I love films, I always have.  My Dad is big into old films and, when I was young, we’d watch classics like On the Waterfront, Casablanca and the likes.  It instilled in me a deep love of all kinds of movies; thrillers, comedies, dramas and, as I got older, I learned to love a bit of romance.  My Dad taught me from a young age to appreciate things like script and direction, and he showed me the difference between a film star and an actor.

The first “gay thing” I did when I came out to myself, was go to the Dublin LGBTQ Film Festival (now called Gaze).  I went year after year as a teenager and I still go today (well into my 30’s).  I watched films from all over the world and looked forward to it all summer.  Unfortunately, back when I started to go,  I would see perhaps one good film out of the dozen I would attend.  However, in recent years I have been amazed with the improvement in the quality of what is shown, and I have been delighted to see these films become more and more mainstream as the years go by.

To write an article on all of the great films with “queer” content would very quickly turn into a book, so I have taken it upon myself to write about the ones that have moved me for one reason or another.  So, in chronological order, here is a sample of my favourites:

Desert Hearts (1985)

This is one of my favourite films of all time.  It is based in 1950’s Nevada where a college professor goes to get a divorce.  While there she stays on a ranch and develops feelings for the ranch owners daughter.  The chemistry between the pair is electric, Helen Shaver and  Patricia Charbonneau draw us in and we are hooked.  This film has stood the test of time, which is a sign of a real great.  A must see.

The Crying Game (1992)

Neil Jordon wrote and directed this piece and it is an amazing film, due in no small part to Stephen Rea and Jaye Davidson, the latter being nominated for an Oscar.  Forest Whitaker plays a British soldier who is kidnapped by the IRA, including Rea.  Rea is then drawn into the soldiers world where me meets Dil, played by Davidson.  The story is interwoven around Dil and is incredibly intense.

Philadelphia (1993)

This film was one of the first Hollywood movies to acknowledge issues such as HIV/AIDS, homosexuality and indeed, homophobia.  Although some of the more intimate scenes between actors Tom Hanks and Antonio Banderas were cut from the film (they are on the DVD) this film was a great move forward on so many issues, not least of all seeing a same sex couple truly love each other.  Be warned, one of the greatest tear jerkers of all time.

Go Fish (1994)

This film wouldn’t make my top 10, however, it was the first time I went to a mainstream cinema and saw lesbians, so it did have an affect on me.  I even remember going to see Pulp Fiction in the same cinema just so I could see the ad for Go Fish.  At the time we had very little in the line of lesbians on screen and this one will always stay with me for that reason alone.  It’s star, Guinevere Turner, is better known as a writer but she has appeared in a few notable roles, not the least of which is as Alice’s ex, Gabby, on The L Word.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

This Oscar winner is an absolute classic in every sense of the word.  Who could forget Mitzi, Felicia and Bernadette (aka Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce and Terence Stamp) as they wandered across the great expanse of Oz to a cabaret gig in the middle of nowhere?  This film is hilarious but at times incredibly moving.  A lavender bus, drag queens and a mechanic named Bob, what more could you ask for?

Priest (1994)

This is one of those films that stays with you, you keep mulling it over and over in your head and you insist that everyone you know sees it immediately.  Father Greg Pilkington (Linus Roache) is at the centre of a story that pulls you in and won’t let you go.  He is a Catholic priest and a gay man, no problem there.  However, upon hearing the confession of a young girl in his parish and hearing that she is being sexually abused by her father, Greg has to struggle with his faith.  Does he tell the girl’s mother or keep his vow to not reveal a confession?  It is an intense movie, I will never forget the scene when Greg starts to pray and ends up screaming at the crucifix, amazing

Serving in Silence (1995)

Glenn Close stars as Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer in this true story.  When she admitted to being gay in an interview for a security clearance she was told she would be dismissed from the US armed forces having been a decorated officer and serving for over 20 years.  However, with the support of her partner and family she decides to fight.  It is people like Cammermeyer who have made people sit up and realise the stupidity of the US’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and lead to Obama’s pledge to revoke it.

Bound (1996)

This one makes it onto every list doesn’t it, how can I leave it off here?  It’s DVD adorns all our shelves and we keep arguing over who is hotter; Corky or Violet.  Many people forget that this film marked the directorial debut of the amazing Wachowskis (The Matrix) and is a great story made so by the fact that we just don’t know who to trust.  What we all remember, however, is “that” scene, you know the one I am talking about

Beautiful Thing (1996)

This is a little gem of a film and not to be missed.  It’s tagline “an urban fairytale” sums it up perfectly as it tells the story of two very different teenagers in the South-East of London.  Jamie is the quiet boy in school who gets picked on and pushed around, while Ste is the opposite, athletic and popular.  However, Ste is frequently beaten by his father and when he meets the lingering glance of his neighbour Jamie, they slowly start to help each other mend and fall in love.

