Review of Big Eden (2000) by An N — 25 Jun 2014

I love this movie! A little gem I came across, that I enjoyed so much, that I bought the DVD. It's a typical love story in which one person is in love with another, but that person loves someone else. At least until he realizes that love is another direction.

What's unusual about this film is that all the principles are male and yet the fact that they are gay comes as an afterthought, and not a political statement.

It's not that I dislike "gay" films with a political bent, but it was refreshing to see a simple love story.

Arye Gross and Eric Schweig are wonderful. Schweig as the quiet, soft spoken "Pike" who has been secretly holding a torch for Gross's character since high school. And Gross as the still somewhat closeted artist grandson, who has returned home to Montana to care for his ailing grandfather.

There is no gratuitous sex for those terrified of seeing two males together in a lustful embrace. But there is a lot of gentle humor, unspoken love, empathy and an incredible lack of prejudice amongst the townsfolk. Probably the only sign of wishful thinking by the writers.

Otherwise it's just pure fun and enjoyable, no matter how many times I watch it.