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Paris Is Burning

Play trailer Poster for Paris Is Burning R 1990 1h 18m Documentary LGBTQ+ Play Trailer Watchlist
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98% Tomatometer 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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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 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 Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Read all reviews
Paris Is Burning

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Cast & Crew

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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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Paris Is Burning

Paris Is Burning (1990) Paris Is Burning (1990) Paris Is Burning (1990) Paris Is Burning (1990) Paris Is Burning (1990) Paris Is Burning (1990) View more photos

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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