This movie presents the zeitgeist of gay history post-Hippie through the early-AIDS era. It pans this period in a Forrest Gump-esque fashion: intermixing the romantic plot between the main characters with brief moments from the national plight of gays & lesbians (like the Anita Bryant crusade, Harvey Milk's assassination, losing loved ones to AIDS). As a GenX'er I found this to help personalize something which I have only read about in GLBT history classes. I'm sure it will be "the trip" down memory lane for those guys 40-something and older. Brilliantly written script, excellent acting. If you're looking for a good snuggle movie to watch with your next boy friend, partner, trick, whomever -- this is a must see.
Reviews
2 Reviews
Latter Days
(2003)
Why don't Mormans like these knock me up?
9 January 2004
Most gay cinema always follows the same mythic trajectory: boy meets boy, boy wants boy, boy struggles with homosexuality, boy loses everything in process, boy and boy live happily ever after.
This movie is no different; however it does add a new depth rarely viewed in other gay-themed films. Both major characters are questioning opposing sides to their homosexuality -- the Morman character (comfortable with his inner being) has trouble with the physical side to his nature, while the archetypical WeHo gay (comfortable with the superficial outer sexuality) seeks out a true, deeper existence. Both guys ultimately discover themselves in each other. Although this movie focuses on the LDS religion, those raised in Catholic or conservative Protestant families can relate in a broader context. It also acts like social satire on contemporary guppie [gay urban] lifestyle, only with less dancing & drugs.
The best thing about this movie is the storyline. It's almost like a Victorian novel because everyone is somehow connected by minor actions which become complicated coincidences later in the plot.
Conversely, the worst thing about this movie is the over-predictable plot at times. And a few scenes needed trimming (but the great acting holds your attention during those long parts).
This movie has quickly moved up on my Top Ten Best Gay Flicks list and I'm sure you won't find it hard to add it there either. Some great quotable lines plus the guys are HOT ~ and their sex scene sultry romantic.
This movie is no different; however it does add a new depth rarely viewed in other gay-themed films. Both major characters are questioning opposing sides to their homosexuality -- the Morman character (comfortable with his inner being) has trouble with the physical side to his nature, while the archetypical WeHo gay (comfortable with the superficial outer sexuality) seeks out a true, deeper existence. Both guys ultimately discover themselves in each other. Although this movie focuses on the LDS religion, those raised in Catholic or conservative Protestant families can relate in a broader context. It also acts like social satire on contemporary guppie [gay urban] lifestyle, only with less dancing & drugs.
The best thing about this movie is the storyline. It's almost like a Victorian novel because everyone is somehow connected by minor actions which become complicated coincidences later in the plot.
Conversely, the worst thing about this movie is the over-predictable plot at times. And a few scenes needed trimming (but the great acting holds your attention during those long parts).
This movie has quickly moved up on my Top Ten Best Gay Flicks list and I'm sure you won't find it hard to add it there either. Some great quotable lines plus the guys are HOT ~ and their sex scene sultry romantic.
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