I saw the new gay-themed film Holding The Man last weekend and I'm going to go out and say, I think this is the best ever gay film. While it's not the most cinematographically interesting film, it does tell an extraordinarily sweet tale about what it's like to grow up gay with disapproving parents in an uncertain society.
The film is based on the book by the same name, by Timothy Conigrave. I think it felt especially relevant to me because it's Australian made, and it was all incredibly familiar to me as a New Zealander, what with being based in a Catholic school, and featuring rugby (the term "holding the man" refers to a transgression that incurs a penalty in Australian rules).
It is honestly amazing, my best friend, her mother and grandmother is in the film, for the wedding scene. Tim (the author) is her uncle. I'm so glad this has broken out past just Australia, and that Tims story is being told. I was speaking with Tims sister (Anna, my friends mum) and they are all so excited about the publicity it is getting, notably Sam Smits multiple instagrams.
It is such an interesting story because the school they attended is one of the most expensive and oldest most prestigious boys school in Australia, yet because of Johns success with the school football team their gay relationship was more accepted than it would be expected to be, given the times.
Be warned for anyone planing to watch, it is quite a sad story. However a beautiful one at that.
On a side note my friend I'm talking about always complains about this "weird forum I spend so much time on". Hopefully if I show this to her she may be converted!
Do you know if it's on Netflix? I'm a sucker for the gay movies.
I believe it has one more premiere in Australia in my own hometown on the 26th but then will be released in cinemas on the 27th. It may not have a global release for a while, I think it is going to travel to different film festivals around the world but from then it should be released on Netflix.. Maybe
It's brand new - just released, and I saw it at the New Zealand film festival. It's too good to wind up on Netflix any time soon. Keep an eye out for it.
I love foreign gay movies. It's all I ever watch on Netflix. For whatever reason, they do it so much better than American movie makers. Like I just watched this movie, "Angels of Sex" and it's not exactly a gay movie it's more about a poly-amorous relationship, but it was so good. Same with this Australian based movie "Adore" which is about two life long friends and they fall for each other's sons. It's extremely well done.
I need to watch this. So far, I love The Normal Heart, Blue Is The Warmest Colour and The Way He Looks. Amazing, amazing movies.
Yaaas. Also, 'Jongens (Boys)' is a great film as well. Hopefully 'Holding The Man' will be available on Netflix later down the line. I'd love to see it.
