What a waste of my time!!!

Excellent, a Must See

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

One of those movie experiences that is so good it makes you realize you've been grading everything else on a curve.

My copy of American Courtesans only just arrived and already I have watched it three times! Kristen DiAngelo's first film alternates between the disturbingly honest details surrounding the brutal abuse of prostitutes and the disarmingly charming banter between sister sex workers. I was moved to tears and cheers at turns and always I was aware that these women's lives are courageously explored to a depth and a degree that no reporter could possibly accomplish. No, only a fellow sex worker could gain access to this level of disclosure and candor. I often felt like Kristen had invited me into her living room for an intimate sharing between women who trust each other implicitly. There is no attempt to sway the viewer or manipulate sentiments. Instead, the film delivers exactly what it promises, an honest and comprehensive look at the lives and loves of the very real people who happen to work in the sex industry. Bravo Kristen! You have succeeded in making a crucial, timely and important contribution to both the sex worker rights movement and the ongoing political discourse surrounding women's self- determination.

When one looks for documentaries about the sex industry or what it's like to be a sex worker, usually they find something done by outsiders (ie. reporters, investigative journalists, and so on), but American Courtesans breaks this trend. It is a heartfelt, provocative, moving and revealing documentary comprised primarily of interviews with workers in the sex trade, in their own voices. The viewer is taken into the lives of those in the sex trade, as they reveal the intricate details of their lives from births, through childhood, and into their adult years. Keenly aware of the stereotype that those in the sex trade are forced or coerced into entering their profession, all of the interviewees demand that their decision to enter the sex industry was just that, a decision. It is a decision based on their past and present constraints. This film, in part, helps one understand some of these constraints.At times, the narratives are tragic and incredibly moving, as some of the interviews reveal some dark memories of assault and violence. My heart nearly broke as one Kristen DiAngelo (the producer of the film) bravely tells, in tears and in great detail, how she was the victim of violent assault. But her story does not end there; DiAngelo later reveals the steps she took to cope with her traumatic past, and empower herself. At other times, the stories take a surprisingly humorous turn. Indeed, one can't help but conclude that these lives are not simply defined by tragedy, but also triumph, humor, resilience and compassion.American Courtesans is a film that reveals the striking details of those in the sex trade. It traverses the terrain of their lives, and gives a human face to the industry. At the same time, it reveals the diversity in backgrounds, histories, and perspectives of the participants. I enjoyed the film for it's candidness and the remarkable courage these women had for agreeing to be interviewed for the film. As such, I would recommend this movie to any person interested in knowing the stories and lives of some of those in the sex trade. All in all it is a great documentary.

Saw this film this weekend with two of my friends. This film taught me a lot, and started me thinking. After seeing American Courtesans we went out to a cafe and a 2 hour debate followed because we each had different ideas about what the message was. In the end we agreed that it was as simple as these women trying to tell people what life as an escort is like. I'm not sure they had an agenda, or if they did I'm not sure it was the same. What we all did agree on is this documentary was good. If I were to have any complaint it would be that the theater was so packed that there were people sitting on the floor. I found myself connecting with the women because I could see their faces. I left the theater smarter, I left the theater inquisitive, I left the theater wanting more of what they were saying. American Courtesans is a very good film.

I attended The Women's International Film and Arts Festival in Miami, Fl for the third year and once again saw so many great films and this year it was "American Courtesans" that caught my attention. I have watched many films/TV/News shows on this subject, but this was the most informative film I have seen regarding the adult industry. It was personal and up close. I found myself wanting to know each of the women and as the film went on I realized that it was a human and civil rights documentary, much like "Free Angela" which was played on opening night.I think there are times we believe that women's rights are equal in the United States today, but then you see something like this and you realize we have a long way to go. The escorts in the film were smart and articulate and their stories were more interesting than fiction. I found myself tearing up in the middle and wishing I could become a part of this movement. Kristen DiAngelo, the films producer had to leave before the screening, but I had met her opening night. After the film I had a million questions that I wanted to ask, and wished she could have stayed. Two of the women in the film had attended the screening. Pearl Callahan and Skylar Cruz. We questioned them for so long that Pearl almost missed her plane.I can see this film being around for a long time and becoming the subject of women's studies classes here in the US (my major). It drove home the point that this is not an issue of race or money, but a women's issue that effects all of us. The sets were fabulous, and the women were candid. Definitely not a docudrama, but a documentary about these women's lives. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know the truth about the escort industry. If there was one complaint I had, it was that the room was too light and during the night time scenes I had a bit of trouble seeing the screen. The sound was so good, that it was hair raising, and the editing much better than any documentary I have seen.So, my opinion is go see this film. Whether you are female or male, you will not believe what these women's lives are like in this day and age. I had never really thought about it before, but I wish I could become involved and help to change the laws.