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Linda Griffiths, Jane Hallaren, David de Vries, Jo Henderson, Jessica Wight MacDonald ... see more see more... , Jesse Solomon , John Sayles , Stephen Mendillo , Betsy Julia Robinson , Nancy Mette , Maggie Renzi , Amanda Carlin , Madelyn Coleman , Chris Elliott , Rochelle Oliver , Jean Passanante , Robyn Reeves , Marisa Smith , Maggie Task , Deborah Taylor , Madeleine Lee Gilford , Jon DeVries , Jane Halleran , Jon De Vries

After helping to kick-start the independent film movement in America with The Return of the Secaucus Seven, John Sayles wrote, directed, and edited his second feature, about a woman who finds herself ... read more read more...staring life over after coming out of the closet as a lesbian. Lianna (Linda Griffiths) is a woman in her early thirties who's married to Dick (Jon DeVries), who teaches film at a college in Boston. Lianna first met Dick when she was a student in his class, and while she's grown more assertive and independent with time, Dick has become bitter and difficult, though he tries to be patient with their two children, Spencer (Jesse Solomon) and Theda (Jessica Wight MacDonald). Lianna, who dropped out of college when she married Dick, has begun taking classes again, and strikes up a close friendship with one of her professors, Ruth (Jane Hallaren); Dick, however, would prefer that she spend her time helping him with research on his upcoming thesis. When Lianna discovers Dick has been having an affair with one of his students, she begins to wonder about her future with him as well as her own feelings, and one evening, after dinner and conversation with Ruth, Lianna discovers her new friend has romantic feelings toward her -- and that she feels the same way toward Ruth. When Lianna confronts Dick with the news of her relationship with Ruth, he's livid and makes her leave the house, forcing her to start a new life for herself as she comes to terms with her own sexuality. Comic actor Chris Elliott makes his screen debut in Lianna in a small role as a lighting technician for a dance troupe. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

60% liked it

938 ratings

Critics

86% liked it

14 critics

R, 1 hr. 50 min.

Directed by: John Sayles

Release Date: January 1, 2001

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DVD Release Date: September 16, 2003

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Stats: 49 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (49)

  • flixsterman
    February 8, 2012
    flixsterman
    An exploration of love and relationships and cultural restraints. Lianna is sexual without being exploitative and a shining example of John Sayles' minimalistic approach to movie making.
  • kenstachnik
    July 2, 2011
    kenstachnik
    Great script and acting make Lianna a solid drama that's worth watching if you're into that kind of thing.
    The subject matter is presented honestly, or at least it seems very honest to me. Being that I'm not a Lesbian, it's hard for me to make a definitive statement on the matte... read morer.
    AND the best part of all, no one died of a hate crime at the end! How refreshing!
  • thesouthernlady
    June 23, 2008
    thesouthernlady
    Its was a okay/boring movie to watch. Its something to watch on tv. I have nothing to say about this movie.
  • loumarvin
    March 21, 2007
    loumarvin
    Underrated Sayles flick that was way ahead of its time. The complex portrayal of the lead character and her relationships should be getting Sayles more credit.
  • brokenwings1026
    January 17, 2007
    brokenwings1026
    I thought, "Great another lesbian movie". I have to say that I likes it. I thought is was funny that as the movie went on, Lianna got more butch. The sex scenes, well for that lack of a better word, needed help. I'm glad my lover does it so much better!!!!!!!!

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Critic Reviews

Cole Smithey
November 5, 2011
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com

[VIDEO] Writer/director John Sayles's 1983 follow-up to his impressive debut with "Return of the Secaucus Seven" is an important touchstone of lesbian cinema. Full Review

Emanuel Levy
June 2, 2011
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

Though not one of Sayles' best efforts, this indie about a lesbian coming out is well acted. Full Review

Fernando F. Croce
January 18, 2011
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion

Sayles balances anecdotal stiffness with a keen interest in people and their unguarded moments Full Review

Lori Hoffman
April 27, 2005
Lori Hoffman, Atlantic City Weekly

One of Sayles terrific early films

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
August 19, 2004
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

An appealing movie about love, friendship, and camaraderie. Full Review

Walter Chaw
July 2, 2002
Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central

Marred by some stilted performances, a painfully dated soundtrack, and an opening half-hour that skirts the razor's edge of painful didacticism. Full Review

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Vincent Canby
August 30, 2004
Vincent Canby, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Robert Denerstein
August 9, 2002
Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News

No review available.

Cole Smithey
February 17, 2006
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com

No review available.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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  • Movies focusing on teens such as the 1985 release, "The Breakfast Club", became popular in the eighties. Which film does not have a high school as the setting?   Answer »
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