The list author says: "A list that arose from a discussion on one of my groups. Some gay films are exploitative rubbish. Others reach sublime heights. Others are average (which is not the same thing as bad). These are a few of my picks"
"This charming and realistic film leaves you with a good feeling. Excellent acting, good directing but occasional clunky dialog. You can read a longer review here: http://www.forbiddenfruitzine.com/Quickies"
"One of the first gay films I ever saw. A love triangle with a difference, with the apex of the triangle a cheerfully bisexual guy in love with a male doctor and a woman (played, superbly, by Glenda Jackson). Very highly recommended."
"Another masterpiece from Schlesinger. If you've not seen it, this is essential viewing. The story of a gay prostitute and his pimp (both superb performances) who become friends is riveting, powerful and heartbreaking. A masterpiece."
"A moving depiction of falling in love with your best friend, but no masterpiece. Not sure whether to be a comedy or a drama, it doesn't quite achieve success in either genre. All the same, worth seeing, if only for the delectable male leads (both straight) and the feisty sister. It will leave you enraged at the absurd and hurtful way gay ppl have had to stay in the closet. Which is good."
"See this if only to enjoy a wondrously innocent and childlike performance from Colin Farrell. A very interesting film, beutifully acted and directed, but I was saddened and dissatisfied by the ending. But still.... watch it."
"No list of gay or bi films can be complete without this film. Heartrending, brilliant, profound, masterly, its making shows how far gay films have come in a couple of decades. The fact that some have described it as "just a love story" ignoring the gay/bisexual colouring tells you much. Have a box of tissues handy when you watch it. It's special."
"A love story between closeted republican Alan and gay rights activist Tommy ends in disaster. Alan realizes that he is gay and loves Tommy, but they do come together again. Billed as a romantic comedy it's true there are some hilarious episodes. Like all the best love stories, there is sorrow too, as well as a scene which will make you seethe with anger at homophobes everywhere. Good stuff."
"From the books written by Christopher Isherwood this film set in 1930s Berlin is a must-see. Moving, classy and classic, one of the earliest films to portray gay themes without homophobia, but with a moral message."
"Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man elected to public office in the US. This is his story. A superb performance by the (straight) Sean Penn, interspersed with real footage of Anita Bryant and Pres Ronnie. Romance and sorrow and a joyous retrpspective of 70s and 80s SF."
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