Stonewall

Stonewall
by Nigel Finch

Our Price: $22.71
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Buy Used: from $5.87 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD releases

DVD Cover Information

Movie Reviews of Stonewall

Movie Review: History as it happened - well almost.
Summary: 5 Stars

As a student of gay and lesbian history and the fight for human rights it was interesting to see a film that blows away the myth that gay and lesbian rights are a white middle class issue. The Stonewall riots were about multiple layers of oppression and it is well documented that it was the latinos, blacks and transvestites who, on that night, finally said enough is enough. The contrast with the conformist white middle class push for equality on someone else's terms is handled well.

As for the performances, they are uniformally excellent. Guillermo Diaz is superb as La Miranda, Fred Weller great as Matty but it is Duane Boutte who is unstoppable as Bostonia. Her role as Queen of the Scene is a showstopper. The drag musical numbers are handled simply and effectively with a great 60's girl bands soundtrack. The story involves several relationships of various people all revolving around the Stonewall Bar and leading up to the night the riots commenced. The tragic events (including wonderful footage of Judy Garland's funeral) build to boiling point with an emotional intensity. The relief and celebration once the actual riots commence are palpable. The film manages to capture the fear and pride that the rioters must have felt in actually being there.

See this film for a wonderful fictional account of one of the turning points in human rights history. See it to remind yourself that it wasn't that long ago that gays and lesbians were less than citizens. See this film because it captures the way in which society can condone or not condone relationships. Above all just enjoy superb acting, wonderful music and an engrossing script.

Summary of Stonewall