot.
I felt you really got to know the character of Alexandra and all the situations that have made her who she is today including a stern military father. Dreya is brilliant in it.
Really I can't recommend this film enough. A very adult story told in a very adult way!
So the latest batch of the 'Here comes the girls' compilations came through the letter box yesterday... what delights did we have in store this time we asked oursleves! Here's what we thought... the set started out with a great film called
'Public Relations' Dir Gianna Sobol A hillarious look at the life of two PA's one who looked after a lady in New York and the other looked after her sister in LA, teh pampered ladies can't begin to cope with life without their assistant, so when the two meet in a cupcake shop and have a wild night out in LA most of which they can't recall (always the best nights out I find) we end the film with the two sisters screaming out for their adsent PA's really enjoyed this one and want my boss (if I had one) to decide on a whimsey to take mt to LA.
'Trophy' Dir Karla DiBenedetto Now this one caught us off guard! had a wonderful twist in the tail... so I won't spoil that here, but great fun..
'Birthday' Dir Jenifer Malmqvist Bit of a dark one this one, we meet this couple as they awaken in an idilic white house (where I can see myself living, except its in Sweeden...) but as you can imagine the day doesnt go quite as planned, the birthday isn't the happiest.... I won't say more but this is a beautifully shot film, with a poignant tale to tell.
'Looking For' Dir Michelle Pollino This was a bit of a strange one,very funny though, at times reminded me of David Lynch movies the look of the actors, it takes place in a cafe where a lady is meeting her prospective blind dates, the agency has taken a rather literal take on her specifications, ending up in some very strange and wondrous people coming to meet her, as ever there is a twist at the end, though I must admit I had guessed how it would end...
'Lucha' Dir Maria Breaux Another dark one shot in what appears to be a cell.. two ladies discuss the situation they find themselves in, being in the midstof the insurgency in El Salvador.
'Mosa' Dir Ana Moreno A beautiful South African girl, tries to hide the love of her life from those around her, once she is found out her family take it out on her, but the arrival of an American Photographer changes her life forever, but the demons are still there...
'Organism' Dir Nina Reyes Rosenburg A colourful tale of school girl crushes, a times maybe a bit too graphic, but an interesting film all the same, and I liked the use of colour two distiguish between the two characters.
'Fresh Air Therapy' Dir Christoph Scheerman what can i say about this.... who needs a therapist when all you need are a couple of farts......
'I am Jin Young' Dir Lee Sung-eun Really enjoyed this tale from the Orient, It was a really interesting take on their notion of sexuality, and it was fun too! Jin Young is the young girl, we meet who is trying to figure out why she really likes her Mum's rather andgrogenous best friend. great fun and a cute little actress too!
Elena Undone
Nicole Conn * Runtime 111 Minutes
2010
 This film really caught us by surprise! It has a very slow build up that gets you hooked right from the start. The tension as we sat and watched the film was palpable! The film is based on a true story and the premise is that we all have a soul mate out there, that we are throughout our lives drawn to that person; no matter where our lives take us, we are destined to meet. I have to admit that I do believe in this as I in fact met my partner against all the odds and we knew from the very first moment that we were meant to be together, maybe that is another reason why this film resonated with us so. It doesn't hurt that both leading ladies are both completely gorgeous!!! (Necar Zadegan, Traci Dinwiddie) and intelligent.Peyton is a writer who has just lost her mother and Elena is a married mother whose husband also happens to be an anti gay pastor! So as you can imagine the odds are against them. Peyton is warned by her friend to stay clear as it will only end up being complicated and breaking her heart. However, the beautiful Elena just draws you in. As for Elena although married for 15 years she has never loved and can't stop thinking about Peyton.The film doesn't rush the story, it lures you in right from the start. You really want these two to make it! It came as no surprise to me to read after the film that it was directed by the same director of the classic 'Claire of the Moon'. Cool trivia note - it has the longest kiss in cinema history - 3 minutes and 24 seconds! And boy oh boy what a kiss it is! The sexist moment in cinema history as well in my opinion! The first time they make love was wonderfully shot, artistic. We loved the film and will definitely watch it many more times!!! Can't rate it high enough - If you buy one dvd this year make sure its this one!!!!
I Am Love
Luca Guadagnino *Runtime 120 Minutes
2010
 This movie was slow to start with but built as time passed. Filmed in Milan with subtitles but to be honest didn’t spoil the film in anyway and in fact I think added to the whole atmosphere of the movie.
To start you are introduced to the family and the family business. With the grandfather poorly he invites them all round for a family dinner and to share with them who he believes should take over the business. As this is all falling into place we start to see more of the other family members’ lives in particular Emma Recchi, the main character.
Emma Recchi was played by Tilda Swinton who gave a great performance of her emotional awakening and how it affected the whole family with tragic results.
The supporting cast protrayed their characters extremely well.
The film is beautifully shot with wonderful visual impressions throughout. The music was equally lovely and appropriate for the story.
I really enjoyed the film but my partner didn’t. She said she had no idea what was going on. So two, very different opinions - I would, however, recommend that you watch it and make your own mind up.
The Fish Child
Lucia Puenzo * Runtime: 96 minutes
2010
 This is a very interesting dark and beautifully shot film. It is a Spanish film with subtitles. The story is about two girls who are in the midst of a forbidden lesbian romance. Lala is a teenager from a very wealthy family in Argentina, Guayi her lover is the family maid. Guayi is being abused by Lala’s father, she witnesses her lover’s torment. Their dream is to run away and live together in Paraguay. Their plan to save money isn’t working so they resort to stealing paintings from Lala’s family to fund their escape. Events take a turn that separates them. Whilst apart Lala goes to Guayi’s childhood home and thinks she sees the Fish Child whilst swimming in the lake. The actress that plays Lala resembles would you believe Princess Eugine. The shots of the lake at dusk are breathtaking. The film has many twists and turns and keeps you guessing until the end. We both really enjoyed this film and is a wonderful addition to our lesbian library.
