Lilies 1996

Lilies 1996

Lilies 1996
Lilies – Les feluettes (original title)
R | 1h 35min | Crime, Drama, Fantasy | 16 August 1997 (Japan)

Storyline:

1952: Bishop Bilodeau visits a québécois prison to hear the confession of a boyhood friend jailed for murder 40 years ago. The inmates force the prelate to watch a play depicting what really happened in 1912. We meet him as a young man, strait-laced, intent on convincing Simon (now the convict) to join the seminary with him. Vallier, the son of an impoverished and eccentric countess, loves Simon and he is drawn to Vallier, but in fear of his father’s wrath for kissing Vallier during drama rehearsal, Simon courts a visiting Parisian, asking her to marry him. Vallier, encouraged by his mother, attends the engagement party to declare his love for Simon. And what does the watchful Bilodeau do?

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for sexuality and nudity

User review:

This is a film of rare and astonishing brilliance, and unlike anything I personally have ever encountered before. It is exquisitely photographed and edited, and the acting is first rate all round. The all-male cast portraying both men and women might be off-putting for some, but it is performed so expertly that one forgets this detail – it is a film that magnificently transcends gender. In particular is Brent Carver’s resplendent turn as the `mad countess,’ the gentle, guileless mother of one of the young heroes. The story is a heartbreaking tale of love, jealousy, and ultimately, of Judgement Day, of the Day of Reckoning. That its storyline is about gay love should not put off heterosexual film goers, because the theme is timeless and universal. A bold and brilliant must see.’

Director: John Greyson
Writers: Michel Marc Bouchard (based upon the play by: “Les Feluettes, ou La Répétition d’un drame romantique”), Michel Marc Bouchard (screenplay by) | 1 more credit »
Stars: Ian D. Clark, Marcel Sabourin, Aubert Pallascio
Country: Canada
Language: English | French
Release Date: 16 August 1997 (Japan)
Also Known As: Liliomok
Filming Locations: Montréal, Québec, Canada