Paris Is Burning

1991

Paris Is Burning

Critics Consensus

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.

98%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 54

89%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 4,037

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Movie Info

Jennie Livingston's documentary offers a behind-the-scene glimpse at the golden age of New York "Drag Balls" where rival fashion houses come together to celebrate, vogue and compete for bragging rights. Shot between 1985 and 1989, the narrative inter-cuts between individual stories that chronicle the experiences of the African-American and Latino, gay and transgender subculture in a time when the city was consumed by the ideals of wealth and glamour.
  • Rating:
    R (adult situations/language, nudity)
  • Genre:
    Documentary, Special Interest, Gay & Lesbian
  • Directed By:
    Jennie Livingston
  • In Theaters:
     limited
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Academy Entertainment

Cast

Dorian Corey
Pepper LaBeija
Carmen
Paris Duprée
Junior Labeija
Freddie Pendavis
Sandy Ninja
Willi Ninja
Avis Pendavis
Octavia Saint Laurent
Stevie Saint Laurent
Sol Pendavis
Octavia St. Laurent
Danny Xtravaganza
Angie Xtravaganza
Anji Xtravaganza
David Xtravaganza
Bianca Xtravaganza
David Ian Xtravaganza
David the Father Xtravaganza
Venus Xtravaganza
Carmen
Brooke
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Critic Reviews for Paris Is Burning

All Critics (54) | Top Critics (18) | Fresh (53) | Rotten (1)

View All Critic Reviews (54)

Audience Reviews for Paris Is Burning

  • Aug 08, 2014
    This documentary is a beautiful time capsule of the "ball" culture of late eighties drag culture. Not only does it show the performance aspect of these intricate and flawless drag shows, but also the AIDS fueled hysteria of the time, discrimination against gay people, and the fears and doubts of these one of a kind people. Since the film was released, many of the performers have died of AIDS related illnesses, and many of their trade secrets and views on life are only evident on the celluloid that this film was printed on. The subjects of this two year documentary are fascinating because of their candor and reverence for their craft. The film is both insightful in its depiction of ball culture and thoroughly entertaining for its depth and scope.
    Spencer S Super Reviewer
  • Jun 05, 2014
    As a revealing (and sad) portrait of this subculture of the 1980s, the film documents the balls, the "houses," "voguing" and a "realness" competition that raises some fascinating questions about what real means (gay men even appear teaching women to behave like "real" women).
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
  • May 21, 2013
    A timeless, classic LBGT film. Quite bold for its time...which I guess means it isn't exactly "timeless"....still....
    Christian C Super Reviewer
  • Jul 30, 2012
    This documentary focuses on the aspirations and culture of African American homosexuals and transsexuals. What is interesting about this subject is the depth of the culture. Filled with nuances and its own patois, gay and transsexual culture is remarkably complex, and the film exposes all. I can't say that I enjoyed the film because I've never been sitting in my apartment and thought, "Gee, I wonder what gay culture was like in the 80s." But that's not the film's fault. Overall, if you've ever been sitting in your apartment thinking, "Gee, I wonder what gay culture was like in the 80s," then this is the film for you.
    Jim H Super Reviewer
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