Although this film was set when I was five, it did raise some memories for me of how I felt shortly afterwards. I have been very fortunate not to have contracted anything in my time, but I can associate with the leads feelings regarding his sexuality and what coming out might do to his relationships with his family and friends, so from at least that point of view I could empathise with him.
When it really gets in to it, the story really tugs at you and although it does take a while to set the scene, I don't think it hurts the tale and somewhat builds the suspense of what you know is coming.
The connection he had with his brother was touching (Not like that!), it was lovely to see the balance against his fathers inability to show affection and the poor mother stuck in the middle trying to hold everything together. I also like the fact that while the film is essentially a coming out story, there isn't all the usual drama and technically it never really happens at all. The open ending was a nice touch too. How did he progress, if he did at all?
A good snapshot of the mid eighties with a tough subject to cover, not least because it has been done before and not so well.
When it really gets in to it, the story really tugs at you and although it does take a while to set the scene, I don't think it hurts the tale and somewhat builds the suspense of what you know is coming.
The connection he had with his brother was touching (Not like that!), it was lovely to see the balance against his fathers inability to show affection and the poor mother stuck in the middle trying to hold everything together. I also like the fact that while the film is essentially a coming out story, there isn't all the usual drama and technically it never really happens at all. The open ending was a nice touch too. How did he progress, if he did at all?
A good snapshot of the mid eighties with a tough subject to cover, not least because it has been done before and not so well.