Fit
Rikki Beadle-Blair
2010
 A play originally written by Rikki Beadle Blaire. Rikki was asked to write a play about homophobia in schools, she was initially slightly reticent to do this but embraced it once she realised the importance of such a work. The play toured for three winters and was seen by 20,000 children. The idea was to make this suitable for a wide range of ages and view points. The film was really thought provoking to hear children of this day and age, face exactly the same concerns that concerned me when I was their age. What will my parents say? Will they ever talk to me again? How will I be treated at school? The most profound parts of the film for me took place in the meeting group. The discussions they all had together there were so true to what I was thinking when I struggled with my sexuality but sadly I had no one to talk to about it and certainly no film to relate too. My concern was that in my naivety I thought that things had mellowed in schools now, that so many ‘icons’ these days are gay that it isn't a big deal but having seen the movie - I imagine the problems are still there. As I sat and watched this with my partner from the vantage point of 38, I wanted to reach out and tell them, it will be ok; you will find your world and fit right into it. People will forget about the sexuality issue and you will be a person in your own right. Liz put it more eloquently ‘You need to walk the path, of the emotional journey to find yourself.’ It is a cliché but really it does make you stronger in the end! All those hurdles have just made us the people we are. Back to the film - we really enjoyed it. It was thought provoking, entertaining, the cast were great. Very modern film for a very modern society. It was a real surprise, different from anything we had seen before. Really recommend you watch it – thoroughly enjoyed it!
Laurel Canyon
Lisa Cholodenko * Runtime 103 minutes
2002
 Directed by Lisa Cholodenko who has recently bought us the wonderful ‘The Kids Are Alright’ first came to my attention with this little gem, a little know movie, staring Frances Command, Alessandro Nivola and Christian Bale, Frances McDormand is a revelation in this, a very sexy rock and roll producer who is famous for her past successes and brought back in to add her finesse to the latest fav’s, this is a far cry from her most famous role to date ‘Fargo’ Christian Bale plays her son, who is rebelling against his mothers somewhat hedonistic existence by living a rather bookish one of his own, he brings his gorgeous girlfriend to L.A not really planning on her getting to know his mother, but due to their timing they end up living together, thus causing allsorts of complications… I found this a wonderful film, very character driven, lovely locations, and wonderfully acted! Highly recommend this film, and it has rather an interesting twist at the end that will suit our audience no end
 I had high expectations of this film and I am very pleased to say it lived up to them - if not exceeded them! The story I am sure you all know by now, two lesbians had kids using a sperm donor. The kids get to the age where they are keen to find out who their dad was and in walks this major alpha male, very cute sexy guy who puts their world into a tailspin. The children didn't realise what a can of worms they were opening when they got in touch with him. It's a lovely film, deeply thoughtful, you really get inside the core of the family workings. Annette Benning and Juilianna Moore are as ever wonderful. I was having trouble deciding which one I thought was sexiest, as Annette pulled off a great dyke! The film has lots of twists and turns including some great comedic moments.How wonderful to see a film that features a loving lesbian family at the heart of the story! Most refreshing and even if you are straight it's just a great film!
Here Come The Girls 2
Director Angela Robinson * Runtime 140 minutes
2010
 I remember we weren't too sure about the first instalment of this series.. so with some trepidation we popped this dvd into the player. I am pleased to say it is much better.Jane Lynch pops up in three of the stories which is worth the price of admission alone, such a sexy lady! The dvd features movie shorts from both UK and USA lesbian film directors, so running through them in order:Memoirs of an Evil Stepmother - Dir. Cherien Dabis (USA) 18 mins Starring Jane Lynch, Shaina FewellpThe stepmother from hell features a comedic turn from Jane Lynch who plays an ageing actress jealous of her step daughter's success and she goes to great lengths to stop her!
D.E.B.S - Dir. Angela Robinson (USA) 11 mins Starring Alexandra Breckenridge, Shanti Lowry, Clare Kramer We enjoyed this short movie and it was was fun. Young very sexy girls playing 'The Man From Uncle' part but in sexy plaid, pleated skirts. Great fun!
Wavelengths Dir. Pratibha Parmar (UK) 15mins Starring Indra Ové, Lisa Gornick, Faith EdwardsDirected by Pratibha Parmar who also directed 'Nina's Heavenly Delights' and starring Indra Ové who was in one of my favourite movies 'The Fifth Element'. The film discusses the search for safer sex but maybe in the wrong places ie gay bars and the internet. Has a great soundtrack Liz particularly enjoyed Kylie Minogue also featured music fro Skunk Anansie and Everything But The Girl.
Henna Night Dir. Sally El Hosaini (UK) 12mins Starring Amber Rose Revah, Beatriz Romilly, Badria TimimiA young Arab girl is set to get married but it becomes clear she has had been having an affair with a girl in the house who cooks for the family. The resulting film is of bewilderment and confusion and the end, well let us know what you think, we were left slightly puzzled.
Falling For Caroline - Dir. Christine Chew (Canada) 20 mins Starring Yanna Baizer, Shannon CurrieTwo girls meet in a dvd store fighting over 'Fingersmith'. Following advice from a friend, an under confident young lady changes herself to fit the bill for the other, as you can imagine, things don't go quite as they could have. Very funny film, we liked this one alot.
Promtroversy Dir. Leanna Creel (USA) 12 mins Starring Jane Lynch, Brianne Davis, Heather HabeckerFeaturing that American tradition of the school prom. A very cute young lesbian wants to take her girl to the prom, needless to say the teachers and demonstrators (featuring Jane Lynch) have other ideas. Bit daft but worth it for the 'Prom King'.
Overnight Book - Dir. Erin Greenwell (USA) 20 mins Starring Lana Porter, Cameron Oro, Carolyn PurcellWe meet Mary in a diner in a small American town. She is studying - in walk all the hip girls who ignore her. Watching them is a washed up gay writer back in town to visit his family. They begin a journey through the night of both the mind and the road whilst discussing James Joyce's Ulysses.
Little Black Boot - Dir. Colette Burson (USA) 16 mins Starring Jane Lynch, Dania Ramirez, Carmen PlumbJane Lynch, another prom storyline, a young gothic dyke Cindy has a crush on. Laurie who is blissfully unaware of this until prom night when a friend persuades her to dress up as a boy for the prom. (When will they learn not to listen to friends!! :¬)) Somehow the suit makes her unrecognisable to all that know her and she gets the prom dance with the girl but then lies a twist!
