Bent

Kuranosuke Sasaki who is my favorite actor acted in the play "Bent". I wanted to see him, so I decided to watch it without taking it too seriously. However, after the play, I regretted watching it with a light heart because it was so tragic that my heart could not bear. Since I already knew the story, I also watched the film version. This is the story of gays under control of Nazis. It is famous that Jewish put on the yellow star, but for the first time I know gays are also the target of holocaust and have the pink mark on their chest. In the situation that human is not treated as human, gays survive with the dignity and love of human beings. I feel sad, dark, disappointed and don't like such an ending. However, I think this important story should be handed down from generation to generation.

Only half way through this film did I remember having seen a small theatre production of the play in Los Angeles a dozen years ago. I only remembered when the rock-moving scenes began. I don't recall being particularly moved by the play -- it may have been a condensed 1-act version or something. I only remember thinking it was too "talky." But, the film was very powerful and moving and enraged me! I'm also older and more aware of prejudice on every level. Every gay person...or minority of any kind (race, religion, etc.) should see this film just to remind them (us) of just HOW BAD it can get and how "humans" can become such sick animals as the Nazis were in this film. I kept thinking: "Hey, how can they keep blaming Hitler, when he was not there ordering the guards to torture and ENJOY hurting people like that?" Powerful film!

I had seen the play on Broadway twice, once with Richard Gere and David Dukes, and once with Michael York and Jeffrey DeMunn. The movie is very faithful to the play and was just as interesting, which usually is not the case. Mick Jagger is great as Greta. All in all, I'd recommend this movie and did not find it pretentious in the least.

This journey is filled with seductive images and feelings-feelings that we tend to forget until we are reminded that life can change on a dime-

There is a scene on the way to Dachau where the Max (Clive Owen) has to denounce knowing his friend..." He is not my friend".....reminicient of Judas denying Jesus....was it to save himself or his friend....the answer comes when one cannot no longer deny who you are- facing your truth brings-reclaiming your dignity-Max's final journey.

Lothair (Jesus of Montreal) and a new-comer, Jude Law (The Talent Mr. Ripley) add to make up a fine cast.

Splendid job by all-especially Mr.Clive Owen.

Take the journey -it's worth your time.

While I didn't spot Jude Law or Rachel Weisz, I couldn't miss Clive Owen. What a fantastic performance and a gorgeous backside. Supported by Ian McKellen and a very glam Mick Jagger, he goes on a terrible journey that I can only imagine is amazing on stage.

It wasn't as horrificly graphic as I was expecting, which was pleasing, as some concentration camp films really upset me, but it still had a strong and poignant message to tell.

I wasn't sure if the bombed out properties used at the beginning as the club and Clive's house were to represent the stage show more than a true idea of where they would actually be, but I liked its quirks and artistic direction throughout.

As much as I love Mr Owen, I think I have to say that Lothaire really gives the greatest most emotive and heartfelt performance in this film and the "No touching" scene was unbelievable.