The Tree of Life

Not a tremendous Brad Pitt fan, but he's okay in places. This is one of those
places.

The stars of the show, though, are the two 'brothers' who star as the young
children of Pitt's character, and the Mom (Jessica Chastain.)

It's the harrowing life story of a family throughout several decades of relation-
ship, loss, and growing up. The juxtaposition of the 'other story,' the origin of
life, is beautifully rendered and gives a unique and moving viewing experience.

When the pieces of the puzzle start to come together, it's a gift of  real
perspective and a learning moment.

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Tea with Mussolini

Another fantastic World War II based film with an incredible cast;
Cher, Maggie Smith, Joan Plowright, Judi Dench, Lily Tomlin, and
more.

A more sedate --yet still disturbing--take on the war, from the
more upscale, feminine side of things.

Equal parts chick flick and fantasy, it's still an engaging and
heartening film about friendship and life.

Tea with Mussolini on imdb

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Hedwig and the Angry inch

This is the trippy, crazed, freedom fighting beauty of a rock musical that
made John Cameron Mitchell a star!

Done with the kind of ongoing intimate intensity that only comes from a work
written, produced by, and starring a creative genius, Hedwig is the gender-bending
(and shattering) exploration of love, sex, fame, and rock and roll throughout
America.

The raucous, unpredictable, and raunchy tale is funny, moving, and wildly
entertaining with a slew of original and phenomenal songs. John Cameron
Mitchell has a sound, a look, and a vision that are truly unique, and this
is his--and co writer Stephen Trask's-- story.

Sordid Lives

Sordid Lives is an absurdist, incendiary, equal-opportunity-offender,
politically incorrect, raucous comedy romp that skewers Southerners
with a vengeance! (Well, 'white trash', to be precise, which I typically
equate with Southerners, so..)

If you're a fan of bawdy comedy, John Waters movies, sassy back-talking
strong women, crazy over-the-top hijinks, and can let your hair down long
enough to laugh at what's truly funny, then you'll love this movie.
(This is the movie that spawned the TV series of the same name.)

The above is a fan compilation of some of the best moments of the movie--a
little more heft than a typical trailer. I think it shows off the heart of the film
and the stellar cast quite admirably!

Sordid Lives IMDB info

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"Big Eden" (2000)

This movie is so powerful; a modern fantasy that deals with so much of life;
unrequited love, small town issues, family, being stuck in the past, toxic love,
fear of abandonment, struggle between commitments, community, and much
more!

In the vein of "Fried Green Tomatoes," "Steel Magnolias" and other feel
good favorites of women and gay men, "Big Eden" is the ultimate in wish
fulfilment movie making. It's a heartening and seductive love story to a life
that isn't; the kind of sweet and desirable mix of comedy, drama, sex, and
love that leaves us winded, yet content.

This movie made me fall in love with Arye Gross, whom I had been cold to
on "Ellen,"  possibly because my boyfriend was smitten with him. But this
is more than a 'romance of two men.' It is, like most great stories, about
humanity, compassion, growing up, learning lessons, finding things of value,
and discovery within.

IMDB page for "Big Eden"

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The Debt (2011)

This movie was a great surprise; I went in knowing very little so all of
it was fresh to me; no spoilers!

Helen Mirren can do no wrong, and she was phenomenal as always.
The rest of this small cast was equally spell-binding and awe-inspiring,
making the most out of the most intimate scenes.

Even though it's a post-WWII film, the story is linked to WWII and
history, and never stops being riveting and suspenseful. A perfect
blend of study, action, suspense,  mystery, romance, and politics,
it is a gritty and realistic film that envelops you as it proceeds.

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Lie Down With Dogs (1995)

"Lie Down With Dogs" is a sweet, quirky, smaller film about a
rather 'plain' (i.e. identifiable) gay man's quest for love and hook-ups
in the Nineties. It's cute, charming, fun, and compelling in its
earnestness and explorations. The main character is pretty obviously
damaged goods, despite his semi-good-natured attitude.


Good cast, not too heavy, some excellent dialogue and unique
situations. Good for a break from the dire and the overly profound.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113650/

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