West of Eden

This is the New Zealand version of Brokeback Mountain. Nowhere as good as that and spoiled by low budget, poor production poor editing, and a really, really bad script. Nothing about the story was believable. Such a shame as it could really have been a good movie.

The film was beautifully shot and I think the story line managed to show the 60s as they were in small towns. The mind sets of the older generation being challenged by new ideas. The trouble is often such challenges can lead to disagreements and hostility and then as with this story sometimes to tragedy. Well written, acted and produced by a group of people with lots of talent but little money to back up the talent. If you haven't seen it go to the Rialto and see what hidden talent we have here in New Zealand.

Beautiful to watch, with a story I can't stop thinking about. A great cast that did justice to strong and memorable characters. All the 1960s cars and costumes were so perfect (what a stylish era). I love the way the film looks so beautiful but the farm is full of dark secrets. Billy, the main guy, is adorable but the family he gets involved with has got some serious problems. I would have liked more big countryside scenes but I guess they didn't have the money for it - I read it is an independent film. I enjoyed the brooding story about family feuds and the struggle with being gay in 1960 combined with the ever present small town gossip and society expectations - what a toxic mix. Overall - definitely a good New Zealand film that I would watch again.

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.