Leave It on the Floor

At first glance, this is nothing more than a slight, upbeat story -- along the lines of the Step Up franchise -- of how pursuing one's artistic dream (music, dance, and drag, in this case) redeems everything. But there is both more—and less—going on in this film. Here, the filmmakers, both white men, set a love story in the midst of the ballroom scene in a poor section of Los Angeles. The mostly black, mostly trans kids of the House of Eminence live to "walk" the runways at competitions and dream of "taking home tens" and trophies. Leave It on the Floor depicts the poverty, homelessness, and marginality of its characters' lives but somehow imagines those conditions as having no impact on their existences; they've been thrown out of their homes and done time in prison; no one has a job. And yet they happily fall in and out of love, treat each other reasonably well, and live in a sort of idyll of sister/brotherhood. It's a Disney fantasy of poor queers of color; on the other hand, it's essentially the only film about poor queers of color. Deconstructing this flight of fancy will provide more insight into class, race, and gender than does the film itself; on the other hand, the characters are at peace with their queer, trans, outcast selves; they build friendships and families and fall in love. There's not much "realness," but there is a kind of pushing back against "realistic" stories of ruined, gritty, miserable black lives, and that's a provocative stance, the film's many weaknesses notwithstanding.

If you accept it for what it is, you will love it. This WILL be a cult classic.

It's a fun, enjoyable and touching story about a young gay man who runs away from home.

He starts out as a petty thief and meets a guy he likes who then introduces him to the ballroom scene. The story of his "house mother" is also told as she struggles to survive with a lover who is incarcerated. We also explore the lines between masculinity and femininity, as well as the creativity and competition that goes into the dazzling costumes of the ballroom scene.

Lady Gaga has nothing on the blood and sweat that goes into these expressions of society's rejected souls.

One of the highlights is at the bowling alley, where you will feel empowered to knock down the pins of life.

The music is wonderful and while some are fun and light, as the film closes, I dare you to not be touched during the very telling exposition of the consequences of homophobia in the black community.

I'm a middle-aged housewife and know little about the world depicted in this film, but still found this one of best musicals I've seen in the last 10 years. Well-written songs, fabulous dance numbers, and good acting--what more could you want? The music is so infectious I'm hoping to find the soundtrack to purchase. Put your prejudice aside and try watching it. I dare you not to get up and dance! Not sure what the previous reviewer's agenda is but, this is a musical! No one would ever have assumed that Oklahoma, Chicago, or West Side Story was trying to portray everyone who lived in those places or during those times. Lighten up or don't watch musicals.

I wouldn't have the amazing background knowledge of cinesnatch (and that review is fantastic by the way) but on a more simple level this movie should be watched by young LGBT people and older ones struggling with being LGBT.

It's an inspiring movie that explores many of the issues encountered by being LGBT.

It's outrageous, it's fun, it's tragic and sad, and it's a celebration of life and living.

Highly recommended for watching with friends or at your favourite LGBT club or gay bar.

The movie that finally gave some attention to the ballroom community pre-Pose style. There were a few stereotypes & maybe no dancing that would top the grit of Paris is Burning, but the minute the singing began, I was impressed! Great musical and a very fun & underrated storyline!