| Product Description: |
When Mark--a young gay man addicted to sex and drugs--hits bottom, his concerned brother checks him into a Christian retreat in the New Mexico desert. Run by a compassionate husband and wife team, Gayle and Ted have made it their life's mission to cure young men of their 'gay affliction' through spiritual guidance. At first, Mark resists, but soon takes the message to heart. As Mark's fellowship with his fellow Ex-Gays grow stronger, however, he finds himself powerfully drawn to Scott, another young man battling family demons of his own. As their friendship begins to develop into romance, Mark and Scott are forced to confront their true selves.
Featuring powerful performances and even-handed direction, this acclaimed drama is a subtly nuanced and deeply sympathetic look at both sides of one of the most polarizing debates in America: the conflict and possible reconciliation between homosexuality and Christianity. |
| by readoften: |
Save Me from those who want to "save me".
This film deals with the vicious cycle created by religion toward homosexuality, in this case, centering around gay men. The cycle of hatred and rejection which is imposed on gays in general, but mostly on gay children, by parents and society usually because of a religious influence. These children then internalize this hatred and rejection toward themselves and others who are gay, which in turn causes self-destructive attitudes. Religion creates a "straw man", as we see in this movie. Religion creates the problem in order to become the "answer" to the problem and to "solve" it. Religion then becomes substantial or meaningful while the reality of being gay (not a choice) is diminished. Religion insists there is a problem that must be solved, then exploits the minds of others to reject homosexuality, which keeps the cycle going. Believing what religion tells them, parents reject, even hate, their own children to the point of casting them out on the street. Religion then creates the answer, which is to "love and accept" these "sinners" and cause them to love themselves, while all the while demanding that they reject who they really are and to accept something that is obscure, enigmatic and even ludicrous. This causes religion to seem legitimate, important and necessary, even noble, while at the same time being the very cause of the problem. I tend to enjoy gay films that are not so serious, more romantic and funny. I would say that this is an important film, one that had to be made for our times. I would recommend it to parents or to anyone who is struggling with accepting a gay child for who they really are. If the choice comes down to choosing between your child and religion, I would choose the one you can see, hear, feel, and hold close to your heart... really. |
| by anonymous customer: |
Where angels fear to tread.
I remember speaking with a local and respected politician who once said to me he was "fundamental in regards to faith" and that there was nothing wrong with believing in his principles so strongly. I wondered whether `fundamentalism' had indeed become a dirty word, and whether this was deserved or not, as I believed much the same. I too was, and to a large extent still am, fundamental about my beliefs.
"Save Me" tries desperately hard not to antagonise, and attempts in so far as is possible to bridge the divide between two extreme schools of thought. Ultimately one must choose a side as does the film, and in doing so cannot avoid the consequences of such a polarised subject. For me the naive sincerity of this church (and I believe they have some genuine concern and affection for gay men and women) ultimately undermines the depths of the hurt, alienation and desperation felt by many a gay man and women both spiritually and emotionally. The church just do not know, and though it believes it is the custodian of truth, it's knowledge is but a shadow.
Judith Light as the `mother' and `minister' of Genesis Ministries, attempts to relive her life and failure through the lives of young gay men she sees as broken and in need of salvation. The perverse irony is that she herself has lost her own gay son to suicide, after having thrown him out of the family home after confiding in her about being gay. For me the most debilitating and impotent tragedy of this film is that rather than acknowledge her part in his death, she continues to see his homosexuality as the cause of his death. Her words as she recounts the story to (Chad Allan) still resonate with me: "The day I told him to leave, was the last time I saw my son".
Ask any son who has been torn from his home, or the love of his mother (or any parent for that matter) of the impact of such an act, and a desperate story will emerge. The fact that the cause of that hurt is another person's religious conviction is for me an unacceptable denial that flies in the face of both religious principle and belief. Like many who fundamentally believe, Judith Light's character is of the opinion that if they show any form of compromise emotionally, physically or relgiously, that such would undermine their own salvation. For this reason they are stoic in belief, cold in argument, and removed from love.
Perhaps compromise is the wrong word, and instead one should use `apology'. I for one believe a great apology is due to many a gay man and women, especially those who have in their lives been subject to both a direct and indirect faith based hate, founded on the illusion of principle.
