Stonewall

Stonewall is a 1995 film directed by Nigel Finch and tells the story of the Stonewall Riots that occurred in New York City in 1969. The movie follows the life of a young gay man named Matty Dean who is kicked out of his house by his parents when they find out about his sexuality. Matty arrives in New York City with no place to stay and becomes involved with a group of young drag queens who take him under their wing.

The movie is set during a time when being gay was not accepted by society. The police would frequently raid gay bars, and those who were caught would be arrested, publicly humiliated, or even beaten up. The Stonewall Inn was one such establishment that catered to the gay community. It was a place where they could dance, drink, and be themselves without fear of persecution.

The movie shows the daily struggles of the queer community during the late 60s. It highlights how the police would often take advantage of their power and use it against those who did not fit into the heteronormative society. The queer community is depicted as a tight-knit group of people who protected each other from the outside world's judgment.

Matty, the lead character, is a reflection of the struggles of the queer community. He is seen struggling with his identity while trying to navigate through the societal norms that expected him to be someone he wasn't. He is not only trying to find acceptance within himself, but he is also searching for a place where he can belong.

The other characters in the movie, particularly the drag queens, are portrayed as misunderstood individuals who are just trying to live their lives. They are shown to be vulnerable, with their need to be loved and accepted shown clearly. They all come from different backgrounds, but they share a common goal of finding happiness and acceptance.

The climax of the movie is when the police raid the Stonewall Inn, one night. The drag queens and other members of the queer community decide that they have had enough of the police brutality and started a riot. They start throwing bottles, bricks, and anything they could find at the police officers. The riot started a revolution that eventually led to the gay rights movement.

The movie's cinematography is excellent, with the use of colors and lighting, giving a nostalgic look that reflects the period of time it is set in. The attention to detail in the costumes and set design is also impressive, with the characters' appearance looking authentic and believable.

The performances by the actors are also commendable. Guillermo Diaz, who plays the lead character, delivers an outstanding performance that captures the essence of Matty's struggles. His ability to convey complex emotions using only his eyes and facial expressions is impressive. Frederick Weller and Brendan Corbalis, who play La Miranda and Ethan, respectively, also deliver excellent performances. They bring a level of authenticity to their roles that is refreshing.

In conclusion, Stonewall is a must-watch movie that highlights a significant event in the history of the queer community. It's a movie that educates, inspires and is relevant to this day. The movie's themes of acceptance, love, and equality are still significant to the queer community, as they continue to fight discrimination and prejudice. Stonewall is a tribute to the brave individuals who sparked the gay rights movement, and it serves as a reminder that everyone deserves to love and be loved.