An interesting cast fills out this solemn production based on the play by Martin Sherman (who also wrote the screenplay). During WWII, a Berlin homosexual is caught up in the Nazi hysteria. After being forced to kill his lover, he is placed in a prison camp, where he lies so he will be classified as Jewish rather than .. Read more
| Starring | Clive Owen, Lothaire Bluteau, Ian McKellen, Mick Jagger |
|---|---|
| Director | Sean Mathias |
| Genres | Drama, Gay/Lesbian |
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An interesting cast fills out this solemn production based on the play by Martin Sherman (who also wrote the screenplay). During WWII, a Berlin homosexual is caught up in the Nazi hysteria. After being forced to kill his lover, he is placed in a prison camp, where he lies so he will be classified as Jewish rather than homosexual. After a series a constitution-breaking incidents, his love for a fellow male prisoner brings him to admit his true nature. Features Mick Jagger in a brief role as a drag queen.
| Starring | Clive Owen, Lothaire Bluteau, Ian McKellen, Mick Jagger, Jude Law, Suzanne Bertish |
|---|---|
| Director | Sean Mathias |
| Studio | CINEMA CLUB |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 40 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama, Gay/Lesbian |
| Language | English |
| Released | DVD: not available Production year: 1997 |
| Format | DVD |
Lothaire Bluteau and Clive Owen here star as fellow prisoners-turned-lovers against the background of the appallingly cruel conditions of the Nazi concentration camps. Martin Sherman adapted his own West End play about Nazi homophobia and persecution, while theatre stalwart Sean Mathias directs. Mathias fails to give the film any emotional urgency — even in the opening Berlin party scenes in which Mick Jagger intrudes to no real purpose — so it's the actors, including Ian McKellen, who have to carry the main burden. They stagger a bit, but provide the impetus the direction lacks.
A briefly controversial play of the 70s, in which love flourished under appalling conditions, transfers to the screen and just lies there.
Having been on the Gay Pride March four days ago, I remarked to my friends that we don't need Gay Pride as much today as we have come such a long way? Then I saw this film! Having seen the play, twice, I thought the film would not cut the mustard. How wrong, it is equally harrowing and horrific. How dare I forget? How easy is it to be complacent? A must see for everyone, especially queer sexual men.
This is a truly touching yet harrowing film.
Having watched this film I have been truly touched and moved, the troubles of everyday life seem somewhat trivial.