Paris Is Burning

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Paris Is Burning

R

Released Mar 13, 1990

1h 18m

Documentary

LGBTQ+

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Popcornmeter

98%

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65 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

This documentary focuses on drag queens living in New York City and their "house" culture, which provides a sense of community and support for the flamboyant and often socially shunned performers. Groups from each house compete in elaborate balls that take cues from the world of fashion. Also touching on issues of racism and poverty, the film features interviews with a number of renowned drag queens, including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija and Dorian Corey.

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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.

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Geoff Brown

The Times (UK)

Half sad, half exuberant.

May 19, 2020

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

The earnestness of the competition is what holds this film together.

Rated: 3/4

May 19, 2020

Full Review

Vincent Canby

New 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.

May 19, 2020

Full Review

Chauncey K. Robinson

People's World

The ballroom scene may seem niche to the uninitiated, but 'Paris is Burning' makes it clear that it’s ingrained in the fabric of this country’s culture—past and present.

Rated: A

Jun 4, 2025

Full Review

Josh Larsen

LarsenOnFilm

... crackles because of its subjects.

Rated: 3.5/4

Feb 16, 2025

Full Review

Vivian McCall

The Stranger (Seattle, WA)

This beautiful film is about surviving on the fringe—and looking amazing while doing it.

Jun 16, 2023

Full Review

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Joshua P.

“Touch this skin, darling, touch this skin honey, touch all of this skin! Okay? You just can't take it! You're just an overgrown orangutan!” - Venus Xtravaganza

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/07/25

Full Review

Massoud H

Especially moving, difficult, and fulfilling to watch this film in June 2025.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/02/25

Full Review

Daniele W.

It requires a lot of courage to want to make a movie or a documentary about a ball.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/29/25

Full Review

Petros T

Quite an interesting depiction of the world of New York balls circa 1987, "Paris Is Burning" features an array of talking heads that bring up significant points. Nevertheless, this ensemble logic keeps it from having a protagonist, a main subject to focus on, follow and delve into. Arguably, the protagonist is actually the scene itself, and by extension, the community as a whole, but even then, its arc regarding its evolution over time is rather hastily done, and therefore lacks effectiveness.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/02/24

Full Review

Melissa Juliette M

A film you simply must see.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/12/24

Full Review

John H

Enlightening and revolutionary.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/20/23

Full Review

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Jennie Livingston

Director

André Christian

Actor

Freddie Pendavis

Actor

Willi Ninja

Actor

Pepper LaBeija

Actor

Junior Labeija

Actor

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Synopsis

This documentary focuses on drag queens living in New York City and their "house" culture, which provides a sense of community and support for the flamboyant and often socially shunned performers. Groups from each house compete in elaborate balls that take cues from the world of fashion. Also touching on issues of racism and poverty, the film features interviews with a number of renowned drag queens, including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija and Dorian Corey.

Director: Jennie Livingston
Producer: Jennie Livingston, Barry Swimar
Production Co: Miramax Films, Prestige Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Documentary, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 13, 1990, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Jun 14, 2019
Release Date (Streaming): May 5, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $122.8K
Runtime: 1h 18m

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