Stuck - Dir. Jamie Babbit (Canada) 7 mins Starring Jennie Ventriss, Jeanette Miller, Eden SherOur least favourite I'm afraid, very dark, features two aging lesbians who seem to argue an awful lot, they head off to a do and an accident occurs. It all turns very bizarre after that!!! Directed by prominent lesbian film director Jamie Babbit (But I'm A Cheerleader, The Itty Bitty Titty Committee) certainly a change of pace for her.
 The Passion Trilogy (Desirables) Various * Runtime: 140 minutes2010We hadn't intended to feature any porn on this site but as we were so kindly sent this to view, here it is.
Such A Crime: Features Skip who is an undercover eco-agent known for her raging libido which tends to threaten her cover. Then one day her boss assigns her to a case that leads her to a safe house full of love!
Goodbye Emma Jo: Alex is lost in mourning for her girlfriend who has passed away. After a visit to the grave her car breaks down and she is assisted by Haley, a local dyke motor mechanic. As you can imagine not only the car is fixed!
Desire: Home movies entwine with dreams in this erotic fantasy. The dreams and realities of three ladies are brought to life with the help of notes from a diary.
 All in all we enjoyed the film very much!It’s a very unusual film, there are bizarre interludes with the camera man, sister and grip. It is all very ad hoc, or at least appears that way. The two leads are very sexy and it’s great to know they are together in real life!
This has a bit of a fly on the wall feel to it. Real life couple Cathy DeBuono and Jill Bennett made this for the internet and it’s now available as a DVD for the first time. They feature as a couple of famous counselors who have written a book on how to stay together. The only trouble is, they are no longer together and in fact drive each other crazy. Here lies the comedy in the film - they spend a lot of the film discussing this with their counselor played brilliantly by Suzanne Westenhoefer.
Producing Adults
Director Aleksi Salmenpera * Runtime: 102 minutes
2004
 This is a real change for a lesbian film. Firstly we meet Venla who is in a relationship with a chap but they want different things. She wants kids and he wants to focus on his sporting career. As you can imagine this causes problems within the relationship and leads to a very shocking moment when he purchases some champagne to propose to her but spikes it with the morning after pill!!!! Venla confides in her colleague Satu, who is bisexual. The two of them set to and try to get Venla pregnant - this has some hilarious results. The film then shifts and concentrates on the relationship that forms between the two women. I really liked this film the two leads were wonderful and the actress Minttu Mustakallio who plays Satu was very sexy indeed! This was Finland's official entry for the Oscars. Producing Adults is a no-nonsense, heartfelt look at a host of issues ranging from birth control, fidelity through to sexual orientation. Would strongly recommend watching Minttu Mustakallio will be featured as our celeb of the month in the not too distant future.....
Four Minutes
Director Chris Kraus * Runtime: 112 minutes
2006
 This award winning film, Four Minutes is about a wrongfully imprisoned piano prodigy Jenny. To say she is highly strung is an understatement, she is caught up in constant arguments with those around her. But then she meets Traude, who is a professional musician. Traude sees in her what others don't and is keen for the world at large to see her talents so she enters her into a national competition. It is not an easy task as the pair have a rather volatile teacher-pupil relationship. The biggest challenge is that once in the final of the competition Jenny will only have four minutes to prove herself, and after that there is no guarantee of freedom. The film stars multiple award winner Hannah Herzsprung (The Reader, The Baader-Meinhof Complex). We really enjoyed Four Minutes it's a thought provoking, gritty film. I would highly recommend it!
Finn's Girl
Director Dominique Cardona;Laurie Colbert * Runtime: 88 minutes
2007
 An interesting film, set in Toronto. Finn works in an abortion clinic which is surrounded by pro-life protesters. There has been quite a bit of violence so Finn is given a bodyguard. Finn has a daughter called Zelly who is quite a handful. The film has a few flashbacks of a departed girlfriend who can't handle the stress of Finn's job and daughter. There is a twist at the end pertaining to the daughter. I wasn't too keen on this film I'm afraid, I found it too slow and a bit too political for my taste.
Butch Jamie
Director Michelle Ehlen * Runtime: 84 minutes
2007
 Really liked this film which surprised me as I didn't think I would because of the look of the cover! What is it with those sideburns!! Michelle Ehlen is just great in it, really funny... She plays an out of work actress who shares a flat with her room mate and her cat.... The cat is getting more acting work than Jamie, so drastic action is taken. She is offered a role as a man and reluctantly takes the role on. The film very subtly takes a look at gender and how we all try and fit into parts that just aren't right for us... and really we need to define our own gender... Michelle really does play her role well - why haven't we seen her before?!? Great film... but lose those burns! Oh and make sure you check out the gay reel extra, its hilarious!!!
And Then Came Lola
Director Ellen Seidler, Megan Siler * Runtime: 70 minutes
2009
 This as is based on the movie 'Run Lola Run'. This film has a very sexy cast indeed. The lead is played by Ashleigh Summer as Lola who is joined by Jill Bennett (Dante’s Cove) and Cathy DeBuono (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Out At The Wedding) and Jessica Graham (2 Minutes Late). I couldn't get over how gorgeous Ashleigh's green eyes were - stunning! The film is great, very modern. You remember in Kill Bill when all of a sudden the film was enhanced by animation, well this one uses animation to tell part of the story. It is very cool as the animation is pitched in and out around the main movie itself so that was clever! You get to see San Francisco, it looks very different than in 'Tales of the City' films. The basic premise is that Lola is a photographer who tries her best, but just doesn't always succeed. So you see three different versions of how her day can go wrong... It's funny, clever and very sexy! Highly recommend it!
Hannah Free
Director Wendy Jo Carlton * Runtime: 88 minutes
2007
 Sharon Gless stars as 'Hannah', the free spirited lesbian partner of 'Rachael' the homemaker. The girls meet when they are very young and develop a long lasting love for each other that spans over many many years. The relationship has its complexities and the two women couldn't be more different in their personalities. The film is set in their later life but spans back to episodes throughout their journey of love. I thought Sharon Gless was great in her role, playing a strong, determined and also passionate woman. The film is a wonderful portrayal of the ever lasting love they had for each other. It is written wonderfully well, very tender and will make you laugh and cry. Well worth watching and a film I'm sure I will watch again. Loved it.
