The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls

source: The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls

source: The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls

This documentary is one of the best feel good films I've ever seen. I saw it on Netflix and loved it. The Topp Twins are amazing and the documentary itself is beautifully made. I had heard it won the audience award at the Toronto Film Festival a few years ago and so I had high expectations and it didn't let me down. The story of two completely unique women who aren't afraid to be themselves and take life head on is inspiring. The film made me laugh out loud, and cry a little. It really is a wonderful journey. Perfectly paced, with fabulous juxtaposition of humour, politics, music and social comment. The central device of a concert at which the Twins tell their story is brilliant. I felt like I was part of the audience. I'm not gay but I wish every homophobic person in the world could see this film as it is absolutely impossible to not enjoy getting to know these two middle aged lesbians. I don't think I've ever seen a documentary quite like it. It is a little sad that they aren't better known in this part of the world, I guess I'll have to go to New Zealand one day to see them live.

This New Zealand documentary exposes the lives and careers and Lynda and Jules Topp, superstars in their home country for their country singing and comedy routines. They're also openly lesbian, activists on many causes, and they live on a farm as they did when they grew up. The above description has so many apparent contradictions that I had to see this movie. There is so much to like about these women and the principles by which they live. Here are some examples: many good causes including anti-discrimination laws, aboriginal land claims, and nuclear disarmament. using humour, friendliness, and inclusion to draw in middle-of-the-road voters during a debate for a bill that would outlaw discrimination against gays and lesbians. staying true to their roots by entertaining rural audiences while still being out lesbians. also staying true to their roots by refusing to "update" themselves to be more palatable to audiences in the US or England. The footage of their careers goes back to the early 1980s. The film also has a moving turn when the family must deal with cancer. Overall, the fun spirit is what moves this film. Even the names of some of their characters can cause a laugh. Imagine a pair of hoity-toity rich sisters named Prue and Dilly Ramsbottom. Very entertaining. - dbamateurcritic.

To anyone who for whatever reason has doubts they'll enjoy the Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls film: All you need is a sense of humour - because I stress this isn't a regurgitation of their TV show sketches. It's a story of the very interesting lives of two women who've been unflinchingly out and proud as activists and entertainers since the early 70's. There's no other person on the planet who is remotely like them - and only a few who could hope to match them for courage and commitment as equal rights activists. They fought on the front line for gay rights, indigenous rights and against apartheid (at the Springbok demonstrations) - and they gave their comrades a much needed emotional lift. The film combines pristine archival footage with songs from a recent retrospective concert and comments from people who know them well - including celebrity associates such as Billy Bragg, Mark Trevorrow and John Clarke. "Untouchable Girls" will do a power of good by inspiring and empowering any viewer to fight for what they believe in - and to value and enjoy each day and the truly good things in life. Whatever your gender or sexual preference, I firmly believe that the vast majority of viewers will find "The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls" to be richly rewarding. It is very classy cinematography with an effect as powerful as any cinema classic - but with the distinct advantage of being entirely true. A unique globally relevant and first class documentary, and one of the very best feature films I've seen.

The Topp Twins are accomplished musical stylists, episodically gifted songwriters, respectable cultural commentators and excruciatingly dreadful comedians, but that's not why this movie was made. It's actually a sort of socio-political * aimed squarely at existing fans. The purpose of this movie is essentially to allow people who've never knowingly met a lesbian and don't know which end of a sheep to feed to feel smug about liking and hating all the right things - hooray agrarian sensibilities and homosexual law reform, boo 1981 tours and nuclear ships. The Twins seem all too happy to contribute to this, not even complaining when the editors fade out their most lovely song, "Milestones", in favor of an interview where they congratulate each other for being so humble as to not use limousines on tour. We do eventually learn the real reason these girls are untouchable - they're lightning rods for the conceits and enthusiasms of New Zealand's suburban, heterosexual, middle-class liberal establishment - but that reason is nothing much to be proud of.

I am a big fan of the documentary genre but I would not have chosen to see this film. I didn't know a great deal about the Topp Twins and I wasn't that interested. I went because my 60 year old mother wanted to see it. I am very glad that she did. I think this is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen. I was immediately engaged in the story and I found the Twins themselves to be inspirational. I enjoyed the music, laughed out loud, cried a little and came away feeling a better person simply for having spent an hour and a half with these two wonderful women. And I wasn't the only one who responded in this way. I have never before been to a film where the audience clapped along with the music and applauded at the end as if they were at a live concert. I honestly enjoyed every minute.

A feel-good movie that captures one's attention from the beginning and keeps it riveted to the end. The story of the Topp Twins unfolds chronologically with humor. They share the stage with other New Zealand artists and activists, whom we don't have the pleasure of knowing about here in the United States. The movie tickles with gender shifts, positive political activism, music, family, respect, and love while imparting important messages about tolerance, class differences, human rights, and the power of enjoying one's life to the fullest. As an identical twin, I enjoyed watching the connection between Jools and Linda play out over the time period covered by the movie. The editing of the title song at the end is brilliant as it shifts from one time period to another. The movie is inspiring and uplifting and a darn good time!

Having seen the Topps only in concert here in Australia before I knew a little about them, but this open and warm documentary gives you an insight into a career that has spanned more than thirty years, just being themselves. They poke fun at everyone, themselves included, but the love shows through. The mixture of music, old footage and interviews kept the pace moving thought the film. Get the DVD if you can, it has a heap of extras that were all just as good as what was in the film, but of course would have made it so long it would have never had a release. My hats off the the twins, and especially their parents, if all gay and lesbian children had parents like this it would be a much better world for everyone.