Holding the Man

Tim and John fell in love while teenagers at their all-boys high school. John was captain of the football team, Tim an aspiring actor playing a minor part in Romeo and Juliet. Their romance..

Director: Neil Armfield

Writer: Tommy Murphy

Stars: Guy Pearce, Geoffrey Rush, Sarah  

Storyline

Tim and John fell in love while teenagers at their all-boys high school. John was captain of the football team, Tim an aspiring actor playing a minor part in Romeo and Juliet. Their romance endured for 15 years to laugh in the face of everything life threw at it - the separations, the discrimination, the temptations, the jealousies and the losses - until the only problem that love can't solve, tried to destroy them. | See full cast & crew »roy them.

Holding the man Reviews

Australian films often bring a unique and subtle sensitivity to movie-making that makes them shine when compared to the often more 'brassy' commercial Hollywood productions. 'Holding the Man' is another outstanding example of a movie-going experience that deeply consumes you and sits with you long after you leave the cinema. By any standard, this is a stunning movie. Beautifully photographed and directed with absolute respect to its' source material (Tim Conigrave's much loved book of the same name), it delivers in spades. It is a snapshot of the early years of the aids crisis seen through the eyes of two young lovers from their meeting at 15 to story's end. All the elements of exceptional cinema are present here- exceptional acting from a wonderful cast, sumptuous cinematography, a soundtrack that complements but never overshadows the movie. Do stay until the final credits roll to see a short bonus that wraps things up in a deeply moving fashion. This is not a tear-jerker Per Se- it has much humour throughout - but it will certainly push the buttons of anyone who lived through this very sad period of fear and loathing. Ultimately it is a life-affirming and loving portrayal of real people. Don't be afraid that this film may be too hard to take on - it's holds your hand all the way through. Wonderful!