D.E.B.S. 
Director Angela Robinson *Runtime 88 minutes
2004
 Great fun film by writer-director Angela Robinson. It is an expansion of the short film she showed at Sundance Festival. This is basically a satire of a female spy series such as Charlie's Angels. The basic premise is take four sexy co-ed's chosen on their SATS scores and their superior ability to lie, cheat, steal, and kill and that is the D.E.B.S. They comprise of team leader Max (Meagan Good), the good girl Janet (Jill Ritchie), the chain-smoking Dominique (Devon Aoki) and easy going Amy (Sara Foster) who questions her career choice! The 'uniform' comprises of mini plaid skirts and D.E.B.S. I was surprisingly taken with this film as it was great fun. The girls look gorgeous and it was a very unusual story for a lesbian flick! And the baddy isn't quite such a baddy which makes a change. The movie is also enhanced by a great '80s soundtrack featuring Erasure, The Cure, and New Order.
 As many a lesbian I am sure will admit up until this week I had never heard of Anne Lister! Sue Perkins said as much at the opening of her wonderful documentary on Anne that followed the BBC airing of this brilliant film! How is it that we all know about Vita Sackville West, Radclyffe Hall and so on but never a word spoken of Anne until this week! The book on Amazon is a sort after item and therefore well out of the average price range! Well, this film makes amends for that. We settled down to watch this, not realising what a treat lay before us. The film was very well made, encapsulated the story very well and put across Anne as a real person, foibles and all! There were a few love scenes that were delicately filmed. It is amazing and also great to know that the notion we lesbians of today are not all that different from those of our ancestors. As ever we just want to find true love and the 'one'. I found it wonderful to learn that Anne had done just that and even managed to have their relationship blessed in a Church. Following on from this film was a great documentary from the wonderful Sue Perkins. An eloquent and inciteful look inside the world of Anne Lister. How people viewed her actions at the time and also a very unbiased perspective of Anne herself. Sue was as always intelligent and articulate with her thoughtful views on the subject! If you missed this it is still available on the BBC 1 player, but hurry only on for a few more days!
Truth About Jane 
Director Jane Lee Rose * Runtime: 91 minutes
2001
 To all others, Jane (Muth) appears to be just like any other teenage girl but that's not how she feels. When the cutest boy in the class flirts with her all she feels is the dull ache of attraction for Taulor (Lagano) the new girl in class. Jane's mum (Stockard Channing) assumes that her daughter is just like any other fifteen-year-old girl, confused about her adolescence. Jane lives the quintessential suburban life with her parents and her younger brother - whom she can't stand. Although popular, Jane has always felt somewhat different to 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.
When Night is falling
Director Patricia Rozema * Runtime: 96 minutes
1994
 Camille (Pascale Bussières) is a Christian academic who is dating a chap called Martin (Henry Czerny). Martin is a teacher who is far more interested in his career than romance. All this changes when Camille mixes up her washing with those OF A flamboyant circus performer Petra (Rachael Crawford). The two are so different but are somehow drawn to each other. Camille try's initially to deny her sexual attraction to the exotic African-Canadia. Camille plays a repetitive game of “I want you, no I don't” but the film ends with one of the most sexually charged lesbian love scenes ever!
 'Tipping the Velvet' was such a shock to British television audiences and such a thrill to us lesbians who had been waiting all our lives for a mainstream depiction of lesbians! We couldn't really have asked for more! With Andrew Davis at the helm, we got a stunning tour-de-force with a lesbian romantic drama, wonderful costumes, acting played by some of our best actresses. Nan Astley (Stirling) is a sweet oyster girl from Whitstable who works in her parent's oyster parlor. One night she accompanies her family and boyfriend, who she is not very keen on to the vaudeville show. She immediately falls for the male impersonator - Kitty Butler (Hawes). She goes back to see the show time and time again, soon she comes to Kitty's attention. Nan is summoned backstage. Kitty asks her to become her dresser, she readily agrees. Just a small touch from Kitty sends her reeling. This brilliant 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. It's one of those rare times when a book is presented very well on the small screen, the only other time I can think of such success was with the 'Tales of the City' dramatisations!
Three Of Hearts 
Director Yurek Bogayevicz * Runtime: 101 minutes
1993
 The stunning Sherilyn Fenn fresh from her success in 'Twin Peaks' plays Ellen. She has just separated from her partner Connie played by Kelly Lynch. Connie comes up with a crazy scheme to get Ellen back (and who can blame her). She hires a male escort Joey played by William Baldwin in her efforts to win her ex back. The plan is for Joey to seduce Ellen and then abandon her thus breaking her heart and hoping then that Ellen will realise her mistake and run back to Connie. I am a huge fan of Sherilyn in Twin Peaks and needless to say thrilled when this was released with her playing a lesbian, all be it a confused one. It's a lovely film and the characters are very believable, it has some laughs. Well worth a watch if only for Sherilyn who will be our 'celeb' of the month next month!
Salmonberries 
Director Percy Adlon * Runtime: 94 minutes
1991
 Years ago when I saw k d perform live - she talked about this film, as I believe it was just being released on video. k d mentioned the scene where she was naked and said that was all welland good when the film was on at the pictures but now on video and with help from the pause button; let me tell you there were a few red faces in the audience, including mine! Though I must confess that was just about the best bit of the film. I just couldn't get into the movie at all and it has quite a disappointing ending but the theme song 'Barefoot' is sublime!
Personal Best 
Director Robert Towne * Runtime: 124 minutes
1982
 This was one of the first major Hollywood films to feature lesbians, Mariel Hemingway plays the young athlete preparing for the olympics, its a very emotional film, a lot of tears are shed, there is a very lovely love scene, this was the first lesbian film I saw... and though I enjoyed it for the simple fact of a mainstream actress playing a lesbian I found Mariel's whinning a little trying at times with the constant tears.. still its a must see for all lesbians....
