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Paris Is Burning

Play trailer Poster for Paris Is Burning R Released Mar 13, 1990 1h 18m Documentary LGBTQ+ Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
98% Tomatometer 63 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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Paris Is Burning

Paris Is Burning

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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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Critics Reviews

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Geoff Brown 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 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 Terry Francis Southern 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. Rated: 4/4 May 9, 2023 Full Review Brian Susbielles InSession Film It’s a documentary that demands to be seen. Mar 3, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (214) audience reviews
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 PridePosterStudios Essential viewing. You’re not a certified queer until you’ve seen this. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/24/24 Full Review david f A great collection of eccentric New Yorkers. This is a snapshot of a subculture which is heart-warming and heart-breaking. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member In a short runtime, Paris Is Burning gets across a lot without ever feeling wasteful and becomes a very interesting documentary on the 80's NYC ballroom scene and touches on moving themes of sexuality, race, class, and life itself. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Paris Is Burning

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Movie Info

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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