The Movie Diorama Documentaries that singlehandedly convey one person's life are far easier than to tackle an entire culture, so director Livingstone had a challenge ahead to portray New York's ballroom community. A minority culture powered by African-Americans, Latinos, gays and transgenders where they "walk" in a variety of categories for trophies. Against the controversy she received for being a white lesbian female, Livingston intelligently crafted a documentary that manages to be both historically significant and personably poignant. To portray a relatively underground subculture, using each key participant to tackle inherent issues that surround LGBT individuals, whilst presenting developed backstories of each competitor and remaining informative throughout, is nothing short of genius. The AIDS crisis, gender equality, the class and wealth system of American at the time, drag acts and the progression of fashion. A plethora of sensitive subjects where we view the perspective of possibly America's most prominent minority group. It was emotionally impactful and saddening to hear that these young performers yearn for fame and wealth, because it's something they've never experienced and believe it to be a privilege among "real" culture (a category within the balls where performers must act straight). The differing attitudes between younger performers like Venus Xtravaganza and the more experienced like Dorian Corey was refreshing to see. The whole documentary was incredibly powerful and insightful. It's unfortunate that it feels overstuffed, where the narrative cohesion needs more focus. The first half represents a history lesson in comparison to the second half that progresses towards the performers themselves. The short 78 minute runtime is mostly to blame, as Livingstone attempts to pack as many subjects in as possible. However, this documentary gifts us with a rare view into a subculture that never becomes sentimental or emotionally manipulative, and I truly appreciate that.

Bodo 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!

ob552713 Paris is Burning is a documentary about the drag scene in New York City in the 1980s, but it is so much more than that. It is a story about people who have had to hide themselves and deal with being marginalized for being black, male and gay. When I sat down to watch this documentary, I was not expecting such a great story about and adversity. I truly began to want to see these people make their dreams come true, even knowing how unrealistic they were. It is a watching this documentary and then seeing how trans-gender and gay people are still dealing with the same problems today. I recommend it to everyone, no matter if they are for or against gay rights because it is truly a movie about humanity.

corey_davis Fifteen years later and Paris Is Burning is still aflame. This is a classic in black gay films, right up there with the other honorary black gay films, The Color Purple and Mahoganoy. This seminal work captures underground and underclass (i.e."underserved) black and Latin gay culture and community like no other work before or since, including all the sentimental Harlem Rennaissance gay retrospectives and renderings. They're good, but this is the best (dare I say the only "real") film you'll find on the subject. It's Relentlessy Cunty (the classic house music invention)comes to Hollywood, non-stop, hilarious camp (like only we do it) and dead-on social critique. All this by a white female director (who obviously must have been a Sister Gurl or Mizz Thing in a former life.) I could go on, but I think you get the point by now: I love this movie!