Maurice

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 18, 1987

DVD Release Date: February 24, 2004

Plot 411: A young man confronts, indulges and accepts his homosexuality in early 1900 England.

Review: Based on a book of the same name by E.M. Forster, this movie follows a young man's journey into adulthood and his gradual acceptance of his sexuality. It is amazing to me that Forster wrote this book in about 1913 and that, I must assume, it depicts homosexuality of that time accurately. To be gay and be so confined and restrained due to society and laws is almost unthinkable today. Yes, there may still be people whose views of sexuality in general mimic those of the early 20th century, but for the most part society accepts people of all shapes, sizes, colors and lifestyles. This movie really puts a face on people who lived 100 years ago and of the strict structure in England. James Wilby plays the title role while Hugh Grant and Rupert Graves support. The emotional turmoil the characters feel is quite evident in the actors' faces despite the prim and proper way of life during this time. Overall, I thought the plot was really engaging and that there should be more coming-of-age films like this one - gay and straight.

Watch It: For a British period piece that deals with 20th century social qualms.

Skip It: If frontal nudity and same-sex kissing upsets you. There seems to be more kissing in this one than in Brokeback Mountain, however, it's less intense.

Trailer: