Is this technically a gay show? Even after getting through the whole thing, that's still kind of tricky to answer. There's never any physical intimacy shown between the two leads, not even a single kiss. What it gives you instead is something that goes way deeper than that. It traces an emotional bond that spans a full decade between two guys who are both dealing with their own baggage, and what they share basically amounts to being soulmates. The story moves across Japan, South Korea, and Berlin. Honestly, whether people want to call what they have a romantic relationship or not doesn't really matter to me. A relationship doesn't need a label like boyfriends attached to it to actually mean something. And closeness doesn't need to be physical to feel genuine. What this show captures is something quieter but way more powerful, a bond rooted in understanding, respect, and just showing up for each other. Across eight episodes, each running 35 to 45 minutes, this is one...
Michael is a very successful lawyer who has been with his boyfriend Peter for over 2 years. But he has never come out to his family, which is sometimes a bone of contention between the couple. When his health has some scare, on getting tests done, he is diagnosed with AIDS. He now finds himself in position where not only has to tell his family about the AIDS but also that he is gay. He visits his family and comes out and as expected the mother is slowly supportive but the father just doesn't get it and in fact he moves away from him. One night he has seizures and has to be admitted to the hospital and this is when reality starts to steep in for both Michael and his family. He must come to terms with the inevitability of his premature death while trying to maintain his relationships with family members who harbor fears, resentments, and denial. He meets a few other patients in the hospital and gets a new zeal of life but back home, its his father's acceptance that I most important to him. His partner Peter visits him to take him back home and is welcomed by everyone except the father. This and failing health bothers Michael so much that one night he attempts suicide and that is when the father and son have a heart to heart where they both blurt out their emotions. The father eventually gets it and accepts it. Michael goes back to Chicago to be with his partner promising to continue to keep fighting to stay alive.
This was supposedly one of the first films for TV on the subject of AIDS and interestingly, even though it came back in 1985, it still feels so relevant and important in so many ways. With a sensitive and realistic storyline and acting, obviously parts of it were meant to educate audience on how people can get AIDS and try to debunk myths surrounding it but it also is a complete bundle of catharsis for those of us who find it impossible to talk to our parents the way we want to and vice versa. The film is an important historical record of how AIDS was perceived when it started, lack of education among people, their reactions and family dynamics. It also shows us how at that time there was total lack of medical facilities and how even some medical professionals would behave erratically. The film is tender and beautiful teaching us about love, acceptance and tolerance. The family dynamics shows is brilliant. A son's hunger for his father's acceptance throughout his life and how things change when secrets are revealed is something that a lot of folks will resonate with. The role of the mother and grandmother brings that seriousness, love and empathy that our lead actor needs. The acting is top notch by everyone and the direction impeccable. Sure, in today's time the film may seem cheesy at certain places, but you have to imagine this in 1985 and take that into context. Despite that the film still passes the test of time. Kudos to the lead actor who gives his all in in portrayal of Michael, which must hav been a very difficult role to play. For a straight actor to play a gay role was brave in those times.
This was certainly a brave film for a time and deserved all the acclaim that it got, even though much would change in the next decade. There are a few minor weaknesses but all in all, this film goes down in history for taking on the then controversial subject and dealing with it honestly. The ending of the film could have been different, but I guess the idea was to bring the topic to forefront rather than giving a sad r a happy ending. It is first step taken with a reminder on how fragile life and people around us can be. A must watch. (7.5/10)
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Happy holidays and stay safe