Films centered on LGBT rights not only offer viewers a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs experienced by the LGBT community but also serve as a powerful medium to foster empathy, understanding, and support for equal rights. From hard-hitting documentaries to powerful narratives, these films cover a wide range of topics including activism, legal battles, personal stories of resilience, and the quest for acceptance and love. They present a formidable reflection of the ongoing fight for equality, shedding light on important historical events, personal achievements, and societal challenges that have shaped the LGBT rights movement.
“The Normal Heart”, 2014
Director: Ryan Murphy
Based on the play by Larry Kramer, this film takes place during the early 1980s and focuses on the rise of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City. It centers on the efforts of gay activists and their struggles to bring attention to the epidemic, showcasing the early battles for recognition and treatment of the disease in the LGBT community.
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, Taylor Kitsch, Jim Parsons, Julia Roberts, Jonathan Groff, Joe Mantello, B.D. Wong, Alfred Molina, Finn Wittrock;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography, history;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 132 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “The Normal Heart” on the website imdb.com
“Pride”, 2014
Director: Matthew Warchus
A heartwarming blend of comedy and drama, “Pride” tells the true story of a group of lesbian and gay activists who raised money to support families affected by the British miners' strike in 1984. Despite facing opposition, their efforts demonstrate the power of solidarity across different communities.
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 Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson”, 2017
Director: David France
This documentary investigates the mysterious death of Marsha P. Johnson, a transgender icon and activist who played a pivotal role in the Stonewall uprising. The film also examines the broader issues of violence against transgender people and the quest for justice and recognition within the LGBT rights movement.
Starring: Kurt Wolfe, Sue Yacka, Catherine Shugrue Dos Santos, Victoria Cruz, Marcus Maier, Taylor Mead, Marsha P. Johnson, Jean Michaels, Robert Michaels, Jimmy Camicia, Randolfe Wicker, Joe Cooper, James McShane, Sylvia Rivera, Karla Jay, Agosto Machado, Mark Segal, Chanel Lopez, Kitty Rotolo, Delores Nettles, Ted Mcguire, Vito Russo, Rusty Mae Moore, Chelsea Goodwin, Eddie DeGrand, Frances Baugh, Coco Rodriguez, Matt Foreman, Candida Piel, Jacques Garon, Brian R. Wills, Jennifer Louise Lopez, Sylvia Cunningham, Paul Moniz, Michael Baden, Al Michaels, Beverly Tillery, Letitia James, Jasmine Vega, Erica Ramdass, Calypso Breeze Giovanna, Julia Murray, Pat Bumgardner, Xena Grandichelli, Daniel P. Conviser, Nicholas Viorst, James Abreu, James Dixon, Red Mahoney, Daniel Massanova, Ed Murphy;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson” on the website imdb.com
“Philadelphia”, 1993
Director: Jonathan Demme
One of the first mainstream Hollywood films to acknowledge HIV/AIDS, homosexuality, and homophobia, “Philadelphia” stars Tom Hanks as a gay lawyer who is fired from his firm because of his diagnosis. He sues for discrimination, highlighting the legal battles faced by many in the LGBT community.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Antonio Banderas, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, Joanne Woodward, Charles Napier, Robert Ridgely, Bradley Whitford, Ron Vawter;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 125 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Philadelphia” on the website imdb.com
“Stonewall”, 2015
Director: Roland Emmerich
Despite mixed reviews, this drama offers a rendition of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a pivotal event in the modern LGBT rights movement. It follows a fictional young man caught up in the days leading up to the riots, providing insight into the conditions and activism of the time.
Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Jonny Beauchamp, Joey King, Caleb Landry Jones, Matt Craven, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Ron Perlman, David Cubitt, Vlad Alexis, Ben Sullivan;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,3;
More information about the film “Stonewall” on the website imdb.com
“Freeheld”, 2015
Director: Peter Sollett
Based on a true story, this film follows the legal battle of New Jersey police detective Laurel Hester to secure her pension benefits for her domestic partner, Stacie Andree, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. The story underscores the inequality faced by same-sex couples in legal rights and recognition.
Starring: Julianne Moore, Elliot Page, Michael Shannon, Steve Carell, Luke Grimes, Gabriel Luna, Anthony DeSando, Skipp Sudduth, Josh Charles, Kevin O'Rourke;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Freeheld” on the website imdb.com
These films, among many others, serve as important cultural artifacts that help to document, reflect, and comment on the ongoing struggle for LGBT rights across the world. They remind viewers of the progress made, as well as the continued challenges faced by the LGBT community.
As we reflect on the portrayals of LGBTQ+ experiences in cinema, it's apparent that films exploring LGBTQ+ rights not only entertain but educate, challenge and champion the ongoing fight for equality and understanding. From heart-wrenching dramas to uplifting documentaries, these films serve as poignant reminders of the struggles faced and the victories achieved by the LGBTQ+ community. They underscore the power of visibility and representation, reminding us that while significant progress has been made, the journey towards full acceptance and equality continues. As audiences, we are invited not just to watch but to listen, learn, and empathize, fostering a more inclusive society. In celebrating these films, we acknowledge the critical role that cinema plays in shaping societal attitudes and advancing LGBTQ+ rights, reminding us of the enduring strength found in love and the shared human experience.