Loving Annabelle
Director Katherine Brookes * Runtime: 77 minutes
2006
 Annabelle played by Erin Kelly, the defiant daughter of a senator, arrives at a prestigious Catholic boarding school following having been expelled from lots of others. The school’s poetry teacher Simone (Diane Gaidry) is given the task of keeping an eye on the rebellious teen., The new student quickly turns heads with her striking beauty and charm. Fellow student and bad girl, Cat played by Laura Breckenridge, soon makes advances to her but these are ignored as Annabelle’s is focused on a much 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 the teacher, but also because she is not out! 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
Lianna 
Director John Sayles * Runtime: 110 min
1982
 This movie is about Lianna, a married mother of two who falls for her female lecturer. Lianna's relationship with her husband is a farce as he is a cheating bully of a husband. During a heated dicussion she tells her husband about her affair and he throws her out. What happens next, you'll need to watch the movie. I enjoyed this film, although a little slow at times, I thought it was beautiful and sensitive and the lecturer was quite cute (according to my partner).
Late Bloomers 
Director Gretchen Dyer & Julia Dyer* Running time 104 min
1997
 This is a love story between two women working at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. Dinah a maths teacher/basketball coach and Carly the school secretary, married with two children. As their relationship develops beyond just friendship, people start to talk which includes Carly’s husband and children, colleagues and neighbours. But as always love never fails and they fall passionately in love against all odds
Kissing Jessica Stein 
Director Charles Herman-Wurmfeld * Runtime: 96 minutes
2002
 Having answered an ad in the ‘women seeking women’ section, Jessica Stein; a copy editor, meets Helen Cooper; an art dealer. Both disenchanted with men the two strong ladies develop a relationship which is both appealing and romantic. This film follows what happens when the two get together and the complications all relationships go through. A romantic comedy with a well cast talented group of actors.
The Hunger 
Director Tony Scott * Runtime: 99 minutes
1983
 This is a sensual film based on vampires and lesbian desire. A strong and famous cast which includes: Catherine Deneuve, Susan Sarandon and David Bowie. The film is about Miriam a vampires's who goes looking for a new mate after her lover rapidly ages. She finds her new love with a doctor who specialises in accelerated aging but just so happens to be a woman. Found the film to be a little slow, however, worth the price of admission for the infamous scene between Susan Sarandon and Catherine Deneuve.
French Twist
Director Josiane Balasko * Runtime: 100 min
1995
 This film is in French but with English subtitles. Loli, the dutiful Spanish wife, of a promiscuous, French real estate broker. Loli’s life is dull and she is very much taken for granted that is until Marino arrives. Marino arrives one day on their doorstep as her VW camper van has broken down. She is a cigar smoking, very manly dyke who makes a pass at Loli. Loli reciprocates Marino’s advances and with her husband outraged by the situation Loli turns the tables on her husband to her own advantage.
Daphne
Director Amy Jenkins * Runtime: 88 minutes
2007
 Daphne Du Maurier was one of our best loved and well known writers. She was married to a very famous war hero 'Boy Browning' who was played (much to her distress) by Dirk Bogarde in the film 'A Bridge Too Far', she said she thought he was far to effete to play her husband. The reason I mention this is that it is ironic that a lady who was herself a closet lesbian thought it right to mention this. Her most famous book was of course 'Rebecca', in which there are lots of lesbian undercurrents. She fell in love initially with the beautiful American heiress Ellen Doubleday but alas the feelings were not mutual. She then met and had an affair with the actress Gertrude Lawrence who as an extra twist had been the mistress of Daphne's father! This film was made by the BBC in celebration of the centenary of Daphne's birth. It is a great portrayal of her, I think mainly based on the wonderful biography by Margaret Forster's which we review on our book pages.
The Celluloid Closet
Director Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman * Runtime: 102 minutes
1995
 This is a documentary which follows how homosexuality has been portrayed through the eras via the Hollywood screen. How during different decades being lesbian or gay has essentially been translated in some shape or form ie pitiful, deviant and now in later years just regular. This documentary was inspired by the writer Vito Russo.
But I'm A Cheerleader
Director Jamie Babbit * Runtime: 90 minutes
2000
 This is a lesbian film with a twist, Megan is a straight girl dating the captain of the football team. All seems well but her parents are concerned re a few anomalies. She is vegetarian and loves Melissa Etheride so they send her off to a inpatient reparative therapy boot camp in the hope of changing her ways. All this does is actually make Megan realise that she is indeed a lesbian. This is a very camp film, very bizarre but great fun. I enjoyed it mainly due to the actress Clea Duval who is very easy on the eye. It is a quirky movie but worth a watch, preferably after a few beers!
All Over Me 
Alex Sichel * Runtime: 97 minutes
1997
 We’ve all been there and done this – coming to terms with your sexuality and falling for your best friend. Claude (Alison Follard) has fallen for her best mate Ellen (Tara Subkoff) but this is not reciprocated. Ellen is very much straight seeing a chap, not a very nice man at that and very much into drugs and drink. Ellen is tortured by her feelings for her friend and seeing her friend’s life spiraling out of control. She feels very much along and out on a limb. That is until one day something happens to change her life dramatically. Ellen takes this as a sign to move on and meets another young lesbian called Lucy (Alisha Hailey, the lovely Alice from ‘The L Word’). Enjoyed this film. All about growing up, coming to terms with your sexuality, moving on and being self aware.
High Art
Director: Lisa Cholodenko * Runtime: 102 mins
1998
 Ally Sheedy as you have never seen her before playing a drug addict lesbian photographer. Downstairs lives a very keen magazine intern. Due to a leaking bath the two become friends and then much more. I really like this film. It's very dark, wonderfully acted, beautifully shot. Lisa Cholodenko went on to direct the brilliant film 'Laurel Canyon'.
