Last week we brought you our top ten lesbian films and this week, it’s only right that we deliver our top ten must-see, gay films!
When four lives intersect – a hardworking, yet unfaithful father and husband, a young daughter left to look after her sick mother, a young man struggling to accept his sexual identity, and an ex-basketball superstar – you get the movie Four. Written and directed by Joshua Sanchez, the film explores culture, race, class, and sexuality and is certainly backed by an outstanding performance from Wendell Pierce. It’s for sure a must-see film, especially if you love the powerful, yet quiet tales of suburban America.
There’s ups, there’s downs, and there’s laughter and love packed in this romantic comedy. If you remember MTV/Logo’s hit show, Noah’s Arc, you’ll love #9 on our list. Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom wraps up writer, Patrik-Ian Polk’s beloved series. Noah’s Arc followed the lives and friendship of four black gay men living in California, and when the show ended after only two seasons, Polk had no choice but to leave us with Noah and Wade’s beautiful winter wedding (with a little bit of drama, of course).
This moving documentary brings its viewers into the lives of LGBT activists and supporters, highlighting their struggle to live at peace in Uganda, where homosexuality is noted to be unacceptable, sinful, and worse, met with penalties, often resulting in death. While the documentary follows David Kato, Uganda’s first openly gay man, and LGBT activist, filmmakers Malika Zouhali-Worrall and Katherine Fairfax also delve into the politics and beliefs that power the hatred and unfairness casted upon the LGBT community in Uganda. It’s definitely one of the most powerful documentaries I’ve ever came across and most certainly worth the watch.
The very first time I watched this movie, I was left inspired by the life and times of politician and gay rights activist, Harvey Milk. This 2008 biographical film impressed many, receiving 8 Academy Award nominations, and winning two. If you’re not familiar with the historical, Harvey Milk (known as the first openly gay man to be elected into public office in California), this is one to add to the list of must-see biopics.
If the late 80’s night life is more your flavor, here’s a tasteful treat! Paris is Burning is packed with energy, personality and fierceness of course, chronicling the ball culture in New York City and the people apart of it. Featuring Willie Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, and Angie Xtravaganza, this documentary explores the elaborate scene of drag culture and ball competitions. Simply put, this documentary may make you want to be a gay man in New York in the 80’s for 78 minutes. But aside from all the fun, the documentary explores the real issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality in the mid-to-late 80’s.
This groundbreaking film had to make our list. Brokeback Mountain tells the story of a cowboy and a ranch hand who find themselves entangled in a rather complex friendship-turned-romance that leave them stuck between exploring the depths of their love affair and keeping the affair a secret. This one’s a gay classic that we couldn’t keep from our top picks.
First, I must give due praise to Alan Cumming for one of his best performances of all time. Secondly, the film itself is just remarkably crafted. In Any Day Now, couple Rudy and Paul fight for custody of Rudy’s down-syndrome neighbor who has been abandoned by his imprisoned mom. And with the film being set in the 70’s, we see the gay couples efforts constantly being plagued by discriminatory hurdles. This film, based on a true story, will definitely pull emotional strings, but moreover, will touch your heart.
Keep the Lights On is a drama film that depicts the “loving, but complicated,” long-term relationship between Danish filmmaker, Erik and publishing industry lawyer, Paul, who struggles with drug addiction throughout the film. With a 90% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes, this painful drama is a must-see – a film that depicts a very complex and heart-breaking love story.
After the sudden death of his boyfriend, English professor, George, finds himself unable to deal with the grief accompanying his loss, battling thoughts of suicide and even struggling to cop day by day during the 1960’s in Los Angeles. Critics have raved about this movie, including Colin Firth’s stunning performance in his role as George. It’s also worth mentioning that this film is designer Tom Ford’s directorial debut! Turns out he’s done a pretty awesome job his first time around, landing his film at number 2 on our top 10 list.
Coming in at number 1 is Bridegroom, a documentary that tells the story of Shane Bitney Crone and his partner Thomas “Tom” Lee, who died of an unfortunate and tragic accident. The film chronicles the couple’s six-year long relationship up until Lee’s death and his untimely passing’s aftermath (Crone being awarded no legal protection or rights in regards to his partner and even being denied the right to attend his partner’s funeral). The film received many positive reviews and even made its television premiere on the Oprah Winfrey Network. It’s a bit of a tear-jerker – highly emotional and moving – but it’s a story that reminds us of compassion, love and the fight for equality.
