Shortbus (2006)
High level sex scenes, actual sexual activity
Numerous New York City-dwellers come to the exclusive club Shortbus to work out problems in their sexual relationships. Rob (Raphael Barker) and Sophia (Sook-Yin Lee) are a happily married couple, except for the fact that she has never experienced sexual climax. This irony follows her to work, because she is a couples counselor who frequently has to deal with the sexual issues other couples have. Two of her patients are Jamie (PJ DeBoy) and James (Paul Dawson), a gay couple who have been monogamous for five years and counting. James wants to bring other men in to the relationship, and his own history with depression may hint at an ulterior motive. Ceth (Pronounced like Seth, played by Jay Brannon) may be the perfect addition to their family, but Caleb, a voyeur from across the street, may have his own ideas about that. At the urging of the two Jamies, Sophia visits Severin, a dominatrix with secrets of her own to reveal.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 100mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (37)
37 Member
Reviews
Cammo
says
B-Grade flick with a pretty obvious plot and characters that are annoying and unlikeable at best. Lots of non.simulated sex but not erotic or pornographic at all. Some of the gay sex scenes were hard to watch, even for an open minded petson.
JERKY
says
Did not like improvised acting, too jerky, (switching from one mood to over for no reason). Three stars for originality, but it is not a masterpiece, a bit amateurish production overall.
says
worst movie ever
JB
says
Better than I expected. I had heard it was basically just sex, but there are interesting characters and enough plot to keep you watching. The improvisation of it was interesting and it was great to see sex explored in a non-porn way (even though you do see a lot of it it's not just aimed to turn you on)
MareePSasja
says
Oh boy, the first 10 minutes in particular is very confronting, but if you can cope with that, you're in for an incredibly honest, sensitive film. I absolutely loved John Cameron Mitchell's first film 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch'. It was a long time between drinks - 5 years until Shortbus debuted at Cannes. Worth the wait. Mitchell sees great depths in people, as well as their nasty flaws. Superb.
Cairo49
says
I enjoyed parts of this and found it quite funny and quite sad, but erotic it aint. Just kinda went on and on. Very explicit but not very exciting.
Rob
says
This is a roller coaster, I find myself sobbing one scene and laughing hysterically the next. Shortbus, if you value its intentions is a wonderful exploration of human nature. Few films have challenged and captured me as much as this one. If you're LGBT or at least of a thoroughly open mind to us, it's a must see.
Kori
says
Full on but loved it. Definitely not one for kids, some really surprising scenes created by the direction I never thought the movie would go in.
DP
says
I loved this film. Although the sex is perhaps the headline about the film, it is a very human story and the sexual activity is entirely within the context of the film. Great film, great story.
muddymech
says
was great totaly different sort of film really enjoyed it
Bavin
says
This movie tries to be raunchy but fails.
This movie tries to have emotional depth but fails.
Even the sex scenes do not satisfy.
It scores its one star for trying.
Avoid this one.
Michael
says
I loved this movie! This comes from the director of "Hegwig
Nigel W
says
As one character says in this movie this is like the 60's but without hope. Also it is like the 60's with all its self questioning about sex, relationships and happiness The only difference it is more graphic. Still the fim is enjoyable in its own way. 3.5 stars
Gerd
says
Shortbus is about sex. Can sex be boring? Somehow this movie manages to make it so. It's really all about relationships and personal problems. Sort of interesting, but well short of erotic.
John F.
says
Does tacking a story about seemingly unhappy people onto some graphic sex scenes un-porn a movie? I really couldn't see the point of the whole thing.
gol
says
Be careful don't get influenced by the high reviews like I was. This an 'independent' movie that attempts to shock. It worked for me, luckily I watched it with out the wife, she would have fell off her chair due to the explicit sometimes "sick" sex scenes. The movie is simply a full on gay & lesbian storyline involving strong alternative lifestyles. All right for some but not for most. READ THE REVIEWS CAREFULLY before you order.I am usually broadminded but I thought it was a real shocker in more ways that one.Poor acting, poor script, even poor porn!!!! summing up NOT RECOMMENDED
Michael
says
Talk about in your face. I read the reviews, but OMG. Unless you are into gay sex, masturbation and S
Pranav K.
says
be careful! not for everyone.. actually for a rare few
Kylie
says
Wow. I really need to read the reviews before I hire a movie. This is the most pornographic un-porno movie i've ever seen. From the very first shot of a man in a bath fully naked with a close up of his knob to a multi-position sex romp back to a guy giving himself head (yes, he was successful...), it's go, go, go...Not for the feint hearted or the prudish
Julie
says
Unusually captivating, very odd movie but good enough to want to watch to see what happens.
Jessica W.
says
I loved it! I thought it was a very interesting funny movie. I don't recommend it be watched by anyone that isn't comfortable in your face sexuality and the sometimes confronting visuals that go with it. Wish there were more movies out there like this one.
Nicolla M.
says
Look this is R18 so don't watch if easily shocked. It's not porn, it's just explicit. But... it is a story with interesting questions. It seems so hard to find meaning and connect with others in post 9-11 New York - what does it take to be happy? Is sex as important as Love?
Wayne W.
says
Choose your audience carefully. I was not so much shocked by the graphic sexual scenes but the fact that they could show them in a "mainstream" movie. I believe that Shortbus makes into a "new realm" in that the sex scenes are not simulated. It has been featured in a documentary on censorship. But the movie itself has some interesting characters as it follows a sex therapist and some of her clients slowing confronting and overcoming her own problems. Much of the script is apparently adlibbed. Worth watching for sure but I not convinced of the whole point of it.
Sensory Image
says
Shortbus is one of the bravest independent films in recent times. Dealing with sexuality in a myriad of forms, it does not sensationalize or merely titilate. The characters are believable, albeit somewhat wacky. Overall, I really enjoyed Shortbus and look forward to more bizarreness from this director, John Cameron Mitchell.
John O.
says
Graphic, at times funny, adventurous and moving, but also at times frustrating and annoying. An intriguing mix, but worth a look.
John Bee.
says
A fascinating insight into the lives of diverse groups of New Yorkers. Very mind blowing!
Andrew T.
says
Linda M.
says
I thought it was pretty good!
Anthony R.
says
A clever and, at times, very witty film but confronting viewing. It's not only about sex though you might initially think so.
Colin H.
says
Meandering art-porn from the director of the wonderful Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Vin B.
says
did'nt quite get it
Colin U.
says
Some very disconcerting scenes at the start, but if you watch with an open mind it is quite funny and the characters are interesting. The deleted scenes fill in some of the gaps as well
Steven D.
says
Once you get over the 'porn' aspects (done very well I might add)it is a movie of great meaning and enjoymnet. I would be aware of the audience as it might not go down well with everyone... but then maybe they need to go to shortbus as well.
says
Chris S.
says
A very confronting look into the intimate lives of these characters...
Peter B.
says
girlster
says
If you view this with an open mind, then you will be able to get past the explicit sex scenes and enjoy the film. It will make you laugh and cry. The core of the film that everyone is looking for love and fulfilment is spot on.