Cert 15
128 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong sex, drug misuse, strong language
I have seen many films which depict the decimation of the gay community by Aids but few are as moving as Holding The Man.
Being a straight man and married for 28 years, it is impossible for me to comment on the authenticity of Neil Armfield's adaptation of Timothy Conigrave's book
But my heart did reach out to those who must have watched loved ones die in front of their eyes.
Gay campaigner Conigrave, played here by Ryan Corr, wrote passionately about his life with John Caleo (Craig Scott) and the hurdles they faced in an Australian society which was far from as open as it is nowadays.
It stretches from Tim's first crush on super sportsman John, to them falling in love, through the turmoil at home and elsewhere, to gay rights campaigning and, finally, to the ghastly battle with Aids.
The pair are portrayed as very different characters - John determined but less keen to rock society's boat while Tim blusters on, careless as to whom he upsets.
I have to admit I found the latter character wearing - even when it is obvious that a situation demands tact, he deliberately avoids using any.
Tim's parents, played by Guy Pearce and Kerry Fox, embrace his sexuality but John's, particularly his father (Anthony LaPaglia) find their relationship much more difficult.
The latter is painted as an unfeeling bigot but, as a father myself, I couldn't help wondering how I would feel about a one of my children bringing home someone as bullish as Tim.
Then, having been brought up as conservatives, they had to confront a lifestyle which, ultimately, they saw as being responsible for their son's death at a very young age.
But Holding The Man is not aimed at me. It has gained much acclaim for being a realistic view of the flowering of a gay relationship and the horrors of Aids.
I would imagine both are correct and the devastating hospital scenes will live long in my memory because, having seen death close up, I can vouch for their heartbreaking accuracy.
Reasons to watch: very moving true story
Reasons to avoid: one of the central characters is VERY irritating
Laughs: a couple of chuckles
Jumps: none
Vomit: yes
Nudity: yes
Overall rating: 7/10
Star tweet
Leon Lopez I saw @mrtommymurphy #HoldingTheMan at @PoutFest yesterday! Pleeeease go see it! It's #breathtakingly #Heartbreaking such a beautiful film!
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