The Falls: Testament of Love

The post mission world of Mormon kids Nick Ferucci and Benjamin Farmer is the subject of Testament Of Love. Unfortunately if you didn't see the first film The Falls you might have trouble picking things up. The first film concentrated on Ferucci and his family, in Testament Of Love it is Farmer and his family that are the focal point.

Ironic since it was Farmer who initiated things on their mission it was Ferucci who went back home and came out of the closet. He went on the promised three month road trip with Farmer from the first film and then when both returned communication ceased from Farmer's end.

Word that their friend Brian Allard whom they met on the mission has passed on. That reunites them. And Ferucci finds out that Farmer is now married to Hannah Barefoot. Farmer has never come out of the closet and now he's leading the typical Mormon lifestyle married to a nice Mormon girl who is expected to bear lots of Mormon kids.

When Ferucci who breaks up with a boy friend he has and incidentally breaks that young man's heart goes to Salt Lake City to find Farmer the inevitable happens. A story told many times over in thousands of homes, maybe told best in Brokeback Mountain where both Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal are married.

I have no doubt this is played out in many a Mormon household as well. Worse there since the Church of Latter Days Saints is the focal point of the community not just a place you go on Sunday to communicate with the Deity. Still the alternatives are either suicide or a life of repression. Too many choose those alternatives.

Hannah Barefoot's story is also a tale told many times. The woman who marries a closet case and then wonders what she did wrong. She gives the best performance in the film.

I hope Testament Of Love gets a few showings in Salt Lake City, but I doubt it. Still you never know.

I saw this part of The Falls as the last one. And I consider it the best The Falls. For sensitive problems and their inspired exploration, for the clash between faith and love, for the relation RJ - Paul, for the end. Indeed, you recognize the recipe, so familiar and easy used . You reminds the story from the first part and the evolution of events becomes not so surprising. But The Falls: Testament of Love proposes more than familiar romance in gay frame.

I saw it as correct story about connection between a young man and his church who, indeed, is more than only a church but axis of his entire life, the fight against sexual impulses and the effort to build an ordinary life, exactly the expected by community one.

Nice acting, fair story and just clever - useful exploration of details about mormons life , rules, way to assume delicate problems , interesting for a guy like me, Greek - Orthodox believer, so far by life of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -day Saints.

So, correct.

It isn't often a sequel bests an original. I loved the original film, The Falls, and said it left me wanting more. Well, this is more in a BIG, BIG way, but don't watch it until you've seen the first one! It focuses more on Chris where the first film focused on RJ, which sets the stage well for what is to come. I am not Mormon, so I can only imagine the degree to which gay Mormons suffer trying to be faithful to themselves and their religion despite their religion not being faithful to them. This film deals with that in a very straightforward way, and we can feel for not just what the boys go through but how tortured their families become as well when trying to deal with a gay child, sibling or mate. This is a powerful film, and leaves the door wide open for yet a 3rd installment if they so choose...this is one viewer who would stand in a very long line to see it!

Such a unique, challenging and beautiful story. Very well acted...the Cinematography is a vast improvement on the original. The story takes its time...which I loved.

Who needs acrimonious reality when movies like this serve Utopian fantasy?

The Falls Testament of Love is a vivid portrayal of lingering love, longings and affection, and how lost feelings are reclaimed - and how it implores for liberty from God, religion, society and surrounding inhibitions. This movie is a masterly exploration of the process of regaining lost love and developing courage to be who you are.

The movie captures conversations between characters that go deeper and argumentative, creating a space for emotional catharsis where we find ourselves enthralled. It is literally hard to resist what its lead gay characters make you feel. RJ and Chris are two estranged lovers poised between the spirit of love and the price of love.

This film, which is an extension of the first part, has illuminated the fact that you will never be able to shroud your true self or entrap your eternally unfulfilled desire. No matter how mighty-hearted you pretend to be - no matter how many layers of denial you manufacture against your wants - it will eventually explode and leave you vulnerable.

The movie is an absolute triumph of love, indeed. Nick is fascinating to watch, a feast to your gay eyes...he has got a face that reflects unstudied emotions. And Hats Off to Mr Garcia for bringing it to us.