De Volta ao Paraíso

Until a few days ago I had never heard of the film BIG EDEN- and am still not quite sure from where the title came. I appreciated the total absence of any gay stereotypes and while it stretched one's imagination (greatly) regarding the plot and how it was presented in the film, in my mind, it could and has happened in just the way the director envisioned it. It would seem that his choice of a mythical(?) town in northwestern Montana was very much on purpose - making the whole thing improbable, at best. Still, that very romantic situation has happened a great deal in small town USA. Our director has changed the gender mix and I believe asked us to challenge our own human prejudices and failings. To a person, everyone in the film was completely believable. It was a romantic love story, as I saw it, with an unexpected but nevertheless real, valid, and honest gender mix. At one point it is obvious that the grandfather knows that his grandson is gay and is hoping that he will confide and share that with him. Some of the towns people depicted in this film are almost ALWAYS seen as conservative and close-minded and downright prejudicial in other films that deal with this particular subject matter. I'm happy to say that I do know lots of open-minded, live-and-let-people who would definitely enjoy and applaud this gem of a film. With all the sudden controversy about same-sex marriages it would seem that its appearance on cable tv was not only timely but very much on purpose. I have a longtime friend who grew up in Montana, and although he has yet to see the film, I'm quite sure that he would agree, that this particular romantic love story could NOT have happened as it did in the film in this small town in Montana. I'm more certain it could and has happened in more urban cities, like NYC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, et cetera. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend the film to anyone especially to those who have NEVER considered life without stereotyping others, or that LOVE and LOVING is not only the most beautiful and powerful gift we can give to and receive from one another, but it is also both limitless and has NEVER been gender specific. For me it is the highest form of human behavior and the very best experience we can have and share in our all too short lives on Earth. I'd enjoy hearing from others and their comments about the film. Our main character, unfortunately, is still too ashamed of who he is and is the direct source of his difficulty in telling his ailing grandfather of his gender affection for two of his male friends. Again I highly recommend this film as an alternative to all of the violent,negative, and mean spirited films that the Hollywood seems to happily produce for public consumption and in doing so, laugh all the way to the bank. Peace with out - Jesse

This was a great movie. It was beautifully shot, showing a northern-ish small mountain town throughout several seasons (it reminded me of Northern Exposure more than once). The plot is by far one of the most realistic and engaging of the many gay movies I have watched. It isn't as agenda-driven as many of the gay films being made these days; it was first and foremost a beautiful story about accepting yourself as an adult, navigating complicated family relationships, and finding/nurturing/accepting relationships that are good for you rather than chasing after pointless fantasies of romance. Even my very-straight-husband loved it (and teared up at the end when the protagonist finally picks the right guy!). It was a great story. The acting is very impressive too. I would absolutely recommend it to both gay and straight audiences.

people keep commenting about this being a gay movie. i didn't think it was a gay movie. i could see how if you were gay, you could certainly relate to this movie, i would think anyone who has ever had a secret would relate. i'm not gay, but there are a lot of things about myself i dont really share with my parents. ideas and feelings that they just wouldn't understand. most of them deal with philosophy, religion and politics. parts of myself that i can't share with everyone because they aren't open to discussion. they are who i am. i don't care to change them and couldn't if i tried. this movie says a lot about relationships, and i think it's far more universal than who you might sleep with. people who desperately want to connect, but just won't allow themselves. anything that has ever made you feel different, or un-sure. anyway i thought this was a great movie. could have been about a gay man. could have been about a circus performer, could have been about any person who just wants to feel more connected. it certainly scratched an itch. great film. i hope the director makes others.

After a female friend of mine recommended this film to me, I rented "Big Eden" last evening and thoroughly enjoyed it. Contrary to another review of this film on this website, there is nothing "distasteful" about the 2 (only 2) brief scenes in which men kiss. Anyone who finds that distasteful is obviously missing the point of the film. As a gay man, I don't find myself overly bothered by the endless displays of affection between straight people that is displayed in almost every mainstream Hollywood picture.

"Big Eden" is all about finding your place in life, and recognizing the love that is given to you by the people in your life. Kindness seems to be everywhere in the film as well, such as Widow Thayer and her efforts to introduce Henry to women (and, later, men), Pike's culinary pursuits, and just about everyone else.

If you're looking for a film that leaves you with a good feeling about the world, check out "Big Eden".

Only in a fictional town ... sigh! This film is very well-written and has a superb cast. It's so warm, in a realistic, homespun kind of way. The true joy in viewing this film is that it is not stereotypical or predictable, and it doesn't trivialize. It speaks to the heart.

This film also flows very well, with no weak or flat spots in the storyline. It draws the viewer in more as a participant. Bravo!