Gun Hill Road

The title has so little to do with what actually happens in this film and is so suggestive of some kind of rural drama that I just have to say: "WHAT were they thinking?". (I'm a native New Yorker, by the way, and even I didn't know this was a key neighborhood in the Bronx.) Otherwise, this is a powerful, sure-footed film which very often leaves things not quite spoken, down to the precise, powerful ending. It is, in its way, a pendant to "Pariah", though more specifically about transgender issues. Above all, what makes it work is the tremendous love one feels between all the characters here, well beyond any stereotypes. Harmony Santana has arrived. plain and simple, and arrived with a multi- colored splash. Esai Morales (who gets credit right off as one executive producer) does a marvelous job of showing a father who loves his son with all his heart but has a constellation of reasons for not being able to accept the changes he was not there to see. Judy Reyes shows passionate ambivalence as her character tries to balance love for several different people in inherently conflictual relationships. Everybody, including his prison nemesis (Robert Salzman) and his parole officer ((Isiah Whitlock, Jr.), is perfectly cast (by Sig de Miguel and Stephen Vincent). Its subject and its subtlety make this an indie film in spirit, but it retains all the best techniques of strong, straight-ahead story-telling.

I saw Gun Hill Road on it's opening day in LA and WOW! I am a huge supporter of Independent Filmmakers and this one will not disappoint! This film is an honest peek into a families life; a story that will cause any parent to step back and re-evaluate what unconditional love requires. All love to Rashaad Ernesto Green for being such a gifted Director! The performances by Esai Morales, Judy Reyes and newcomer Harmony Santana are Oscar worthy. Take a break from the mainstream films and see this heartfelt independent film. From beginning to end, Gun Hill Road is a must see! I loved it so much, I'm taking a friend to see it again tomorrow!

This is a lovely and sensitive story about family, and how we all have to stand as who we truly are. It is a wonderful mix of emotions and how we can love someone and not want the pain they may being into our lives. The actors work is outstanding, in part because the writer/director is an actor and really knows how to communicate with his excellent cast. It doesn't take you by the hand and lead you from point A to point B, but rather lets you put the pieces together in a way that makes sense for you, and then see how well the throughline you have constructed fits the film. You don't get to just sit back and be mindlessly entertained; it's a much richer experience that that, and all the better for it. Take this journey, and you may never get back to the exact place where you started. You end up a little too changed for that.

This is by far one the most relevant and powerful movies I've seen all year. The acting was fantastic, the story was well told, and the cinematography pulled me into the film. Keep up the fantastic work and I am looking forward to seeing more. The story captured the complexity of a world that most people in present day society are not exposed to. I am really pleased that this film painted a picture of life in the Bronx. It is my hope that other film makers are inspired by this work and continue to produce similar work for other untold stories.

BTW...there are already people asking about purchasing this film on DVD. Keep us posted on!

This is a film with a Heart! A story inspired by the true events of everyday life. Director Rashaad Ernesto Green managed to write and direct an extraordinary film and making cinema history while discovering an amazing new talent. Harmony Santana. There are these exceptional rare times in history when someone as haunting as Harmony Santana is discovered, and their eternal beauty and youth forever captured in our minds. I can think of only one actor who ever accomplished that, Jaye Davidson. With amazing work from all cast, these film shows that it is possible to make good movies with limited budget and time constraints! A definitely MUST SEE!!