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Save Me - Theatrical Cover
by FIRST RUN FEATURES
| List Price: |
$24.95 |
| Price: |
$18.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. |
| You Save: |
$5.96 (23%) |
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DVD
Publisher: FIRST RUN FEATURES
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Actors: Judith Light, Chad Allen, Robert Gant, Stephen Lang
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.
| Customer Reviews: |
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| Unexpectedly Thoughtful |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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Ironically, I watched this film on the same day that the American Psychological Association declared that mental health professionals should not tell gay clients they can become straight through therapy or other treatments. I'll admit to being fired up on the subject, and expecting "Save Me" to be a scathing indictment of the whole gay-to-straight movement. (I mean, the DVD box cover art makes quite the statement...)
Much to my surprise and pleasure, it isn't. In fact, there are no real "bad guys" in the film...only people acting on what they feel is right and trying to do their best, no matter how misguided their feelings and motives are.
The story is this: After his wanton drug abuse spins out of control (and his refusal to stay at a county hospital), openly-gay Mark (Chad Allen) winds up at Genesis House, a retreat where men learn to ignore their gay impulses and lead a straight life by finding God and Jesus. Although they pepper every other sentence with expressions like "God be praised" and "in the name of our lord, Jesus Christ", the husband/wife team who run the place, Gayle (Judith Light) and Ted (Stephen Lang) don't come across like cultists or fanatics. They just truly believe that, if you follow God's teachings, you can make your life better... and better to them means straight. They don't intend to "cure" anyone; they just feel that gay/straight is a choice and, with enough will, you can be happy on the "proper" side of the fence if you just work hard at it and love God enough.
Also at the house is Scott (Robert Gant), who is desperately trying to become a straight man to gain the love and respect of his dying father. As Mark dries out, he and Scott form a very natural bond which leads to stronger feelings. This is much to the dismay of Gayle, who does her best to intervene. But is her motivation to do so really in the best interests of the two men, or for something more selfish?
Okay, most of the ultra-religious out there are going to hate this movie because it dares to even suggest that love is God and that it trumps all. Me, I thought for a film that could be accused of having a bit of an agenda, it did a beautiful job of representing both sides of the issue. The fact of the matter is the Mark becomes a far better person after his time at Genesis House. He believes it's because he's found Christ, but it's really because he's found love... not only romantic love with Scott, but also a strong, caring, parental love from Gayle and Ted.
Strong acting rules this film. Gant and Light anchor the film with fiery, intense, conflicted performances. Stephen Lang offers up depth and thoughfulness in what could have been a throwaway role. I also really liked Robert Baker as Lester, Mark's roommate at Genesis... he's superb as the self-loathing big guy who sets many of the wheels of the story into motion.
In the end, I deduct a star for the tinny soundtrack and for the fact that Mark's recovery from his addictions is somewhat glossed over. Other than that, this is a powerful yet gentle film with a tremendous message. And that message is conveyed with a fairness and consideration usually not found in this genre.
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| Moving Film and very positive on lifes views |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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I only have to say that it was a great movie and I highly recommend it to anyone.
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| Nothing Simplistic About This Gem!!! |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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SAVE ME is a wonderfully nuanced film that does not take the easy way out in dealing with its complex and touchy subject matter. Instead, it presents fully realized characters on both sides of the argument of so-called Christian-inspired reformation of gays. This is an insightful and deeply moving film that stirs the soul through its realistic depiction of decent, but flawed human beings in search of spiritual redemption. What it reveals more than anything else, is that we are all vulnerable and needy, all capable of love for those we may otherwise view as our enemy, and all more than capable of finding our own path to self-discovery and acceptance. Judith Light gave an Oscar-worthy performance - she was the highlight of the great, great film! Please see this important work of art. I'll bet that regardless of your sexuality or your view of homosexuality, you'll see a little bit of yourself in one or more of the characters.
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| Save Me was saved!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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I really liked and enjoyed this video....it is basically true to life....
some people think that if we do this and that that we will be cured of our orientation....after struggling for over 35 years trying to cure myself, asking God to cure me, I finally accepted myself because I knew that God accepted me just as I am.....Sure there are exceptions to the rule, there is people just like Chad Allen's character before he went to the ranch because they believe what some preacher or fundamentalists says about what God is thinking.....the funny thing in life is that some of those same preachers and fundamentalists are struggling with their own homosexuality and they are placing all their shame on others....this movie was really just like life is out here in the real world....I loved the end....they rode off into the sunset.....a fairy tale ending (pardon the pun)
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| Save Me: quite a well done film |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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A very well done movie. Realistic, and will likely resonate with lots of folks. A balanced view that ends in a realistic way I think...but positive.
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