West of Eden

I saw this film last night and I was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful and well crafted it was. The cinematography was beautiful creating an atmosphere that captured the 1960s. Costumes were excellent and the makeup and hair perfect for the era, something I am very particular about. The acting was great and the casting spot on, and the two leads are hot! I hope I get to see more of these actors in New Zealand films. They got the music right too adding to the film's atmosphere. The film was labeled a 'Gay love story' but I think this is a bit misleading - it is really a story about love, relationships, and social restrictions in 1960, especially in conservative rural New Zealand. It is a complex but beautifully written story with full real characters. I loved this film, keep making them, director, Alastair Riddell.

There's a lot to work with here. At least 30 minutes could have ended up on the cutting room floor. There were several characters that could have been left out altogether and nothing would have been lost. Not that the actors were bad just unnecessary. The brother's wife, the daughter both completely unneeded to tell the story. The writer/director needed to figure out who this story was about. Had it been a gay love story it might have worked better. Had it been a story for the mother and why she left then it might have worked. Either way would have given focus the movie seemed to lack. I watched it, but was left disappointed and somewhat disappointed that I'd invested time in another "the world treats gays badly" film.

Not being around in the 1950's in NZ I thought the film was quite an eye opener.

The cast is fairly young so great to see young talent coming through the ranks. Plenty of eye candy for the ladies 😛

I really enjoyed the film, the cinematography was fantastic and it really showcases the NZ country side.

I fell in love with Billy, he is so cute! I wanted to take him home. A great story full of twists and turns. The film is full of beautiful New Zealand countryside. The hair and makeup and clothes make me wish I was living in 1960. Sexy cars, even a train, and the men all wearing hats, just so cool. I was so caught up in the characters and the story that the next day I could not stop thinking about what became of them all. I love the song in the kitchen scene, so much a song of the time. I wish we could have seen a bit more smooching between Billy and Tom but I am still excited to see a film made about the struggle gay men had back then, it makes you think about how hard it was for anyone who did not fit in. This is New Zealand's Brokeback Mountain - the story is totally different but the stand for equal rights that the filmmakers make is the same.

An intelligent thoughtful film. If you like European or British films you will enjoy West of Eden. A film was written with sophistication and realised with integrity. This caliber of a film has been a long time coming, no flippant script or two-dimensional characters found in this piece of cinematic charm. The one thing I would say is that I think the film would be best promoted as a period drama rather than a gay love film, there are many strands to this story - Rialto channel viewers this is for you. It is not just a story about gay love but one about true love set against societal constraints, a reminder that individual freedom and rights are a cause worth fighting for. Especially relevant in our present time. Mr. Space Waltz, you have yet again excelled - may your glam and glitter shine on. When's your next film?