Paris Is Burning
critic Reviews
, 98% Certified Fresh Tomatometer Score- Paris Is Burning dives into '80s transgender subculture, with the understated camera allowing this world to flourish and the people to speak (and dance) for themselves.
- , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreGeoff BrownTimes (UK)
Half sad, half exuberant.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreGene SiskelChicago Tribune
The earnestness of the competition is what holds this film together.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreVincent CanbyNew York Times
There is a lot of common sense and natural wit behind the role-playing. Yet there is also a terrible sadness in the testimony.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreKenneth TuranLos Angeles Times
[The film intercuts] ball scenes with interviews with the participants in less hectic, more reflective moments. It is those personal, humanizing moments, much more than the hectic, eye-catching hubbub of performance, that truly linger in the mind.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreLouise GraySight & Sound
If the wit, glamour and mind-boggling outfits of Paris Is Burning are disarming, not far beneath the film's surface is an immensely moving quality.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScorePeter TraversRolling Stone
If all you know about Voguing comes from Madonna, this spirited and heartbreaking documentary from first-time filmmaker Jennie Livingston will be an eyeopener.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreJosh LarsenLarsenOnFilm
... crackles because of its subjects.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreVivian McCallThe Stranger (Seattle, WA)
This beautiful film is about surviving on the fringe—and looking amazing while doing it.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreTerry FrancisSouthern Voice (Atlanta)
Makes smashing use of the documentary form: it shares with the audience its knowledge of a glittering American subculture... that is little known to most of us.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreBrian SusbiellesInSession Film
It’s a documentary that demands to be seen.
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