“Brokeback Mountain”, 2005
Director: Ang Lee
Directed by Ang Lee, this film follows the complex and forbidden love affair between two cowboys, played by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, in the American West.
Starring: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Randy Quaid, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Linda Cardellini, Anna Faris, David Harbour, Kate Mara, Graham Beckel;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: western, melodrama, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Brokeback Mountain” on the website imdb.com
“Call Me by Your Name”, 2017
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Set in Italy during the 1980s, this film tells the story of a passionate summer romance between a young man and an older academic student, beautifully portrayed by Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer.
Starring: Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg, Amira Casar, Esther Garrel, Victoire Du Bois, Vanda Capriolo, Antonio Rimoldi, Elena Bucci, Marco Sgrosso;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 132 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Call Me by Your Name” on the website imdb.com
“Moonlight”, 2016
Director: Barry Jenkins
This Academy Award-winning film chronicles the life of a young black man named Chiron as he grapples with his identity and sexuality while growing up in a tough Miami neighborhood.
Starring: Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes, Naomie Harris, Janelle Monae, Mahershala Ali, Jaden Piner, Jharrel Jerome, André Holland, Patrick Decile;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Moonlight” on the website imdb.com
“Carol”, 2014
Director: Todd Haynes
Starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, this film follows the love affair between a married woman and a young photographer in 1950s New York, exploring themes of desire and societal expectations.
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Kyle Chandler, Sarah Paulson, Jake Lacy, John Magaro, Cory Michael Smith, Kevin Crowley, Nik Pajic, Carrie Brownstein;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
“Love, Simon”, 2018
Director: Greg Berlanti
A coming-of-age romantic comedy about a high school student named Simon who struggles with his identity as a gay teenager while navigating friendships, family, and first love.
Starring: Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel, Katherine Langford, Alexandra Shipp, Logan Miller, Keiynan Lonsdale, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Talitha Eliana Bateman, Tony Hale;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Love, Simon” on the website imdb.com
“The Kids Are All Right”, 2010
Director: Lisa Cholodenko
This film portrays the challenges faced by a lesbian couple, played by Annette Bening and Julianne Moore, when their children seek out their sperm donor father, played by Mark Ruffalo.
Starring: Julianne Moore, Annette Bening, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson, Yaya DaCosta, Kunal Sharma, Eddie Hassell, Zosia Mamet, Joaquín Garrido;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “The Kids Are All Right” on the website imdb.com
“Pride”, 2014
Director: Matthew Warchus
Based on a true story, this film follows a group of LGBTQ+ activists who support striking coal miners in 1984 Wales, showcasing the power of solidarity and acceptance.
Starring: Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West, Paddy Considine, Andrew Scott, George MacKay, Joe Gilgun, Ben Schnetzer, Chris Overton, Faye Marsay;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, comedy, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Pride” on the website imdb.com
“The Birdcage”, 1996
Director: Mike Nichols
A comedy film starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as a gay couple who must pretend to be straight for a conservative family gathering, leading to hilarious and heartwarming moments.
Starring: Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest, Hank Azaria, Dan Futterman, Calista Flockhart, Christine Baranski, Tom McGowan, Grant Heslov;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “The Birdcage” on the website imdb.com
In conclusion, the selection of films about being gay offers a diverse and nuanced portrayal of the LGBTQ+ experience, showcasing the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of navigating one's identity in a world that is not always accepting. These films push boundaries, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate love in all its forms, ultimately serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and inclusivity in cinema. By sharing authentic and heartfelt stories, these films not only entertain but also educate and inspire audiences to embrace diversity and promote equality for all.
