71 of 72 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Enlightening, even for us neanderthal guys, April 11, 2002
This review is from: Breasts [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This came on HBO one night and I watched it until the end. I was totally fascinated, and no, not just by the toplessness. These are real people, with stories to tell that are worth hearing. As a "guy," it was highly enlightening to me to see how women view their breasts, and how they view all the issues, ideas, fantasies, etc. that are associated with them. Their stories were sad, happy, triumphant, and, yes, maybe occasionally a bit titillating (excuse the pun).
The story of the woman who had a mastectomy hit me the hardest. At first, I admit, I flinched at the sight of her scar. But as I listened to her story and realized her triumph, I started to understand things about women that I'd never understood before. It was an invaluable experience.
Another thing that I liked about this documentary was that even though it was given from the female point of view, it was not exclusionary. I didn't have the feeling that I was a male intruder trespassing on forbidden territory, as I do sometimes when I see some female-oriented films.
After the initial shock/buzz of seeing so many different types of women with no shirts on, it wears off. The thing that draws you into this movie and keeps you there are these women's stories. In the end this becomes a very human document, a short visit with some fascinating and beautiful people who have a lot to say. Anybody looking to this for titillation will be mostly disappointed, but anyone with a brain will learn from "Breasts."
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Deeply insightful with a sense of humor, April 23, 2001
This review is from: Breasts [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I purchased this video for a course on the cultural and historical issues surrounding Western attitudes towards women's bodies and was thrilled with the content and presentation. Participants (mostly topless or in bras) discuss their attitudes and experiences involving their breasts. Puberty, sexual partners, breastfeeding, breast cancer, breast enlargement/reduction and one lovely transsexual's experience of getting her breasts are touched upon (forgive the pun!). Between topical segments, the director has spliced in such things as movie clips from 1950s puberty films and early 20th century "pornography" clips involving breasts. With each of these women's experience, the viewer can draw widespread cultural expectations and historical tradition involving the female body.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Such a Funny and Sensuous movie...But a Powerful emotional roller coaster Also, May 10, 2007
Ms.O'Gorman (prod descript) said if nothing else, its a good one for women. I disagree. I was So surprised watching this dvd How amazing and important this film Really is...Its ONE for all Men and Women..And maybe? Men might Understand much More about a woman's breast. Outstanding, despite low on money project would get 10 stars if i could. Well worth the 50 mins of quite a story.
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