This is one of Judith Light's best portrayals, and whilst I was never a fan of her before, I am certainly one who respects her acting skills now. Ultimately this is a difficult subject matter to tackle, and the sea of emotion that results is often difficult to navigate. This is true of the story and one's own religious convictions, particularly for those that have found their own lives and stories entwined in such. For me this film addresses numerous `taboo' subjects, in that it portrays the reality that many gay men and women are spiritual and indeed broken. Furthermore, that brokenness has its root in the human failings of good men and women, whose ability to parent has been diminished, undermined and invalidated by a unbending and ill conceived religious belief. Rather than take ownership of their inheritance and failings, they divert attention away from themselves and their actions onto the internal struggles of their sons and daughters. Many of whom consider themselves to be Christian, and try in the best way they are able to follow Christ in a world that shows little sympathy for either their own internal war or their affections and loves.
The that fellow believers would participate in such a crass, naive injustice in the lives of others, is for me a `fundamental' betrayal of truth. In many instances the characters portrayed in this film (shown in a series of counselling sessions, where the audience is an unknown participant) reveal that their `silence is their self-defence,' and how the horror of loosing those they love is for them more important than finding themselves.
Chad Allan like Judith Light has a strong presence in this film, although his character at times frustrates you. Ultimately the entire subject matter frustrates, and this is why the film works for me. It's an honest attempt at dialogue, whilst it tries to reconcile the Christian right with the gay and lesbian community. There is still a long way to go, and in the interim far too many men and women suffer the indignity of such treatment, isolation and death (both emotional and at times physical).
A good film, which tackles a subject matter many dare not address. Well worth the effort and expense. The TV series "Prayers for Bobby" in which the same subject matter is addressed, and the 'repentance' of a mother (Sigorney Weaver)so elegantly portrayed, is another film to watch. For those that are interested, the book written by Bobby's mother on which the TV series is based, is profound and moving apology to her son. |
| by elisarolle: |
Save Me (2007)
I like this movie since Mark's search for a reason to live is reached, even if not as the others expected. I like also the fact that the Christian center where Mark was "forced" to be a guest, is not some type of hell, but the couple who manage it, they are really compassionate people, only with some "radical" idea. But the husband has doubt on what they are doing, and the wife, Gayle, at least admits that her reason are not exactly without maybe a too personal involvement. More than the love story, even if there is a love story and it's nice, the movie centers around Mark and Gayle's relationship, that is almost a mother and son's one. |
| by anonymous customer: |
The opening night of Save Me....
I was one of the few who not only got to see the very first showing of Save Me,in LA,But we also got to meet all the actors that starred in Save Me,with the exception of Steven Lang,he had to stay in NY. We have seen Steven Lang on sevral episodes of Law & Order and ,is a wonderful actor. The film was awesome!! It very much reminded me of when I came out.I will say it very much played with my strings. Very Dramatic,but one of the best endings ever! I would like to say thank you to Kirkland tibbles for the invite and all the pictures afterwards! I truly love Judith Light,she has always been one of my long time favorites.She really brought the flm to life and with her touch,it allowed everyone to see what is truly like to struggle between accepting that your son is Homosexual and loving him for who and what he is,or turning your back on him and leaving him alone in this big world to defend for himself,with no support what so ever. It not only left you in the end feeling extremely happy for them both,but also feeling sorry for Judith,because it made her realize what she did was not only wrong,but that there was no going back and saying I am sorry,because he was there no more! It will not only be a test to all who watch it,but it will leave you seriously thinking,could I ever treat my son or daughter this way and be able to live with my decision for the rest of my life? It was a well thought out movie,with alot of hard work from the entire cast.But also contained a message for all those heterosexual parents that may be dealing with this same situation?Afterwards it left me not only thankful that I have a loving,caring and excepting family,but wanting to help all those who are maybe just coming out and need someone to confine in or someone to just listen.I am there..... |
| by hewhoisfamous: |
IMPORTANT and sadly real.
this film is important.
the idea of "Ex-Gay" is sadly still alive and well.
This film also contains information for those struggling with their sexual identity to get support. |
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Welton Reccommends
(5 votes)
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