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The Aggressives

Released Jun 3, 2005 1h 13m LGBTQ+ Documentary List
92% Tomatometer 12 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
This pioneering documentary filmed in NYC from 1997-2004 follows a group of "Aggressives," or "AG's" -- masculine presenting and/or identifying -- queer people of color who were assigned female at birth. It explores their dreams, secrets and deepest fears as well as their social spaces like the "ballroom" and club scene. Ultimately the film focuses on the humanity of the subjects while attempting to unravel evolving terms around gender definition.
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The Aggressives

Critics Reviews

View All (12) Critics Reviews
Kyle Smith New York Post It's just a loose collection of interviews about its subjects' feelings and back stories. Rated: 1.5/4 Oct 7, 2005 Full Review Elizabeth Weitzman New York Daily News In a movie that deals with controversial sexual, racial and class issues, the boldest observation is the most basic: that we each have the right to define our own realities, and live comfortably within them. Rated: 3/4 Oct 7, 2005 Full Review Ned Martel New York Times A novel, accomplished documentary about a subset of New York City lesbians. Rated: 4.5/5 Oct 6, 2005 Full Review Dennis Harvey 48 Hills A defiant subculture... Jan 22, 2024 Full Review Film Threat Rated: 3/5 Jan 22, 2013 Full Review TV Guide Rated: 3/4 Jan 22, 2013 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (21) audience reviews
Corey I Awesome movie. Daniel is the best Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/26/24 Full Review Jane M The Aggressives is a fast-paced drama of life in New York City, following the lives of several young individuals living life outside the "norm" for the times. The film captures the city's hectic vibe while confirming each person's desire to live and thrive as their authentic selves. A satisfying character study, and a rich time capsule of life in the city at the time that we don't often get to witness. Authentic and raw, emotionally gripping! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/09/24 Full Review Audience Member Kudos to the film maker in creating an open window into the stories of these "aggressive" trans-fluid gender women before this entire topic became more mainstream. Intimate and detailed. I loved it! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Audience Member The Aggressives is a progressive and interesting documentary about incredibly unique women from wide ranging backgrounds who share some intimate moments of their lives. This film should be shown in gender study classes! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Really powerful film! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Audience Member Stunning, deep, provocative filmmaking - do yourself a favor and watch! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Aggressives

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Cast & Crew

A Jihad for Love 78% 69% A Jihad for Love Tying the Knot 89% 74% Tying the Knot Outrage 79% 76% Outrage The Celluloid Closet 97% 89% The Celluloid Closet Sex Positive 82% 60% Sex Positive Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis This pioneering documentary filmed in NYC from 1997-2004 follows a group of "Aggressives," or "AG's" -- masculine presenting and/or identifying -- queer people of color who were assigned female at birth. It explores their dreams, secrets and deepest fears as well as their social spaces like the "ballroom" and club scene. Ultimately the film focuses on the humanity of the subjects while attempting to unravel evolving terms around gender definition.
Director
Daniel Peddle
Producer
Daniel Peddle, Calvin Wilson
Genre
LGBTQ+, Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 3, 2005, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 21, 2019
Runtime
1h 13m
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