1985

This is one of the bravest films I have seen. It stares at the subject of AIDS in the face and there is none of the ' look how well meaning I am to be in a film like this ' which can be found in such films as ' Philadelphia ' and even in some independent films which have been made over the years. All the actors are perfect in the roles and the desperation of the knowledge that death is near shown with delicacy and insight. The film's simplicity of approach is its strength and the use of black and white focused on the family issues in a way that reminded me of the concentration of Ingmar Bergman at his best. As film it worked, the black and white accentuating the draining away of colour in lives devastated back then when what I call a Holocaust was at its worst, and little hope was in sight. I do not want to single out a single actor because each and every one of them played with a sincerity rarely seen on film. In most films there are ' leads ' but there were none here, and the nearest image I can draw on is a tapestry of the times for us all to look at and to learn from. Even today stigma remains, so look closely at that inter-weaving of lives and ask yourselves how you would have behaved in 1985, so near in History, and how you would behave now. I also agree with some comments here that this film does not have a higher rating. Or for that matter there have not been more user reviews. Even disregarding the subject matter the film is compelling, beautifully made and acting that is first rate.