Broken Gardenias (2014) User Reviews

Lesbian Road Trip movie that hints at comedy

[t-dooley-69-386916 · 6/10 · 9 August 2015]

Jenni is described as a 'super nerd' and a bit of a doormat. She has got hold of the wrong end of the stick in the life's fortune game and has had a life that few would envy. So in desperation she attempts to end her life. Enter Sam who is feisty, street wise and has a heart. She decides to help her newly acquired friend and so they head off to find Jenni's long lost father – along the way a bond grows between them.

Now this is a sweet movie and some of the scenes are borderline brilliant, but it can be a bit slow in places too and to be honest it ain't that funny. However it is one that will stay with you for the right reasons. The acting is all more than solid and it is also quite touching in places.

It is an independent effort and has had mixed reviews but most being positive – especially amongst younger women on IMDb. I am a man and I actually thought this had a really positive message and I quite enjoyed it – hence my rating which is me being generous but I like to encourage indie film makers.

Finally a fun film for gender Queers

[promiscuouslips · 10/10 · 25 August 2014]

This is probably the only movie of its kind of out there, finally something that's actually for Queer people and tackles a serious story from a fun and playful stance. I watched the film in San Francisco during Frameline and it was a really fun experience. This film is Not for everyone. It's not trying to be anything but what it is, which is pretty darn original. The characters at times are larger than life but comically so, where you feel completely engrossed in each of their worlds as the two main characters travel through.

It tackles some serious issues, suicide, child abandonment, abuse etc, but does it in such a comedic playful and poetic way, something I have rarely seen well delivered in small budget Indies. And that's another aspect of the film. It was made without any money, from what the filmmakers explained, and they still delivered a very watchable film, but again, it's not for everyone, the queers and weirdos will definitely appreciate it. It will take you places and you better be in for the ride or you'll fall off the wagon and hurt your tush and miss what it's all about.

Worst queer movie I've ever seen

[summer-pennell · 1/10 · 25 August 2014]

I've seen a lot of queer movies, and this is by far the worst. The writing, acting, and directing are all painfully awful. In response to the positive reviews on this site (which I suspect may be from people connected to the film), I do not expect a high budget from queer indie films. I don't expect them to be perfect, but I do expect a compelling story with characters I care about. The main character is painfully awkward, not awkward in an adorkable way, so much so that my friend and I cringed whenever she spoke. The chemistry between she and the other lead is ambiguous and confusing. Why is the butch one interested? It doesn't make sense. During the screening I watched at a LGBT film festival, 9 people had walked out by the end (I counted). I stayed, and regretted it. It is not a genderqueer film, as another reviewer stated, unless they mean the inclusion of a very minor character who is on screen for only a few minutes. Usually queer films have some redeeming factor: a moment of humor, a funny portrayal of queer lives that rings true, a character the audience can relate to, etc. This film had none- don't see it. There are far better, or at least less painful, queer films to watch.

Excellent Film

[jjjulesdiaz · 10/10 · 24 August 2014]

I recently caught the screenings of Broken Gardenias at the Los Angeles Women's Film Festival and the Independent Filmmakers Showcase in Los Angeles. Being I understood the vision and direction of the film after two viewings versus having "walked out at the 3/4 mark or so", my review is in sharp contrast to the previous two I've read on here. Contrary to the opinions of the other reviewers, I found this film to be an exceptional piece of indie filmmaking, along with sending me off with a balanced variety of positive reactions. The point of this film may have been missed by others but I very much got it. By the looks of it where I'm from, so did the crowd, as everyone in the theaters showed equal appreciation upon conclusion. The film is about main character Jenni, a young woman and orphan, personified by an innocent, childlike, awkward nature. She finds herself facing a number of challenging life events and while in the midst, encounters the character of Sam who is quite the opposite- street savvy confident, and cool. The two develop a connection and thrust themselves out on a journey in search of Jenni's Father whom she hasn't seen or heard from since childhood. With only a photo in hand and a vehicle that doesn't necessarily belong to either, the two set out on a road trip where they find themselves on a roller coaster of adventures which exposes realities and at times weirdness of others that very much exists in this world. The method of storytelling and satire is both clever and endearing, in which I was able to intellectually connect. I found the film to be a great mixture of dark comedy, drama and romance. In equal parts, I credit the Writer, Actors, Director and Cinematographer with creating solid framework and a film worthy of much praise.

