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.
10 Reviews
Beautiful human portraits
be_free18 April 2007
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.
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.
Another Perspective???
astradaniels16 February 2007
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
Just my thoughts
my summary
imdbyes17 December 2006
I did enjoy this documentary but felt that they did not go deep enough, I wanted more from it. I wanted to see more of the underbelly, more of the life, more of what we don;t see, and maybe more with the girlfriends,etc. Also, they didn't spend enough time with Flo. They spend more time with some, and less with others. The snippets of them at the clubs and showing the fashion show competitions and the "femmes" was interesting. I wish the documentary would have been longer. And maybe going back to see how everyone was doing would have been pretty neat too. Also, more on the DVD special features would have been nice. But overall, I did enjoy this documentary.
I am An "Aggressive"
TreLuv78214 December 2006
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
Peace
Ground breaking and innovative
RoyMince28 September 2023
This is a documentary that dives into a sector of a community that is completely overlooked and often times recognized as pioneers in a movement. This film was definitely new, and in my opinion, considered groundbreaking based off of the angle that was taken following these young people who are very much so often overlooked . This is one of those films that get you from the start because the topic is so intriguing. The one thing I could tell you was this this documentary is definitely a first of its kind, something I've never seen, and they got my attention from the opening. This is a film that I would recommend to many people.
Well directed
GraceMcClintock30 September 2023
This film wow can't believe what I'm watching. First off. The lead actor is completely packed with everything. The laughter the seriousness, and the quirky faces fits well into this movie. The characters really make you feel like these are people that you've actually met in real life, some of the events that take place, situations Just feels so realistic. When you look at the big picture, the production is really well and this is one of those things that she would want to watch a second and third time just to make sure you caught everything. As a personal recommendation, this is one of those films that I would definitely say you watch on a nice summer day when you got some downtime, the house is clean and you just want to relax, pop this movie on.
I found it to be amazing
Dragon00017 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I am a member of the group portrayed in this flick ... in the class of "femme aggressive," and I loved this movie. It appeals on many levels. I love the true stone cold butch and I also love the lipstick femmes ... and all the shades of gray in between. I relate most to Kisha ... tough, in control, independent, and yet capitalizing on my female side when that works for me. A great documentary, but then it sort of felt like the ball was dropped in the end ... no real closure, it felt like. This film was really intense and personal and in your face, but the conclusion did not match up to the footage leading up to it. Still loved it, can't stop watching it actually since it came out on Netflix.
Kisha
ssrodman12 March 2010
I've watched this movie over and over again! When I watch now, I find myself mesmerized by Kisha (yes, I'm a lesbian) and I always forward to her scenes. I love how she's comfortable in her skin and the confidence she displays just comes natural to her. That's why the ladies love her! I wish her the best in her future and I feel we'll be seeing more of Kisha very soon!
I wish they would do a "Where are they now?" movie for the ladies.
Hey guys, Please feel free to join my fan page for Kisha Batista on Facebook! Let's let her know how much her fans love her and want to see more of her!
I wish they would do a "Where are they now?" movie for the ladies.
Hey guys, Please feel free to join my fan page for Kisha Batista on Facebook! Let's let her know how much her fans love her and want to see more of her!
Wonderful Documentary
katiemmck2 August 2020
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
