Review: Here Come the Girls 3

By Contributing Writer on Thursday, March 17, 2011 - 10:27

[Editor’s Note: This article was written by the team of Gaelick, an award-winning Irish website for LGBT-news.]

Here Come the Girls 3 is a collection of nine short lesbian-themed films, gathered from the best of film festivals from around the world. Five of the films are American, but there are films from the UK, as well as subtitled films from Sweden, Korea, and Germany.

I think especially with lesbian cinema, short films are especially fun. It’s affirming to see our own experiences in film, even if it’s not a feature length. And these short films have the capacity to tell important and complex stories in 24 minutes or less.

This collection doesn’t disappoint. Pick up this DVD, and the one thing you will not be is bored. Most of the shorts are just darn good stories. Have a look at the trailer:

The first film, Public Relations, is a predictable, but likable, story of a romance between two young American assistants.

Trophy, another American film, was a bit on the steamier side with a plot that would not be out of place in the world of porn. At the same time, though, it addresses several issues that young people may be struggling with — or that their parents may be struggling with — when they are out and still at home.

Birthday (in Swedish but with subtitles) was genuinely very interesting, engrossing and downright WTF. You’ll understand what I mean when you watch it. And you definitely should watch it. And then talk to me about it, ok?

Looking For is one of the several I will watch over and over again. Twenty-four minutes of pure fun at the expense of the incredibly sympathetic main character’s dating life, and finishing with a satisfying ending. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll tell stories about your worst ever dates. It really is all kinds of brilliant.

The next two are somewhat weightier than the rest of the films. Luca is set in the 1980s in El Salvador and Mosa is about a South African hate crime victim who finds new opportunities in London are not all that they seemed at first. Both are sensitively done and thought provoking.

Organism is a colourful American (so colorful?!) story of on-again, off-again teenaged love. I wonder if teenagers really talk like these kids.

Fresh Air Therapy has an ending you may not expect. I didn’t expect it. You most certainly shouldn’t expect it.

I Am Jin Young is absolutely adorable. It’s funny and sweet and real, like a great daydream. Young gifted student Jin Young takes some time to figure out her feelings when her mother brings a woman home. This 19 minute film would be worth getting the DVD for, even without all the other gems you’ll find on it.

The DVD is due to be released on the 28th March 2011. While you’re waiting, Blinkbox and Peccadillo Pictures are offering Here Come the Girls 1 & 2 for FREE for a limited time. [Only available in certain countries, Ed.]