Primary Colors
Director: Mike Nichols * Runtime: 144 minutes
1998
 A comedy-drama based on the politics surrounding a presidential campaign. John Travolta plays the main character, a presidential hopeful called Jack Stanton. As always Travolta provides us with an excellent performance – changing from one persona to another. With supporting roles from Larry Hagman, Emma Thompson, Billy Bob Thornton and Kathy Bates. This movie provides us with a revealing and perspective look at the realities surrounding presidential politics coupled with a sense of humour. Great film to watch – especially if you’re a John Travolta or West Wing fanIndex
Therese and Isabelle
Director: Radley Metzger * Runtime: 117 minutes
1968
 Therese (Essy Persson) is sent to an all-girl school when her mother marries a man who dislikes children. She meets Isabelle (Anna Gael) and the two fast become friends. After they experience unfulfilling and often brutal sexual encounters with men, the two turn to each other and become lesbian lovers. Plenty of nudity and sexual situations ensue and the women find love in each other's arms. When Isabelle's parents remove her from the school, the lonely Therese returns home to her fiancé. The story is told in flashback form as Therese visits her old school after 20 years.
 Just couldn’t get into this film! We did try but found it far to fragmented and to be honest gave up…. Sorry… if anyone watched it, please do submit a review.
Orlando
Director: Sally Potter * Runtime: 93 minutes
1992
 Based on one of my favourite books, this film was well known for featuring the wonderful Quentin Crisp as Elizabeth I, just about the best casting EVER! A wonderful film that try's to encompass such a vast book in just 93 minutes. Dreamily shot and featuring a wonderful performance from a young Tilda Swinton. This book is based on the novel by Virginia Woolf, she referred to this as her love letter to Vita Sackville West - oh to receive such a letter! The film obviously can't compare to the book but I love the timelessness of it! A classic!
Chasing Amy 
Director: Kevin Smith * Runtime: 113 minutes
1997
 A low budget film starring Ben Affleck playing a comic book creator who falls for a lesbian. A typical portrayal of how the guy gets the girl in the end. An ok film but you can tell it was written by a guy.
The Watermelon Woman
Director: Cheryl Dunne * Runtime: 93 minutes
1996
 I have always really liked this film. Cheryl Dunne as the writer and director plays herself in the film, she works at a video store and has an interest in the actress Fay Richards who was always cast in degrading ‘mammy’ type roles in old movies but in fact she was the secret lover of a white lady. It’s a great home movie type film, similar in style to Go Fish in that respect. Has some funny moments and a great cast and Guinevere Turner pops up again as the love interest!
Girl Thing
Director: * Runtime: 237 minutes
2001
 Stockard Channing stars in this tv movie as Dr. Beth Noonan, a psychiatrist who is dealing with her own issues and also counseling four of the characters. The movie is set in four parts as the patients recount their story. The first one features Elle Mcpherosn and Kate Capshaw - that was my favourite story. It is a made for tv showtime production - is a little slow and does go on a bit but worth the price of admission alone to see Kate Capshaw and Elle Mcpherson get it on!
Gia
Director: Michael Cristofer * Runtime: 120 minutes
1998
 A great early film of Angelina Jolie playing a super model Gia Carangi. A great portrayal of this sad model. Set in the 70’s Gia moves to New York, is found by Faye Dunnaway's character and falls in love with a photographer's assistant called Linda but falls into a world of drugs - cocaine and heroin. After kicking the drugs she then learns she has aids from an infected needle. This was a TV movie and earned an Emmy nomination and Jolie won a Golden Globe, a firm lesbian fav!
Claire of the Moon
Director: Nicole Conn * Runtime: 107 minutes
1992
 Set at a book conference for women, two ladies share a room. They are total opposites - a straight girl who likes to sleep around and a lesbian getting over a failed relationship. You can guess where the story goes from there. A good film though, if rather dated. Some of the lesbians are very stereotypical…. Lots of introspective walks on the beach, a well shot film with good music… great movie! One of the first lesbian films I saw, so has a fond place in my heart!
Boys on the Side
Director: Herbert Ross * Runtime: 117 minutes
1995
 A great road movie for women. Herbert Ross also director ed Steel Magnolias - another great film for women. This film stars Whoopi Goldberg, Drew Barrymore & Mary Louise Parker. The latter of whom has HIV and needs a driver to take her to the West Coast. They call in on Drew on the way and the story unfolds of how they all become firm friends and forge a new life together. Really great emotional film! Highly recommend it and as ever Whoopi is wonderful!
Wild Things
Director: John McNaughton * Runtime: 115 minutes
1998
 Hollywood thriller starring Matt Dillon. The story takes place in Blue Bay, Florida. Social-climbing guidance counselor Sam is indifferent to teen-socialite Kelly causing her to seek her revenge by accusing him of rape. An accusation that leads to his suspension by the school and a rejection from the country club. He can't afford a big attorney, so he hires shrewd Ken Bowden (Bill Murray), while Kelly's mom, Sandra Van Ryan (Theresa Russell), Sam's former lover, gets a platoon of top lawyers. Trailer-trash Suzie Toller (Neve Campbell) backs up Kelly's claim and additional plot twists and turns develop.
It's In The Water
Director: Kelly Herd * Runtime: 100 minutes
1997
 I found this a very bizarre film but have to say I enjoyed it. Very quirky, set in texas in a town that seems to still be in the firm grip of the 50’s. The town's people are all shocked when an aids hospice opens up. A bored rich girl ‘Alex’ chooses to help at the hospice and meets an old school friend and their relationship grows. As I say a bit of a screwball comedy, lots of over acting but like a lesbian Dukes of Hazard… worth a view.
If These Walls Could Talk 2
Director: Martha Coolidge, Anne Heche, Jane Anderson * Runtime: 90 minutes
2000
 Three separate stories covering different generations. The first is Vanessa Redgrave in a relationship where the family of her deceased partner do not look at her as a part of the family at all. They sell the house and so on, so not only her partners life is at an end but hers also. '1972' featuring Chole Sevigney as a butch lesbian in the 70’s meets a femme and all her friends disapprove of their relationship. As strong feminists they do not understand or appreciate the butch lesbians view. '2000' featuring Ellen Degeneres and Sharon Stone is, I'm afraid, my favourite - if only for the quirky acting of the leads. They appear to be in love. Sharon Stone is hilarious and there is a great sex scene… call me shallow but this is my fav!
 Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Alice Walker. I watched this film again recently. I had first watched it when I was very young and not really appreciated it. But having watched it again I was going to say I enjoyed it but probably isn't the right choice of words - I appreciated it. Whoopi Goldberg's first film. I saw her interviewed recently saying she had written to the author asking for a part in the film should it ever be made. The reply Whoopi received back was that the author had written for the part specifically for Whoopi. It’s a hard film to watch as you realise that this sort of life really happened! But sometimes it's good to be reminded of that. Oprah Winfrey is wonderful in the film. The Colour Purple was nominated for eleven Oscars. The film was co-produced by Quincy Jones, who also wrote the score. My partner loves the film!
Aimee And Jaguar Director: Max Farberbock * Runtime: 125 minutes1999 This film is based on the war memoirs of Lilly Wust (the Aimme character) set in 1943. Lilly is a married lady with four children and a husband away at the war. Her world is turned upside down when she receives a letter from Jaguar whom she assumes is a man. The two fall madly in love. Lilly wants to divorce her husband which causes a terrible storm not just because her lover is a woman but because she is Jewish and fighting for the Resistance. But nothing stops the love-blind Lilly. The two women make a pact of love and marriage and try to block out the reality of war and persecution. A great film, very moving and all the more so as it is based on a true story that Lilly shared with a young writer.
The Monkey's Mask
Director: Samantha Lang * Runtime: 91 minutes
2000
 The Monkey's Mask is based on a mystery novel written in verse form by Dorothy Porter. This movie is a film Noir. Kelly McGillis plays the teacher of a girl who is murdered with Jill a lesbian detective who is employed by the parents to investigate what has happened. She meets and falls for Diana (Kelly McGillis) who is married but reciprocates much to the glee of her husband. A rather twisted film, very dark but I enjoyed it. It’s a sexy film and Kelly McGillis is great as the dark Diana whilst Susie Porter is great as the detective trying to get a fix on everything whilst dealing with her own lust
Lost And Delirious 
Director: Lea Pool * Runtime: 104 minutes
2001
 Based on the novel The Wives of Bath by Susan Swan. Set in school; Mary who is still getting over the loss of her mother is sent away to school. She meets Paulie and Tory her new roommates and soon realises they are more than just friends. Mary has no problem with this but things get a bit more complicated when the sister finds out. I really enjoyed this film there are some great sex scenes, always a bonus and it's just a fun movie.
Go Fish
Director: Rose Troche * Runtime: 88 minutes
1994
 This film came out in 1994, it’s a very arty film, filmed in black and white, rough camera technique a bit like a home movie. I found it rather slow and mirandearing, you just follow the lives of these friends, get an insight into their though's as well as their actions. I fell for the character Max played by Guinevere Turner, a very feminine portrayal of a lesbian compared to Ely, who their friends are trying to get together. Guinevere also co-wrote the film. It uses some clever techniques when one of the lesbians goes off and sleeps with a man you get a jury of lesbians on the social ramifications of such a thing. It is a wonderful slice of life in Chicago in the 90’s a time capsule of that world, a world in which I was dying to enter at the time.
Between Two Women
Director Steven Woodcock * Runtime 90 Minutes
2006
 A slow but moving portrayal of the love that grows between two women in 1957. An unhappily married woman who you feel, although unsaid, married because that was expected of her. The other an independent, intelligent and creative teacher. The two women are brought together by the son who has a natural talent for drawing. The pace of the film is slow but calming, set against the backdrop of Northern England. There are no racey scenes but somehow that wouldn't fit with the film itself. I enjoyed the film for exactly what it was, a love story.
Desert Hearts
Director Donna Deitch * Runtime 96 Minutes
1985
 Married for twelve years, heavy with divorce and recrimination, elegant English professor Vivian Bell (Helen Shaver) finds herself, in order to hasten legal proceedings, as a stranger in Reno, Nevada, in the late fifties. Based on Canadian writer Jane Rule’s 1964 novella “Desert of The Heart”, Donna Deitch’s 1985 film is a testament to emotional honesty, possibly the first mainstream movie about “women together” and one that is far more than mere exploitation. An early casino scene, with rolling fruit machine symbols coming to rest, reminds us of the limited choices that life in Reno circa 1959 would allow. One would have to cross the state line in order to go beyond that, and that is exactly what free-spirited tomboy Cay Rivers (Patricia Charbonneau) is doing as we meet her in her bohemian ranch on the outskirts of town, scattered objects d’art visible, evidence of the artist at work - and a loose tousle-haired woman glimpsed briefly in her bed - evidence of the artist at play. The graceful academic Bell finds herself drawn magnetically into Cay’s wild child orbit, testing her own innate notions of respectability and order in the process. Helen Shaver takes to this role in the manner of a young Deborah Kerr, with the icy veneer of restraint masking torrents of untapped warmth within. Many of the incidental male characters come across (as you might expect) as vain and predatory creatures, boorish, self-obsessed and impervious to the feelings of those around them. And Mrs Frances Parker (Audra Lindley) the owner of the hotel where women wait for their divorces to come through, is portrayed as a frequently drunken and emotionally-repressed stepmother, her outbursts of anger clearly a front for her dependence and her vulnerability (and her inability to understand Cay and love for its own sake, without limits). There is much to savour in Deitch’s work. The effective use of fade-out in certain scenes. A fine evocative period soundtrack featuring the likes of Gene Vincent, Patsy Cline and early Elvis Presley tracks - setting the stage for whispers of forbidden love, amongst the strict redneck attitudes of the late 50s. The minutiae of small-town life. Flawed notions of personal respectability and responsibility. The English professor, fetching in a stitched rodeo shirt, watching wild horses at play. A lakeside walk, purple mountains. The first kiss, when it comes (in the rain thru’ an open car window) is initially hesitant, lingering, and eventually strong and passionate (if curtailed by confusion and inbred familial concerns of “normal” behaviour). It is a film, simply, about attraction, the fear of the unknown, and of teaching the heart to explore without trepidation. And the sex between the two women, when it finally happens (in a hotel room accompanied by muted and mournful train whistles on distant lines) is naturalistic and believable - tender - human with all its frailties - trusting - and an overwhelming cathartic rush to the senses. In the face of all the repression, all the prejudice, the presumptive male dullards, the embittered stepmothers, all drowned out in a wellspring of emotion and released libido. It is a bravura piece of film-making. And some great dialogue: Vivian: “I wouldn't know what to do”. Cay: “You can start by putting the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door”. And we have a favourable outcome before the final credits roll, a welcome rejection of the formulaic “star-crossed lesbian lovers dying in flaming automobiles, or a hail of silver bullets”, as “punishment” for their so-called “transgression”, we have - instead - hope for our two outlaw heroines in a new future, somewhere uncertain but possible . A film that resonates with a warm glow and a sense of giddy optimism, encapsulated by Cay Rivvers’ wide smile. ©The Male Gaze 2009
Everythings Relative
Director: Sharon Pollack * Runtime: 115 minutes
1996
 A classic - you know how it is with usual lesbo flicks they can be pretty dire at times but this one was like a lesbian ‘Big Chill’ another film I love! I have watched this one over and over and actually, I think it might be my favourite as I would love to have had this kind of core lesbian friendships that are portrayed throughout the film. Don’t get me wrong I am surrounded by wonderful friends but you know sometimes it’s nice to have them on the same trip as you! This film depicts the ups and downs of friendship through the years. I also had a bit of a crush on the character Luce, very sexy indeed. It’s set as a reunion of college friends who meet 15 years later reminisce reacquaint and watch out for the very sexy ending!
