Lilies
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Canada
VHS Movie Reviews of Lilies
Movie Review: Riveting.
Summary: 5 Stars
Lilies has to be the best gay film overall I've seen and it leaves me struggling for words to adequately express my appreciation other than to urge others to see it for themselves. I had read many positive reviews before ordering the DVD, but still I was not prepared for how good this movie is; the film could not possibly have won all the awards it deserves.Simply put, Lilies is captivating from the opening scene
The cast is excellent, particularly the two leads, Jason Cadieux as the young Simon and Danny Gilmore as Vallier, but there isn't a weak character in the film. Matthew Ferguson turns in a powerful performance as the young Bilodeau and Brent Carver is magnificent as the Countess in delicious supporting roles.
The transitions from present day to flashback and back again transpire so beguilingly you find it impossible to take your eyes off the screen. The soundtrack is exceptional, to say the very least. This is good filmmaking, regardless of the subject matter.
Lillies is not my sentimental favorite gay film, however; in fact, it's a bit of a downer. The love story within the story is beautiful, as well as being beautifully told and acted. Most focus on the extraordinarily handsome Cadieux as the young Simon, but the real heart of the story is Vallier, without whom Simon is just another pretty boy, as he comes to realize. The character of Vallier is nailed, absolutely, by Gilmore, who is fetching in his own right. His confrontation of Simon in the bathtub scene at the end is as powerful a scene as any in gay cinema. The intensity of passion and nuances of emotion Gilmore brings to this scene, as well as his entire role, are riveting.
But the confrontation between the older Simon and Bilodeau is less uplifting. I am not a Catholic, so I am not being defensive, but I found this twist of the story a bit too easy, a bit too much of a cliche, and I did not feel the older Simon's need for revenge nearly as strongly as I felt the passion of the young Vallier.
These objections having been stated however, if John Greyson (or anybody for that matter) has ever made a better gay film, I would like to know about it.
Movie Review: Amazing Film
Summary: 4 Stars
I loved this movie when I first saw it a the Gay Lesbian Film festival in San Francisco. It is beautifully filmed and is a touching suspenseful story. The way the prisoners transform themselves to act out the part of these 2 men's past is delightful. I am very choosy about the films I own. I bought this one and it stands up to multiple viewings. You must check out this film.Movie Review: A favorite flick
Summary: 5 Stars
Lilies is one of my personal favorite flicks for serveral reasons. First, the story, directing, and cinematography are absolutely enthralling. More interestingly, because of the time and setting of the story, a "gay" identity doesn't really come into play in the storyline. Rather, the story is a story of love (and trust, betrayal, insanity, etc.) in which that love is never named. For those who may have know something about GLBT history, this film is a wonderful example of how "gay" identity is not necessarily transhistorical. If you are interested in the social construction of modern sexual identities, consider also reading parts of Jonathan Ned Katz's book, The Invention of Heterosexuality.The only downsides to Lillies, in my opinion, are the sometimes so-so acting and the confusing but wonderful way in which the film is cut (in terms of the flashbacks and framestory). In order to appreciate this film, it may be necessary to watch it twice.
Of the dozens upon dozens of films I have seen, this movie has some of the sexiest, most raw and beautiful scenes in it. A must-see if not a must-have.
Movie Review: Awesome.
Summary: 5 Stars
I've never seen anything so touching and unusual. That's one of the few films when i actually cried over.
Definitely MUST!!!!!!!!!!!!
Movie Review: Lilies is a masterpiece...a brilliant piece of art.
Summary: 5 Stars
I accidentally saw Lilies about five years ago when it was released on VHS in Canada. Me and my friends who had no idea what we were to watch, sat in silence for the two hours of this film with our jaws on the ground. Lilies remains one of my favorite movies, always causing catharsis.This is a piece of theatre on film which, unlike many movie musicals or plays put on film, transfers beautifully and clearly. The conventions used in this film highten the truth and beauty captured in Bouchard's [stage] script. Though in the first few minutes of the play there may be a few unanswered questions, everything becomes clear--more than clear; poetic.
The acting is this film is beautiful. With a cast of mainly unknown actors, the subject matter is handled sensitively with a delicate touch. The central relationship of Simone and Valier is well defined and very well acted. Brent Carver proves his brilliance repeatedly in all his work, whether it's on stage or on screen.
I am a little tongue tied when I think of this movie becuase I get moved everytime I replay the story in my mind. It is powerful and beautiful. If this review has meant anything, let it mean that this movie could leave you speechless.