I don't usually watch documentaries but I loved this one! The movie depicts the gay New York of the 80's, focusing particularly on the struggles of . It features the young black drag queens. It follows transgenders, hustlers and voguers... and the tremendous dedication these people show to perform at what they call "The Ball", their main stage event. The movie manages to show why The Ball is so important to everybody involved, and how being on stage and acting to be somebody different means so much for people coming from poverty striving for wealth and fame.But even though Paris IS BURNING is quite concerned with societal issues, it never becomes reduced to its political statements. Instead, the movie just shows, quite subjectively, what happens in the drag scene and what people think and feel. And then you find yourself drawn into this wonderful world of lively, honest and hard-working people and their quests.The movie's message is life-affirming and leaves you in high spirits. And it is this message that is as relevant today as it was in the 80's. Paris IS BURNING is a near- perfect documentary that has stood the test of time... it's absolutely worth watching even today!

I came into this knowing very little and came out having watched a fascinating documentary. Made back in 1990, the film follows the majority African American and Latino LGBT communities of New York and the 'ball culture' they attended. I knew nothing of this culture so I found it thoroughly interesting to see inside it. The ball culture consisted of balls hosted by a Queen and King and where contestants 'walk' or compete in different categories. These might be glamour, or decadence or office worker or almost anything. Many of those competing did so for 'Houses' and winning a trophy for your house was something that could make you 'legendary'.Mixing interviews with participants, House leaders and fans, there is a joy in seeing these events take place as despite the overwhelming campness and no doubt hidden bitching, there seems to be a high level of support. It seemed like an amazing night out and for participants an opportunity to express themselves they might not get a chance to do elsewhere.One of the few aspects of the film I did know about was voguing. Madonna made voguing part of popular culture, but the balls are where it first came to prominence as participants would have vogue offs. And the voguing in question is not the Madonna version. This is highly stylized, athletic and fierce and amazing to watch.It is a wonderful insight into a world that you never really here about or indeed see and it would be fascinating to revisit these people and to see whether ball culture exists in the same way today. I loved the end line from drag queen Dorian Corey: 'If you shoot a arrow and it goes real high, hurray for you'.More of my reviews at my site iheartfilms.weebly.com

Yeah this films is tops. Cant recommend it more. Gay or strait its a great doco for anyone who likes film. Very funny, sad and interesting. Never dull. Great access. A film made with passion and interest in the subject matter. Some of the performances and just amazing. If you only find this film on VHS it is still very worth watching. Great. 10 out of 10. I got to see part of this doco years about ten years ago and did not understand what I was watching. The interviews are very revealing about egos of the performers who are like heavy- weight boxers trying to punch their way out of the ghetto. The filmmaker was apparently a first timer so what an achievement. Cool. Track it down.

Documentary starts in 1986 in NYC where black and hispanic drag queens hold "balls". That's where they dress up however they like, strut their stuff in front of an audience and are voted on. We get to know many of the members and see how they all hold together and support each other. As one man says to another--"You have three strikes against you--you're black, gay and a drag queen". These are people who (sadly) are not accepted in society--only at the balls. There they can be whoever and whatever they want and be accepted. Then the film cuts to three years later (1989) and you see how things have changed (tragically for some). Sounds depressing but it's not. Most of the people interviewed are actually very funny and get a lot of humor out of their situations. They're well aware of their position in society and accept it with humor--just as they should. We find out they all live in "houses" run by various "mothers" and all help each other out. The sense of community in this film is fascinating.When this film came out in 1990 it was controversial--and a big hit. It won Best Documentary Awards at numerous festivals--but was never even nominated for an Academy Award. Their reason was "Black and hispanic drag queens are not Academy material". Fascinating isn't it? Homophobia and racism all together. Seen today it's still a great film--and a period piece. It just isn't like that anymore--the NY they show no longer exists. The balls are still held but not in the spirit we see here. Also drag has become more "accepted" in society (for better or worse). And I've heard the houses are gone too. That's kind of sad. I WOULD like to know where these characters are now--I know two died of AIDS but I have no idea about the others. And what DID happen to that 13 year old and 15 year old shown? Still, it a one of a kind documentary--fascinating, funny and riveting. A must see all the way! A definite 10. Where's the DVD???