A very personal story that is both funny and poignant, TORCH SONG TRILOGY chronicles a New Yorker's search for love, respect and tradition in a world that seems not especially made for him.
I have not seen anyone quite like Fierstein in the movies, and the fact that he is a specific individual gives this material a charm and weight it might have lacked if an interchangeable actor had played the role.
– Roger Ebert,
Chicago Sun-Times,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
The themes are universal, and Arnold is an Everyperson who wants to be loved not for what others want him to be, but for what he really is -- "a person, a valuable person."
– Rita Kempley,
Washington Post,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
Greatly shortened from Mr. Fierstein's long-running, Tony Award-winning play, the film version emphasizes the lovable at every turn, but the surprise is that it does this entertainingly and well.
– Janet Maslin,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
fresh:
A straightforward, very funny love story which glows with fulfilment and promise.
– Geoff Andrew,
Time Out,
9 Feb 2006
fresh:
Bracing in its frank depiction of gay sex life, both promiscuous and committed.