Time I wish I had back

[connier88 · 1/10 · 22 August 2014]

This movie might have earned one star for cinematography, but that's about it. The story was weak, the main character was unfortunately portrayed by someone who wasn't a strong actress, and as the last reviewer alluded to, because of the over-the-top set up and recurring presence of certain supporting characters, one would have to have fallen from a cabbage truck yesterday not to see the climax coming at the end. I agree that the actress who played Sam was strong, but not enough to save this meandering waste of time and $10. It felt like a movie made from several plot lines thrown together, with the writers/producers thinking they could make it work no matter what. But it just kept on going in weird direction after weird direction. We saw this at a film festival where applause and enthusiasm were flowing wildly, but it wasn't surprising that no one in the theater applauded at the conclusion of the film. In fact, a handful of folks walked out at the 3/4 mark or so. Not trying to be cruel; just trying to save fellow movie goers time and/or money.

Makes you feel part of the journey

[mistersaraci · 10/10 · 28 August 2014]

I went to various Frameline movies while in San Fran, and this movie caught my eye. It is a heartwarming movie that tells the story of a girl who is on a journey of finding not only her father, but herself. Actors are young, but did a great job at portraying their characters. Jenni's character is very multifaceted into once and the actress did a great job in being able to differentiate the between the different characteristics. Great choices in choosing the actors because they all seem to fit together into each other's parts. It made you become her biggest fan because you could definitely relate to her in various parts throughout the movie, which makes it easier to connect to the character.

As an indie film, it was well shot and had great scenes visually, (not sure of their budget). Few holes in the movie, but something worth watching again. Overall, enjoyed the movie.

Worst Movie Ever

[aldousany · 1/10 · 12 September 2014]

And not even the best worst movie ever. (Troll 2!) Just painfully, painfully bad.

I went to go see this with a friend at a Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and generally, folks at this film festival are pretty forgiving when it comes to shitty movies (we are so used to them). Not so this time! People kept on walking out during the movie - the first time I'd ever seen this happen in like ... close to seven years of attending this particular festival.

And I can't blame them. What makes this movie so terrible, you ask?

(1) The writing. I didn't develop a strong sense of who anyone in this particular movie was, or why they continued to maintain relationships with each other, or why they made any given decision. One character is an anxious panda. The other character is not. Ta-dah! Those are your characters. Now watch them do things that don't make sense.

(2) The complete and utter absence of a coherent plot. The less said about this, the better. I still find myself thinking about why particular scenes in the movie happened.

(3) The filming / editing. I know it's a low-budget movie, but that doesn't mean that you should end the movie with the soundtrack to the Breakfast Club.

This movie is not particularly representative of queer aesthetics. Just because it is bad and confusing doesn't make it queer, you all. Do not be mislead and do not waste two hours of your life. You could spend that time cleaning out your fridge or watching grass grow, both of which would be vastly more enjoyable than watching this movie.

I can't wait to see this movie again!

[jolies_luvslave · 10/10 · 28 September 2014]

What can I say about this film that hasn't already been said Everything! I sat through it anxious to see what will happen next. And was never disappointed wherever the story took me. The two main characters were a joy to watch, not to mention pleasant to the eyes. I loved how their personalities complimented each other as they grew to know one another. It made me smile to watch them, and I was super happy to see them end up together in the end. This movie was also filled with other characters that kept it not just flowing but also very interesting. I loved how light hearted it was, while still able to capture the intensity of the issues and trials laid before the main characters. It took the audience on an adventurous road trip that few would have the courage to take. I was happy to be along for the ride. I can honestly say I laughed and I cried while watching. Great movie!!!

Wasted Road Trip

[susandinardoh · 1/10 · 21 August 2014]

This film lacks three main components: good acting, a good script, and cohesive direction. On paper, the main character has a compelling story, but the actor portraying her is more childish than child-like. The character of Sam was pretty much the only memorable and well played one in the bunch. The plot and characters are contrived and cartoon-ish. Plot points are dropped while others are used to smash the audience on the head over and over again. Specifically, two useless characters keep showing up and, although the audience would have to be brain-dead to not know what was coming up, I know I lost any interest in the ending long before it arrived.