From Corsets to Cringing: A Lens of Fine (and not so Fine) Lesbian Films

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Lesbian Movies (and Anne of Green Gables) Turned Me Gay

In concert with my efforts to create a list of fine lesbian fiction, my partner in crime suggested I also create a list of fine lesbian films.  Genius! After all, it was while viewing When Night is Falling (in the theatre - with my MOTHER) that I finally came to the realization that I, like straight-laced Christian college professor Camille, was a francophone. Ha ha - just kidding. Although I do enjoy a little French. If you know what I mean. And I think that you do.

I've seen some really lovely lesbian films in my time. I've also seen some that blow. I am listing them all. Just so you know, I am certainly partial to films that end, if not happily, then at least with possibilities. Movies in which the lesbians die needlessly at the end will be treated harshly.

 

First - the Corsets!

God, how I love the BBC.

These first two films are BBC adaptation of Sarah Waters' fine lesbonic historical fiction. Needless to say, I adore them. Tipping the Velvet has more girl-on-girl action; Fingersmith has more Dickensian twists and turns. Both have corsets.
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The Canadians

Cold Country - Hot Action

I know there are more Canadian lesbian films than this; these are just the ones I've seen and not blocked out.
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Cute and Funny

Sure, there are flaws! But I liked these.

Good lesbian romantic comedy is hard to come by. Too hard. But I thought these were all pretty cute.
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Cute and Funny Continued

When one module isn't enough

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The Classics

Apparently everyone had seen these but me.

When I revealed to my lesbian dinner group, The Pussketeers, one fine evening that I had never seen or read Desert Hearts, there was loud squealing. And then we watched it. I had also never seen Personal Best, also considered a lesbonic cinema classic. ARE THEY? History will decide. But before history decides, I will.
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Lesbian Film . . . Noir?

Dark - gritty - grrrrls.

Dark films to me are like dark chocolate. I'll have dark chocolate every once in awhile but the fact is that at heart, I am a hick and like the milk.
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Lesbians In Uniform

Why aren't there more of these?

Don't lesbians love lesbians in uniform? I'm kind of surprised there aren't more army dyke movies. Or do I just not know about them??
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Shitty Buzz, Lesbians

Historical Edition

I guess I can't complain about a movie ending badly when it's based on historical fact. That's why I haven't yet been able to bring myself to watch Boys Don't Cry. I don't want to see rape and murder happen to Hilary Swank and I ESPECIALLY don't want to see it if I can't complain about it after (like I did after Million Dollar Baby, which WASN'T based on historical fact. Sigh.)
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Shitty Buzz, Lesbians

Non-historical edition

"Well, THIS isn't going to end well . . ."
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Pleasant Surprises

Who Knew?

Sometimes you stumble across some lesbonic goodness by accident. Good times!
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Uhhhh . . . okay . . .

Hmm.

I KIND of enjoyed PARTS of these . . . and kind of hated other parts. So . . . hmm.
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GAH

Just . . . gah.

Me no likee.
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Not QUITE Lesbian Movies

Close, though.

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Reader Feedback

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  • Reply
    NikkiPrince Jul 7, 2009 @ 6:07 pm | in reply to Alicia | delete
    Another good movie by Shamim Sarif, the author and producer of The World Unseen, is I Can't Think Straight. Cute film with the same two actors, Lisa Ray and Sheetal Sheth.

    Good thorough lens, creampuff.
  • Reply
    Alicia Jun 4, 2009 @ 6:57 pm | delete
    Nice Lens with good Collection of Movies!!

    Another interesting lesbian movie i came across a while ago is The World Unseen. i liked it!!
  • Reply
    LightninLex May 16, 2009 @ 9:18 am | delete
    Hey, I LOVED Loving Annabelle!!! And the teacher was soooo I wouldn't say hot but incredibly attractive, with those eyes...aaahh... But then again it IS the first lesbian movie I've seen so it may be the novelty effect...Thank you for the list, it will be extensively used in my venture into the murky waters of lesbian cinema ;)
  • Reply
    GinaK Nov 30, 2008 @ 1:15 pm | delete
    Love the lens, Tipping the Velvet rocks!
  • Reply
    Mar 31, 2008 @ 11:08 am | delete
    Bound and Desert Hearts are my personal favorites :)Great lens, Creampuff - 5 stars to you!
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by

Creampuff

Rose is a playwright, freelance writer and blogger who is pretty sure Anne of Green Gables turned her gay. She blogs about pie, her big gay wedding and... more »

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