Big Eden - Un petit miracle

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.

What a marvelous movie! A gay romantic comedy. Going home to find out your secret life isn't really much of a secret, and knowing that some people actually want to help you find what you thought you would never have.

I have watched it twice on the movie channel now, and I love it. It is hard for me to imagine life actually being like that in a remote place. I am not gay, but this movie reinforced for me, that gays are looking for the right love just like straights. OK, so I'm a romantic. I can only hope that this was really someone's experience.

Hopefully we will see more of this kind of thing, until it is no more unusual. Yea!!!!

Everything has already been said about this film in the adjoining comments, so I'll make a few personal observations.

I'm not about to apologize for liking this film, or make any excuses for its content. Frankly, who's to say such a town can't exist? My origins are in the Deep South, and believe it or not, I've seen communities like this one. Perhaps it is "stereotypical" to think that such a town CANNOT be real. Sure, hatred exists everywhere. I've personally been the victim of a nasty hate crime, but I've also been fortunate enough to visit small communities that embrace everyone, gay or straight. I have every reason to be bitter, but I choose not to be a martyr.

As others have said, I welcome this film as a gay love story that avoids the pitfalls of torpid melodrama and morbid angst. Many have accurately compared this film to the TV series "Northern Exposure." It really is a sweet little film (and I normally avoid that word).

How interesting that ALL of my cynical gay friends love this film. Surprisingly, I only learned of it this year. Ebert totally missed the boat on this one.

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!

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".