A film-festival favorite, this "groundbreaking picture" (The Hollywood Reporter) is a candidand honest look at women in love that is "visually audacious, full of surprising charm and highly entertaining" (Variety)! In her ... more »directorial debut, Rose Troche (Bedrooms & Hallways), along with her co-writer and lead actress Guinevere Turner, delivers a lively, warm-hearted romantic comedy about the quest for Ms. Right that is "original, witty and delightful" (Los AngelesTimes)! Feisty, beautiful Max (Turner) is an outgoing young woman looking for romance. Tired of hearing her whine about the missing "X" factor in her life, Max's roommate sets her up with bashful, olderbut homelyEly (V. S. Brodie). Needless to say, there's no sign of fireworks! But just as Max begins to think that she is destined to be alone forever, she discovers that some oflife's best surprises come in plain, brown paper packages.« less
"This movie wasn't made for me. The director didn't cater to my tastes, fantasies, or ideology. Hollywood didn't pour megabucks into this movie, and the acting frequently felt self-conscious, almost like small-town community theater, with roles being enacted and lines being recited. Normally, having said this about a movie, I'd give it only one star, and that grudgingly.But this is a movie about people and about romance and about finding a partner. It's a universal theme, even if the particulars (Chicago lesbians) don't match mine (straight SoCal guy). Most refreshingly, it's a love story told without Hollywood cliche. Told well. Heartwarmingly so. It is a beautiful movie, but don't expect to be able to lean back in the easy chair and let your stereotypes watch it for you. This movie demands attention and pays a handsome reward of emotional gratification.A solid four stars.(If you'd like to discuss this movie or review with me, please click on the "about me" link above and drop me an email. Thanks!)"
Quality acting, diverse themes
Shelley Gammon | Kaufman, Texas USA | 05/16/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A gay friend of mine dragged me (kicking and screaming, I might add) to this film. I'm not gay, but I still got a kick out of this film. It was not what I expected. Tender moments, scenes that make you think and scenes that make you double over in your chair from laughter. Definitely worthwhile seeing. An interesting black & white and often surreal view of a sub-culture within our American culture. An interesting & mind-provoking insight into what makes relationships work, regardless of your orientation. Is it looks, attitude, money?The film is not for kids... this film has nudity, adult themes and some domestic violence."
Educational, Entertaining, Lesbians
K. A D. Veer | Redmond, Washington United States | 06/11/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"So here's how it happens: Max (Turner) is a young lesbian, not knowing exactly what to look for in a mate. Current qualifications: fashion sense. Needness to say, she's not having an easy time, until her roommate, a more experienced woman, begins to take an interest in finding someone for the lonely girl.This movie portrays lesbian life in a very accurate way. The way the characters speak, dress and gesture all have a strong sense of reality. At the same time, the conversations are frequently quite funny and insightful. It's a wonderful and rare mix of humour and education, thanks to an extreamly well written script.The only real weakness is the acting. The entire movie feels as though the cast mearly read the script then went and filmed it as soon as they could stumble over the words. However, the acting is at least consistant, which makes it easier to ignore, as opposed to inconsistantly played characters.If you're into modern and accurate portraits of lesbian culture, "Go Fish" is a movie you will almost certainly enjoy."
Incredibly real...
litebeers | Lafayette, IN | 12/06/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a little confused why some people don't like this movie. It's on my top 10 list. (that means movies that I must convert from VHS to DVD) Here's why:1. Realistic characters
2. Realistic scenario
3. Realistic inner conflict among characters
4. Excellent writing Negative reviews for this movie are based on notions of some great lesbian society where everyone is beautiful and all lesbians despise men.
This movie depicts real lesbians with real thoughts. I believe that Daria's scene after having sex with a man, is very true and depicts typical reactions within the lesbian community.
I think the people that dislike this movie, perhaps feel a kinship to the negative ideals that this film tries to dispel. Nothing like being outed.
The premise is basic: pretty girl meets not-so-pretty girl, only to discover there's more to people than just looks. There's just a whole lot more...comedy, sex, coming-out, dispelling of stereotypes.
The only part I could do without is the first scene speculating on who might be gay. I just don't see the point.
The rest of the movie is refreshing and so completely non-Hollywood, that it deserves to be watched."
Go Fish - A Rainy Day Film
l davis | Austin, TX USA | 08/23/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I really like this movie. Yes, I know it's a warm&fuzzy film but it also makes me laugh. I loved the short bits of artography between the scenes. And though I did feel that VS Brodie could have really worked on her lines a bit more, and the sound occasionally left something to be desired - all in all, it is a fun movie that I love to watch often.My one question is...what is the name of the song at the VERY end of the movie? When Max & Eli are walking on the rocks? Who is the artist? Unfortunately, the credits do not reflect this song at all. Anyone out there have any ideas?Thanks, L"