Film Discussion: "Milk"

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Permalink Reply by Martin Andrews on April 17, 2009 at 9:29pm

Well, WOW!

Such an amazing film! I am in awe of the fight and resolve that some people have.
In a way i am also ashamed of myself. I am a Homosexual man and i never knew the facts behind what people went through for the rights and liberties that i now take for granted. Mainly because i have not lived through these hard times i often forget that if i were born one decade earlier it would be so completely different, i would at least have some memory of these events.

The main thing this film leaves in me is the unfaltering desire for freedom and equality and the hope that he installs in us all.
I personally will research Mr H. Milk with more detail and will carry in my heart his message of hope for all mankind. May Harvey's eternal soul be at peace.

Love and Hugs,
A somewhat tearful Martin Andrews x

Permalink Reply by Donna Greenberg on May 31, 2009 at 10:44am

Hello Carolyn and fellow film lovers!

I hope to join you soon. In the meantime, I saw MILK when it first came out and was rocked to
my soul. First, it is rare to see Sean Penn play a sunny (for the most part) role. I almost didn't
recognize him. As always, he brought such sensitivity and nuance to his character.
I felt so sad about the dichotomy between his complete commitment to his cause
and his limited time with his partner. Striking a balance is so important, and yet, so difficult.

The film had many intense and memorable characters and scenes....one that will stay
with me was Sean/Harvey closing his eyes and experiencing an aria from an opera
he loved -- relaxed, yet with as much intensity as in the rest of his life.

And, of course, the film brought back a whole era, which seems like yesterday.
What struck me as poignant and bitter was that the very week I saw the film,
Californians voted to prohibit gay marriages. It was almost as if no progress had
been made in 30 years. Actually, it has, but it was a reminder of how far we have to go.