Bent (1997)

Sometimes when a play is turned into a film it just doesn’t work but when the playwright pens the screenplay the chances increase greatly, as in the case of Martin Sherman’s “Bent”.  Set in the concentration camp at Dachau, Bent is the Story of Max, a gay man who pretends to be a Jew in order to be given the Star of David label rather than the pink triangle, as he feels he will be treated better by his fellow inmates.  However, while in the camp Max meets, and falls in love with, Horst, a gay man who wears his triangle with great pride.  This play (and hence film) has my favourite ending of all time.  I encourage you to see it.

Gia (1998)

Angelina Jolie at her very best as Gia Marie Carangi, a fashion model during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.  This film is the true story of a tragic life, that ended at just 26 due to complications from HIV/AIDS.  Gia was one of the first women who’s death was attributed to the disease.  Having spent many years fighting a drug addiction Gia’s life did have many high points, one of which was falling in love with Linda, played beautifully by Elizabeth Mitchell.

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

Gay rehab camp is the theme for this comedy.  On the face of it, it doesn’t seem very funny does it, but the actors, including RuPaul, really do a fine job.  The film centres around Megan, a young high school cheerleader who’s parents think she is a lesbian and send her off to “True Directions” which is one of these ‘make-you-straight’ rehabs.  However, Megan had never considered she was gay until she gets to rehab and meets Graham (a very young Clea DuVall).  This film has dated a lot in the intervening years but is still a good laugh.

Boys Don’t Cry (1999)

This is one of the best films that I have never re-watched, it’s just to hard.  I remember going to see it with around ten friends and when the credits rolled at the end not one of us moved, we were just stuck to our seats.  We walked to the pub saying very little to one another and I think we were on the second round before we started to talk.  The conversation that night was all about the movie and the issues it raised.  Transphobia was the main talking point but there are many that this film brings up.  Watching it is an experience that never leaves you and that is probably the best compliment any film can receive.

D.E.B.S (2004)

When I went to see this little diamond I was again, with a large group of friends.  It was the closing film of the LGBTQ film festival and when the programmer introduced it he said something like “I hope you have a pen and paper, as you are about to reorganise your list of favourite films”.  He was right, this film made everyones list.  I love drama and I love a film that makes me think, but we also need a bit of fluff and D.E.B.S. is just that.  It’s hilarious, ridiculous and wonderful.

Transamerica (2005)

When a pre-op MTF transsexual learns that she fathered a son, who is now a teenage hustler in New York, she decides to take a trip across country.  This is a movie about the expectations placed on us by others as well as by ourselves.  It looks into family, gender and the journey we must all take to find out who we really are.  Felicity Huffman was nominated for an Oscar for her wonderful performance and with music from Dolly Parton, this film is one you must see.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

I can’t remember a film with a gay love story at it’s core pulling the hearts strings of people from all walks of life in the way that this modern classic did.  A simply stunning performance from Heath Ledger as Ennis, a man who is repressed in every way.  The burden of responsibility is so heavy on his shoulders that he walks bent over and his inability to emote what he truly feels goes as far as to make him talk with a quiet mumble.  You simply have to see this film, it’s characters are real and it’s story heart wrenching.

Imagine You and Me (2005)

Every now and again I like to see happy gays on screen, not to much to ask is it?  A romantic film about characters you really want to get together and be happy.  Well if that is what you are looking for Imagine You & Me fits the bill.  It’s funny, light hearted, a little soppy but when it is over you are smiling, and we all need that once in a while.  So make a big bowl of popcorn and cuddle up on the couch for this one.

The World Unseen (2007)

Set during South Africa’s apartheid era this film is one of those that has you shaking your head in disgust and feeling sick that there are so many ignorant people in the world.  It’s infuriating but brilliant.  Miriam is a traditional Indian mother whilst Amina is a rule breaker, when to two meet sparks fly as they are drawn to each other and hence, into a very tricky situation.  It is based on a novel by Shamim Sarif who wrote the screenplay and went on to do a wonderful job directing.  The atmosphere is so intense as we hope these ladies can find a way.

I Can’t Think Straight (2007)

You might think you are seeing double with this one.  It has the same two actors and same writer/director as The World Unseen but although it also deals with issues like family expectations, this one is based in the modern day and is a great deal lighter.  Tala is a woman who sees herself as daring and strong but when she meets Leyla she suddenly finds herself in a position where she is unable to stand up and be counted.  Layla may seem naive and shy but when it comes to it, it is she who stands up.

Milk (2008)

The story of Harvey Milk is one that every gay person should know.  I was in San Fransisco a few years ago and when we went into the place that used to be Harvey’s camera shop I was truly hyper.  Then I was very quickly horrified as I realised that not one of my friends knew who Harvey Milk was, not one!  This film goes some way to correcting that but it does a lot more, it brings Harvey’s message to a new generation of gays and straights and that is what is important.  If you watch video footage of Harvey and then watch Sean Penn in this movie, you can easily see why he won the Oscar, he is amazing.

There are so many other great films out there that I know some of you will be scrolling up and down this looking for your favourites.  Films like Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001) or Gods and Monsters (1998) but I have had to try to stop this from being an endless article.

If there is a film that I have left out, PLEASE PLEASE comment and let me know, as perhaps it is one I have not seen, and if there is one thing I love it’s finding a lost treasure.