Against The Law (UK)

Yes, we all know that there was a time when being gay was illegal and crime and you could be put behind bars and tortured; but even now when you see films that focus on this, it still gives you goosebumps. It is really hard to imagine for us what it would have been like to live during those times and what people had to go through. It makes you think and thank and respect our seniors for everything that they have done to make the world a slightly better place for LGBT community to thrive and live freely (relatively!)

The film follows a docu-drama pattern, which after a while starts working. You need to watch the film with heart and not mind. Peter Wildeblood is struggling with his sexuality. His only companions are Lord Montague and his cousin who he can have discussions with. One night in 1952, he bumps into Eddie McNally, a Navy man, and begins a relationship that will lead to his arrest, trial and imprisonment for gross indecency and buggery. The arrests start with that of Lord Montague and Peter just becomes a pawn in a bigger game of aristocracy. Police gives immunity to Eddie if he confesses about the act of buggery with Peter and hence the he finds himself behind bars. The one year that he spends in prison is the time of pain and reflection. Because of this high profile trial, the government sets up a Wolfenden’s committee to re assess homosexuality laws. Even though the committee recommended the decriminalization of homosexuality in Britain in 1957, the actual law didn’t come to play until much much later. Peter Wildeblood was the only openly gay man in Britain who gave evidence to this committee.

The above film is based on the book that Peter wrote after he came out of jail. And the makers have done a brilliant job. My reaction in first few minutes was very objective and I thought this was gonna be just another one of those films. But my views changed when Eddie turns against Peter and becomes a witness. Peter is heartbroken and his face drops in disbelief. Did his love betray him or his country. And the scenes that followed showing his entry into the prison cell, discussions about all kinds of aversion therapies including electrical and medical were all unbelievable. The film caught my attention and I was completely engrossed. I mean how could anyone ever ever think of any such methods to make a man ‘straight’. The occasional memoirs from older men recounting their days living in Britain those times make so much sense towards the end and I am glad they were included. It made the impact much stronger. This film truly succeeds is in its combining together of past and present, drama and documentary. Imagine being arrested just for looking or smiling at someone. The loneliness, self-denial and shame is hard enough to comprehend, but the physical harm done to some of them is beyond that.

This film is an important piece of film that needs to be seen. We need to know and appreciate how lucky we are to be living in today’s time devoid of fear and guilt. (7/10)