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Big Eden

I have seen this film 2 times before and was itching to watch it for the 3rd time for a few reasons. One I wanted to see it with my boyfriend and secondly so that I can review it on my blog because this one happens to be my al time favorite gay film in all the years I have been following gay cinema. People will say that Brokeback Mountain beats all films but I think either you haven't seen this film or you are not as romantic as I am. 

Henry is a successful artist in Manhattan. When his grandfather has a heart attack, he comes back to his hometown 'Big Eden' where everyone has missed him. The community in the city is a very close knit community and it is ok be gay. No one judges you for that. Al characters are very 'normal', they dont involve in gay bashing, people dont go to gay clubs and everyone just loves everyone. Grace is one such elder woman who has high regards to Henry's grandfather and teaches in school. She knows Henry is gay and keeps telling him to tell his grandfather Sam about it but he is not sure about it. When Henry comes to Big Eden he finds out that his school friend Dean is also back in town who is now separated from his wife and has 2 kids. Henry had huge crush on Dean and had to go through years of therapy to get over him. Its been 18 years since these close friends saw each other. They both are very happy to see each other and clearly Henry still has some feelings for him. Then there is this store in the town run by Pike. There are some 7 lazy people who are always sitting there. When Grace first introduces Pike to Henry, we se that Pike gets very uncomfortable. We dont understand why. But slowly things start to unfold. Pike is assigned the task to deliver home cooked food by some lady to Henry's house because they can't cook. But he never stays back for dinner even after constant requests by both Henry and Sam. When he realizes that they are getting tired of that food, he learns to cook and cooks an amazing meal every day for them without they realizing where it is coming from. After a few events, we realize that actually Pike is deeply in love with Henry and all he wants is for things to be nice for Henry. Henry slowly realizes this and like Pike too but is struggling with his passion for Dean which is slowly fizzing out. Both Henry and Pike are shy in professing their liking for each other. Things change when grandfather Sam dies. Henry is depressed that he was never able to come clean to his grandfather and that now there is no reason he should stay back there. But clearly every single member of the town loves him and wants him to stay back. Henry indirectly professes his liking to Pike but also tells him that he is leaving back to NY. It breaks Pike'e heart but in the end Henry realizes that he has been running away from the happiness and people that he was always wanted to something that he doesn't even like. The ending of the movie is beautiful. 

There are so many things that are notable about the movie. There are no stereotypical gay characters. It could be the story of any person and in this case the character just happens to be gay. Pike's reaction for his love is something we have not witnessed before. He loves Henry so much that just the thought of being close to him or talk to him scares him to death. You realize this beauty when you watch the film. The friendship between Dean and Henry is also beautiful. Dean wants to do and be everything that Henry wants him to be (even including kissing Henry) just so that he can be friends with him as they used to be. He considers him as family. The interactions betwen the supporting cast, the family atmosphere, the love, the caring, elderly people helping Pike to cook to impress Henry, old lady trying to set up Henry with first girl and then boy after she realizes he is gay. Even watching the 3rd time, the scene between Henry and grandpa when he asks whether he wants to tell him something still breaks my heart and I cry every time when he says that I didn't raise you to be ashamed of anything. I am getting choked even while writing this. Each character was so normal, so not gay but so lovable and someone you would want to be. Everyone wishes to be loved the way people in the community loved each other. And the best part is they never ever mention the word gay in the film. Its all subdued and understood. 

I think I need to stop now. I can go on and on about this one. If you have not seen this one yet, do it NOW. Make it your first priority. EXTRAORDINARY for a gay film. (9.5/10)

Comments

Anonymous said…
Interesting, it looks like you gave this film your highest ranking ever. I liked it too but it's not at the top of my list. Have you seen Get Real or Shelter? Those are probably my two favorites. I'm looking through your list now for all the films I haven't heard of. Thanks.
Golu said…
I am glad you are enjoying my blog. Yes I have seen both the other films that you mentioned. Really really loved Shelter. But Big Eden is more my type.

Please feel free to suggest more movies that you think I might like
Anonymous said…
I am so with you Golu... This is a perfect movie... Yes Get Real, Beautiful Thing & Shelter were all great but still this one is by far one of my favorites!

I was wondering if I might give you other titles for you to review I am in the process of getting some that you have reviewed right now and would like your take on some others. May I email you some how?
Golu said…
Thanks for all your wonderful comments Michael. Big Eden is just awesome.
Eternal Sonata said…
Oh my gosh!! I want to watch this film! This is the kind of film I want to watch that has it all and doesn't just be labeled as gay right off the bat. Your blog once again shows how enthusiastic and excited about this film. Thanks to you, I want to watch it now! Maybe, this can be my favorite film too. Arigatoo!!!
Golu said…
I sure hope you like the film. I have seen it 3 times already and can still watch it many more
moonlitlake said…
I really dont know why you gave top ratings to this movie.It was really boring for me.I couldnot identify with the protagonist.He was too feminine in his views.But I really enjoyed the music and the cinematography.
moonlitlake said…
I think you are wrong here.Undertow certainly deserves the ranking you gave.But Big eden-I found it terrible.It was like a stupid bollywood movie in the most regressive direction.I am really sorry to say this to someone who have introduced me to a vast panorama of gay movies.
Golu said…
Hey man,
Appreciate your comments. It maybe a personal liking but I stil hold on to my thoughts. This according to me on of the few likeable gay themed romantic movies. I had something personal to connect to this movie which only I will understand. Glad that you are liking the blog.

btw: I absolutely love bollywood films. They are cheesy but so much fun :) Thats my kind of cinema
moonlitlake said…
I am happy to hear that you like bollywood movies..though its not my cup of cake.Thanks friend.Keep on writing.I enjoy reading you and I respect your personal likings.
puppeteer_7 said…
Thank you for making this blog!! :)
Really appreciate your effort!!
i just watched this movie and it's definitely a good movie in my opinion.
now i'm going through all your posts and gonna watch them all!!
thanks again!! :)
Golu said…
you are welcome. keep posting your comments and maybe suggest my blog to your friends
GC from France said…
Hey ! Based on your dithyrambic review, I watched Big Eden tonight. Definitely a good movie that reminded me of Red Woods somehow... Not my all time favorite though ; like many others here, I think Get Real & Shelter are much better, but it's only a matter of type which is why, on the other hand, I can understand why you enjoyed that movie so much.
Don't let me be misunderstood though ; this is a very beautiful story, landscapes are amazing, the acting is awesome and the casting is ace. This movie litteraly took me out if this world for two hours.
This is a must Watch for everyone ; not all of you will rank it 9.5, but I'm confident you will all enjoy it.
Golu said…
As you said, its just a matter of perspective. There was something in this film that touched me. I have been sort of dying to see this film again for a 4th time recently and might end up doing that again soon
Golu said…
I just saw it again for the 4th time and still loved it a lot. Ok, so I may not rank it high at 9.5 again but would still keep it at 9. There is something about the film that just touches me every single time.

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