Review of Paris Is Burning (1991) by Alyssa N — 23 Dec 2008

Jennie Livingston brings us a documentary about New York's underground drag balls that is very raw and eye-opening, but never sensationalized. We feel immersed in that world as we're watching it, and even the interviews have a conversational tone.

Many parts are amusing, and we can laugh at their jokes and smile along with them when they're parading down the runway in various costumes. But being lower-class, as well as both sexual and racial minorities, isn't an easy life, and the ending delivers a harsh reality check that is all the more depressing when you realize that it doesn't even come as that big of a surprise.