Solemplex To me, this movie is perfection.

Actuakers One of my all time favorites.

Libramedi Intense, gripping, stylish and poignant

Voxitype Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

elicopperman In the late 80s, Harvey Fierstein had his play, Torch Song Trilogy, adapted into a movie from New Line Cinema, which was generally well received by critics and audiences for its themes of homosexuality getting around in the 70s before it was fully accepted nationwide. While I have not seen the original play itself, I think the move to cinema works in favor of Fierstein's creation, mainly for how it brings a rather intense feel to the problems that homosexuals went through in New York prior to the AIDS epidemic, and I think they did quite a good job bringing it to the big screen.As this is a trilogy by title, the whole film centers around the life of a gay Jewish man named Arnold Beckoff (Fierstein) who refuses to conform to anyone else's ideas, even his uptight mother (Anne Bancroft). Considering that Arnold Beckoff found out he was gay at age thirteen, he chose to be a pretty successful drag entertainer to make amends with life. Along with the soon to be mentioned side archs, what's really interesting about the film is the contrast between Arnold and his relatives. Based on her generation, Ma Beckoff just thinks being gay is a phase, but by the time Arnold is in his mid thirties, it only disproves her point, causing some meaty drama between the two that really sells the feature. As the film showcases Arnold's career as a drag queen, we see that his love life is pretty tumultuous to say the least. The one true love of his life is a bisexual named Ed (Brian Kerwin) who doesn't really see himself as being homosexual. It's interesting when Arnold calls him out by saying he'd like to meet at least one bisexual who is open with his gaylife, but would rather keep his women a secret. This creates much chemistry and bickering between Arnold and Ed, as Arnold's love issues conflict with Ed failing to contain any deep values, making Ed more than just an unsophisticated "hayseed" who Arnold just cannot get behind.Later, after a disastrous performance, a young male model named Alan (Matthew Broderick) ends up falling for Arnold, and Broderick sells the same charismatic charm he displayed as Ferris Bueller. It's through their relationship that Arnold feels like he has found the next true love of his life, and one particular scene where they spend the night at Ed and Laurel's house (his former fiance), they fully persist their lovelife after jokingly testing it to the other two. It's only upon Alan's tragic death during a massive gang fight from a pack of homophobic street thugs that the film really brings an emotional gut-punch to the audience, let alone Arnold, and it's sad to say that events like these are not too uncommon today.The final arch in the film details Ma Beckoff visiting Arnold who is in shock when she discovers that he has planned legal adoption of a gay teenage son, David (Eddie Castrodad), leading to many arguments where Arnold demands that she accept him for who he is, going as far to say that she has no place in his life if she can't do so otherwise. I'm sure anyone who is part of the LGBT community can relate wholeheartedly, as such debates between a mother and offspring can resonate with people who suffer emotionally due to their place in society. While they do somewhat make up with one another, especially with Arnold's successful new career with his own stage revue, it makes him a much more complete man and we see just how coming to terms with one's parents never really works without drama.On a notable note, although far and few in between, the drag shows are very well choreographed, funny and even colorful, as director Paul Bogart and cinematographer Mikael Salomon fully display the raw energy and charisma found in the one stage performances. The makeup department also deserves much praise, as they really get the aesthetic and feel of drag queen material down and I'm sure they had a lot of fun putting it on the performers. In addition, Fierstein did co-write the song Dames, and it perfectly sets up the comedic tone that is displayed throughout the drag shows, giving some much needed humor in a very realistic film. All in all, Torch Song Trilogy transfers quite well from the stage to the screen, which could not have been done without Fierstein or Bogart's involvement. As it is a rather personal nostalgic project arguably based on his own gay male life, it details the general dilemmas of growing up gay at a time when it was yet to be accepted by most people. If you're interested in checking out a film that details the struggles of homosexuality or if you're into anything featuring Fierstein, then this is just the film for you. It's quite admirable how Fierstein has never even tried to undermine his dedication for LGBT rights while displaying his versatile talents to his people and everyone else in general. So, here's to more fun projects with the man who really knows how to connect with the flaws of society and minorities.

MartinHafer Back when "Torch Song Trilogy" came out in 1988, acceptance of gay folks was far different than today...so much so that I am shocked the film was made in the first place. However, just because a lot of straight folks didn't go see the film when it was in the theaters does not mean you can't give the film a try now.The film is based on Harvey Fierstein's one act plays...with three of them strung together to help create a portrait of many of the issues gay men have to deal with day to day. Among the many interesting issues in the film are his dealing with a bi-sexual lover who hasn't really come to terms with his attraction to other men, the loss of his lover and life partner due to a hate crime as well as his god-awful mother. This final issue creates the best moments for me and it was mostly later in the film. His mother claims to love and accept him but she is also full of snide comments, put-downs and hate...and hearing Arnold (Harvey Fierstein) finally exploding at her was magnificent. You can't help but be affected by these brutally honest scenes with the mother (Anne Bancroft)...and it is universal.Overall, a very engaging and moving film...one of the better ones of the era...and a film, sadly, probably not seen by many straight viewers.

J Kendall Dane One of the best gay-themed films of all time. Definitely in the top five!This movie takes you on a roller coaster ride of feelings as it touches every emotion possible...so be prepared to laugh hysterically sometimes, on your feet cheering at others, and you'll be reaching for the Kleenex occasionally, too. But one thing's certain, you will be smiling at the end and will watch it over and over.Brilliantly written and portrayed by the stars. The kiss Matthew Broderick shares with Brian Kerwin in the barn loft was so well done even Johnny Carson dared ask him on the Tonight Show if he was coming out?Bottom line is: You don't fully qualify for a pink card unless you've seen this one! ;)

MarieGabrielle Everything else I have done for myself"..., Arnold Beckoff (Fierstein) tells his mother. This film is outstanding, and was before its time.What is interesting is the film touches many ranges of emotion, difficulties in marriage, relationships, death, communication (or lack thereof) Anne Bancroft is wonderful as Arnold's mother, who loves him, but doesn't approve of his life, at first.The very moving scene occurs in the cemetery, while Bancroft is mourning her husband of 35 years while Arnold is mourning his significant other (Matthew Broderick) who was killed during a heinous act of violence. The extent to which Bancroft was unaware of her own son's experience upsets her, and she abruptly leaves the cemetery. There are no easy answers. Arnold may be adopting a son, and has fashioned a life for himself. His mother finally realizes this, and leaves his apartment without saying goodbye, realizing she is grateful he has found happiness, and that that is all that really matters. 10/10.