viewer comments

"Liberty in Restraint is simply the best documentary on BDSM, and the people that practice and enjoy it, that I've ever seen. It's totally engrossing, absolutely authentic, and well done. Worth watching for the fetish clothing alone. But best of all is how deeply director Michael Ney dives into the real life and psyche of its main subject, Noel Graydon - something rarely seen in sex documentaries. This film is a classy sex classic."
Annie Sprinkle, Ph.D. "Queen of Kink" turned Artist and Sexologist
http://anniesprinkle.org
http://loveartlab.org

A meticulous, well-realised, thorough exploration of the BDSM sexual underground in Australia. It surprises the viewer by endowing its subjects with the humanity and depth which more superficial or sensational film-makers might shun, while at the same time not shrinking from showing in glorious Technicolor detail the pain the subjects inflict on themselves. You emerge from the film not only knowing your ABC of BDSM but feeling for its characters.
- Stuart Urban, Director of "Preaching to the Perverted"
www.cyclopsvision.co.uk

"I really enjoyed watching it. It's very well done and I found it both educational and fascinating. Excellent job!"
- Vanessa Domico - Outcast Films
www.outcast-films.com

Liberty In Restraint is a future cult classic; a down-to-earth documentary made about and by the members of an important scene and subculture. Why is BDSM important? Because it cuts (and sometimes tears) through the veil of hypocrisy still obscuring the complex truths of human sexuality. Because it explores the dark places where love and pain meet and sheds light on both the beautiful and the terrible. Michael Ney's lovingly made account does all of this and more, offering intelligent commentary by the subjects themselves and a warm, unpretentious perspective that shows forth the humour, power, visual poetry and supportive community of the small but lively Sydney BDSM scene.
- Jaqi Pascoe, Sydney, Australia

A confronting and powerful film made by a deft hand.
- Ruth Cullen, filmmaker
www.ruthcullen.com

Sydney - Oct 29, 2004 Testimonial from cinematographer Jim Frazier. Read Jim's letter here.