Initially set in a prison in 1952, this film is a treat for the senses. This work is based on a play and unlike most film adaptations of plays, one can easily see the transition back to the stage. Jason Cadieux is wonderful as the young Simon. Simon is in love with Vallier in 1919 Quebec. It seems that everyone knows that these boys are in love and they turn a blind eye to the boys, except their classmate, Bilodieu. Throughout the film, Bilodieu hounds the boys and snobbishly turns his nose up to them when he is not condemning them for the mortal sin of homosexuality. All of the characters in this film are played by men since the play is being put on in a prison. Especially notable are Brent Carver as the Countess De Tilly and Alexander Chapman as Lydie-Anne (Vallier's mother). At some points, it is easy to forget that these "women" are actually men and we get caught up in the trials that they are going through. The performances are powerful and the message is even more powerful. The message of this film is that justice is eternal and that a man may even meet justice at the end of his life.

This movie is absolutely my favorite, it moves my soul so much that i can´t even describe it... I was so astonished about this because i never believed that anyone could do movie like this. It was so touching , even i´we seen Lilies 20 times it make me cry every time.

This is a film of rare and astonishing brilliance, and unlike anything I personally have ever encountered before. It is exquisitely photographed and edited, and the acting is first rate all round. The all-male cast portraying both men and women might be off-putting for some, but it is performed so expertly that one forgets this detail - it is a film that magnificently transcends gender. In particular is Brent Carver's resplendent turn as the `mad countess,' the gentle, guileless mother of one of the young heroes. The story is a heartbreaking tale of love, jealousy, and ultimately, of Judgement Day, of the Day of Reckoning. That its storyline is about gay love should not put off heterosexual film goers, because the theme is timeless and universal. A bold and brilliant ‘must see.'

This film stands out in my collection as the most beautiful gay love story on film so far. It's lyrical story-telling is accented by it's Romeo & Juliet-inspired forbidden love theme, while avoiding any political message that plagues today's current stream of gay love stories. With it's gorgeous location, haunting sound-track and surreal moments of simple tenderness, Lilies succeeds at simply being a beautiful film.