The Aggressives

June. 03,2005      
Rating:
6.7
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Trailer Synopsis Cast

This acclaimed documentary -- made by one of the fashion world's most sought after casting directors -- picks up where "Paris is Burning" left off, focusing on a group of six NYC lesbians who dress and identify as men, blurring the lines between butch dyke and trans-male identities.

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Reviews

Colibel
2005/06/03

Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

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VividSimon
2005/06/04

Simply Perfect

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Smartorhypo
2005/06/05

Highly Overrated But Still Good

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Aneesa Wardle
2005/06/06

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

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be_free
2005/06/07

I agree with one of the former commentators that this is a good movie, but I don't agree with her recommendation that you have to be a lesbian (or in the alternative gender and sexual community either at for that matter) to enjoy this movie. I'm a black Swedish/American 41 yo heterosexual male myself.The theme of the movie is about six 20-something women of color that identify themselves as "aggressives", a sub-genre in the "butch" category of lesbians. Sort of. Throughout the movie the women try to define what "an aggressive" is, but as often is the case in areas of subcultures, there is no defined or obvious answer.As the movie moves along you realize that the answer is not at all important, but the stories coming out of the question about what an aggressive is, are. The strength of the this non-storyline movie is the honesty and the nakedness of these young women's stories, and we get a good sense of where they are coming from, what they are going through, and how they deal with the world from their perspective. They of course all have unique stories and have their own unique personalities which is way more interesting to learn about than elaborating solely on how they express or don't express themselves sexually. Or what (specific) gender orientation they subscribe too. Since we're dealing with quite young women, my guess is that these are things that are prone to change with time as they mature and evolve.In the middle of the movie one woman says, "being aggressive is basically about who wear the pants in a relationship". Towards the end of the movie however, the same woman says "aggressive - I used to be really excited about that word. Now, just call me Kisha" (her name).What I get out if it is, don't get too hung up about labels, be who you are, and express yourself in a way that you are comfortable with. A message I think anyone can identify with, especially a person who have ever felt that they are different. Ironically enough, I think most of us have.

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astradaniels
2005/06/08

I love this documentary. I think that a lot of people are misunderstood in general, especially those who tend to dwell outside of most social norms. I myself, assumed that this was about women who wanted to be been. I guess that's why I didn't watch it for a long time. Needless to say, I was wrong. People automatically assume that lesbians that have more male like ways want to be men, which isn't the case. One girl who identified herself as "aggressive" stated that"... if you're considered to be 'aggressive' in the lesbian community, you have to butch it up a little to compete with the other 'aggressives'." I thought about this and came to the conclusion that everyone, especially in our society competes with the next, women do so with other women to attract men, people compete for jobs, raises and so forth. So I guess it is only natural for "aggressive" women in the lesbian community to compete with each other in order for them to survive among their peers they have to. Another twist on evolution I guess or adaption rather...Just my thoughts

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TreLuv782
2005/06/09

I happen to be an African American Aggressive. When I saw this movie, I was overwhelmed with a feeling I haven't had since I was 18 and went to my first gay club. Watching this with my girlfriend let me know that I can be anything. Now I don't exactly pretend to be a male, however I do wear all mens clothing. This movie will let you see our worlds from within. The joy, the confusion, the normality within all of us. What I think the audience will notice the most....Even with "Studs: the world is nothing but a stage, and we must all play our individual part. Thank you to all that support this film and those who were a part of it, for letting me see someone like me on published video without being portrayed extremely negative and abnormal. Be Blessed and Enjoy this film.Peace

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Monicia_Dilworth
2005/06/10

I really enjoyed this movie it was very insightful and interesting. It gave a very truthful and honest portrayal of a group of "aggressive" women from what seems like around NY. Being a African American lesbian myself, it was interesting to see how these women lived there lives and handle everyday issues and problems. The word "aggressive" will take on a whole different meaning once you've seen this movie. The only thing about it is the way it ended. You wanted to know more about there lives, maybe here about how they have grown since they started filming. Plus you really didn't hear about this one "aggressive" Flo, but in parts and i feel as if though she would have one of the best back stories. I would suggest this film for any African American lesbian or anyone interested in the life.

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