Bar Girls
Director: Marita Giovanni * Runtime: 93 minutes
 1994 Bit of an oddball film but I enjoyed it. Set around a lesbian bar with some very stereotypical characters but the main character of the film has some great lines. Once again that great American humour; lots of narration, lots of outrageous acting! Loretta; our protagonist, falls for Rachel and they have a conversation in bed which features lots of remising of old relationships and how did it all go wrong. All in all a bit of light entertainment for lesbians!
Better Than Chocolate 
Director: Anne Wheeler * Runtime: 95 minutes
1999
 Great film set in Vancouver. Lots of great scenes, a light comedy relief. The daughter meets the girl of her dreams then her mother moves in. Great cast of characters include a lesbian book shop owner, a woman who runs safer sex with latex workshops….? Judy the transsexual. I see from the sleeve that this is one of the most popular lesbian films of the last few years!
Bound 
Directors: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski *Runtime: 104 minutes
1996
 What can I say about Bound! What a FANTASTIC film! I know I know a bit stereotypical of a male fantasy but my god they look great together and Gina Gershon was just gorgeous in this film. The sex scene was wonderful, so highly charged and erotic. A brilliant film in itself, lots of twists and turns in the plot. A bit graphic at times but just a great film! Can’t recommend it enough! When will they do the sequel?
Girl Play
Director: Lee Friedlander * Runtime: 85 minutes
2004
 I really liked this film - in fact so much that after I hired it, I went out and bought a copy! Such a simple premise for a movie but great writing. I love that American waspish humour. The film is based on a play that in fact is itself based on the true story of the two actresses falling in love whilst rehearsing a play they were both in. Then dealing with the consequences of that love. They must ask themselves whether this relationship is manufactured, created for the sake of the "Girl Play" or is true love. It’s hilarious in places but also very true to life.
Portrait Of A Marriage
Director: Stephen Whittaker * Runtime: 219 minutes
1990
 The BBC portrayal of the Nigel Nicholson book about the life and loves of his parents -, Vita Sackville West and Harold Nicholson. Our interest of course lies in the passionate affair that Vita had with Violet Trefusis. This affair scandalised the England of 1918. We thought this was a great adaption of the book, the characters are very much as you imagine them, the story is told very well, we get an insight into how all the people involved felt! It is a very well put together piece and I read somewhere that this dramatisation increased peoples interest in this story. Thoroughly enjoyed the film!
The Hours
Director: Stephen Daldry * Runtime: 110 minutes
2002
 I took a couple of friends to see this, one of which didn’t know who Virginia Woolf was, don’t ask! Whilst I was transfixed by the film, they were kinda bored! However I loved the depth of the film, the fact that it portrayed life within different ages but focusing on women who were all enthralled by ‘Mrs. Dalloway’ and shared the yearnings of that book. Lost souls really, in love with people who were out of reach! It is a sad film, but a very good one!
 Do you remember when this was on the telly, my god! It was so shocking; I remember centre spreads in the Daily Mail for heavens sake! I was needless to say dying to see it. Sophie Ward as a lesbian, who knew that would be the next news! Kerry Fox was great in the film based on a book by Joanna Trollop, set in the English countryside. Alice & Martin move into a lovely village; the perfect couple until Alice meets Clodagh (what kind of name is that?). Anyway you can guess what happens next, worth watching for the scene by the river!
Under The Tuscan Sun
Director: Audrey Wells * Runtime: 108 minutes
2003
 Love this film - another one I bought after I rented it! Diane Lane plays a successful writer who finds out her husband has been cheating on her and her life falls apart. Thankfully she has two lesbian friends who give her a present that changes her life. Wonderful life affirming film, beautiful settings, great story, a real Sunday afternoon movie. Oh and Diane Lane is very sexy in this movie!
Here Come The Girls
Director: Varied * Runtime: 110 minutes
2009
 A collection of nine short lesbian films covering a multitude of subjects which can effect the lives and loves of lesbians. These are brought to you by a number of either established or new filmmakers. One of these being Guinevere Turner (The L Word). In particular I liked 'Private Lives' and 'Happy Birthday'. There are secret liaisons, the ending of a violent relationship, the desexualising of a young girl, two young girls exploring their sexuality whilst uncovering something far more intense plus more.
Mulholland Drive
Director David Lynch * Runtime: 148 minutes
2004
 Laura Elena Harring and Naomi Watts are the two main characters in this film who meet under unusual circumstances. Laura plays a mysterious woman suffering from amnesia following a car crash and Naomi plays Betty Elms the woman who helps to find the truth as to her identity. This is very 'Twin Peaks' - unusual structure to the plot with strange espresso loving gangsters, crippled mobsters and little people appearing under the door. David Lynch has directed yet another great film, if a bit confusing. I can honestly say I'm not altogether sure what really happened! David Lynch is best known for the drama 'Twin Peaks' and 'Elephant Man' of which I am a big fan of both. And with this film he has shone through again with his unique and innovative directing. Great performances by the two main stars.
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