I might not be the main demographic for films of this sort, but do have a thing for "forbidden" love sort of deals where the couple are drawn to each other, even though mores or whatever would say they should not. Thus, same sex romances appeal. I recall, for instance, one with Russell Crowe. Yes him. A good romance is great too, including those that are star-crossed.
This movie has received great laurels by most of the comments here. I can understand why. The romance is nicely and poetically done. Some of the supporting case, especially "Related" co-star Laura Breckenridge, are very good as well. And, the emotions are powerfully expressed, especially the sadness of the teacher (is the picture of her former love not the director herself?).
But, it didn't quite do it for me. The lead seemed something of a caricature, a troublemaker (who really doesn't seem that troublesome, but this can be the case, I guess, but LB seemed a more interesting character really) sees a lovely kind teacher (a bit too much pining), and falls for her ... not willing to say no. Fine enough, but it was rather corny how the teacher tried to hold back, all the reading of Song of My Self (Two Girls In Love flashback) that just screams out "I'm a lesbian!," and just making her it blatantly obvious that the two is a couple. Seemed downright stupid and reckless, which is how love is sometimes, but was stupid. The ending also (there was an alternate on the DVD) seemed like it came out of the 1960s or something. (one time and that?)
I think the story needed a bit more weight. There was enough there, but it could have been better. I think some might have seen the truth there, loved that, but this doesn't mean the movie itself didn't have flaws. The music was a bit much too. OTOH, the commentary was pretty good.
PS I want to add that having watched the commentary track in full, it helps put the movie in additional focus, and might lead one to add a star to the review. But, even the duo -- who are great commenting -- admit various scenes don't quite work. I still find the ending a problem. Not the sad part per se, but the whole authorities angle.
I don't buy it, especially since they would want to avoid controversy plus we are talking about the niece of the person in charge! I guess as well the girl remains a bit to OC/South of Nowhere for my tastes, maybe it's just a matter of taste. The director clearly loved her and she did work pretty well, lol. The short film was okay, and matched the tone of the movie, but it would have been nice (if possible, I guess) if the short film the director did with Erin would have been the one added.
This movie has received great laurels by most of the comments here. I can understand why. The romance is nicely and poetically done. Some of the supporting case, especially "Related" co-star Laura Breckenridge, are very good as well. And, the emotions are powerfully expressed, especially the sadness of the teacher (is the picture of her former love not the director herself?).
But, it didn't quite do it for me. The lead seemed something of a caricature, a troublemaker (who really doesn't seem that troublesome, but this can be the case, I guess, but LB seemed a more interesting character really) sees a lovely kind teacher (a bit too much pining), and falls for her ... not willing to say no. Fine enough, but it was rather corny how the teacher tried to hold back, all the reading of Song of My Self (Two Girls In Love flashback) that just screams out "I'm a lesbian!," and just making her it blatantly obvious that the two is a couple. Seemed downright stupid and reckless, which is how love is sometimes, but was stupid. The ending also (there was an alternate on the DVD) seemed like it came out of the 1960s or something. (one time and that?)
I think the story needed a bit more weight. There was enough there, but it could have been better. I think some might have seen the truth there, loved that, but this doesn't mean the movie itself didn't have flaws. The music was a bit much too. OTOH, the commentary was pretty good.
PS I want to add that having watched the commentary track in full, it helps put the movie in additional focus, and might lead one to add a star to the review. But, even the duo -- who are great commenting -- admit various scenes don't quite work. I still find the ending a problem. Not the sad part per se, but the whole authorities angle.
I don't buy it, especially since they would want to avoid controversy plus we are talking about the niece of the person in charge! I guess as well the girl remains a bit to OC/South of Nowhere for my tastes, maybe it's just a matter of taste. The director clearly loved her and she did work pretty well, lol. The short film was okay, and matched the tone of the movie, but it would have been nice (if possible, I guess) if the short film the director did with Erin would have been the one added.