Quando a Noite Cai

A professor once tried to define what makes classic literature. Timeless quality and value, stilted language... Whatever the definition, this is it. The intrinsic love forming between two women against race, religion, and promise. The spark of love in unforgiving winds... flickering. Captured in the surreal fashion that is too close to reality.

Pascale Bussieres, a Quebecois actress makes her English- speaking debut, as Camille, a teacher at a Christian college that has never let loose.

She is crying in a laundromat after losing her dog, when she meets Petra (Rachael Crawford), a circus performer. Showing up at the circus to deliver laundry that Petra left behind, Camille enters a world of fantasy that she has never experienced.

Canadian film maker Patricia Rozema (Kit Kittredge: An American Girl) gives us a strangely surreal world in which freedom and change battles repression and conformity.

The film was given an NC-17 rating, ostensibly for the lesbian sex scenes, and this affected the ratings given by some reviewers, but the heterosexual scene with Camille's fiancée was much more graphic. The lesbian scenes are tastefully done in a soft focus and very beautiful.

Everyone dreams of running off to join the circus at one time or another. In this case, it is a metaphor for being who you truly are. It takes courage, and we wonder whether or not Camille possesses that courage.

A gloriously beautiful film with a marvelous love story.

I have fallen in love with this movie. Since I patiently waited til the price went down and bought the movie I have watched it almost everyday. This movie runs consistent on all levels from beginning to end. The screen images embrace me and pulls me in. The acting (need I say I love Pascale/ Camille)...the lilt in her voice, her facial expressions, subtle yet so enticing. Petra! what a wonderful counterpart. Perfect music that moves the film along.

Camille's open-mindedness, and strong self-esteem exudes in this film. When her new sexuality is awakened - she doesn't suppress and feel guilty (which easily could have been due to her strong Christian background). She meets it with some trepidation and yet she is an individual with her own mind and heart...and pushes thru the fear.

I just happen to find this movie in Blockbuster...this movie should be seen round the world.

I finally saw the film and was very moved. The direction by Patricia Rozema celebrates the love between two women in a romantically subtle way intertwined with the most achingly haunting music I have heard in a long time. With kudos to the actresses (Pascale Bussieres and Rachael Crawford) for portraying the want and need, surrender,confusion, and finally acceptance of their love. I'm sure I'll watch it often and recommend it to others.

This movie was passionate, beautiful and sensual. I was captivated by the generous spirit of the actors, director and the poignant story they told.

What a risk to tell the story of the love of two women...to tell the story of true love.

Brilliant!