Helen Shaver,
Patricia Charbonneau,
Audra Lindley,
Andra Akers,
Gwen Welles
... see more 
Director Donna Deitch makes a strong impression in her first feature film, a simple story of a lesbian love affair, based on Jane Rule's 1964 novel Desert of the Heart. Helen Shaver stars as Vivian Be... read more
Directed by: Donna Deitch, Robert Louis Stevenson
Release Date: January 1, 1998
DVD Release Date: May 22, 2007
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Stats: 155 reviews
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Flixster Reviews (155)
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February 14, 2010The story of an unexpected, atypical lesbian romance set in 1950's Reno, Nevada.
If you're willing to overlook the low production quality and a few stiff performances, there's a very interesting film here. Helen Shaver is absolutely gorgeous and Audra Lindley (aka Mrs. Roper) i... read more -
November 28, 2009One of the most sensitive stories for what it feels like to be a woman who loves women, "Desert Hearts" made quite a difference when it was released. Produced in 1985, it has been one of the most groundbreaking films of its time for the American audience- one of the many forward ... read more
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May 6, 2008Good movie even if out-dated a bit. I watched this many years ago and remember enjoying it at the time.
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April 16, 2007Sorry, not really all that great.. Cute.. and sometimes I do still pull it out and watch it.. but.. nothing special by todays standards.
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March 14, 2007The love scenes were contrived and the ending left me ... limp? I don't know, just not into a lesbian rendition of My Fair Lady.
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March 7, 2007First lesbian main stream movie made. Always will be set in the '50's, and the couple will always be in love. They went off into the sunset, didn't they? Well, on a train.......same thing!
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June 20, 2006Ah, yes, one of the first art film lesbian movies. I remember it as looking hot and dusty on location...
Critic Reviews
June 20, 2006
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
January 15, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A smooth and sensitive film that convincingly circles around the many different kinds of love and lets in light from several angles. Full Review
May 28, 2004
Daniel M. Kimmel, Worcester Telegram & Gazette
No review available.
October 10, 2003
Carol Cling, Las Vegas Review-Journal
No review available.
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Desert Hearts
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