Holding the Man
Holding the Man

Movie spotlight

Holding the Man

2015
Movie
128 min
English

Tim and John fell in love while teenagers at their all-boys high school. John was captain of the football team, Tim an aspiring actor playing a minor part in Romeo and Juliet. Their romance endured for 15 years in the face of everything life threw at it – the separations, the discrimination, the temptations, the jealousies and the losses – until the only problem that love can't solve tried to destroy them.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes80%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users84%
Director: Neil ArmfieldGenres: Drama, Romance, Biography

Plot Summary

Based on Timothy Conigrave's acclaimed memoir, 'Holding the Man' chronicles the passionate and turbulent 15-year love affair between Tim and John. Their relationship navigates societal prejudice, the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic, and personal struggles, all while their love for each other remains the central, enduring force.

Critical Reception

The film received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its heartfelt performances, emotional depth, and faithful adaptation of the source material. While some found the pacing uneven at times, the overall consensus highlighted its powerful portrayal of love, loss, and resilience.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its moving and authentic portrayal of a same-sex relationship.

  • Ryan Corr and Craig Stott deliver powerful and compelling performances.

  • A touching and often heartbreaking exploration of love and loss in the face of adversity.

Google audience: Audiences widely appreciated the film's emotional honesty and the chemistry between the lead actors, finding it to be a moving and important story. Some viewers noted the film's sadness but ultimately found it to be a rewarding and memorable experience.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 8 AACTA Awards, including Best Film, Best Direction, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Won Best Actor (Ryan Corr) and Best Supporting Actor (Geoffrey Rush).

Fun Fact

The film is based on the autobiography of Timothy Conigrave, who died of AIDS in 1995. His partner, John Caleo, died of the same disease in 2007. The film adaptation was a passion project for many involved, aiming to honor their enduring love story.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Based on a true story; this is a touching and moving story of a couple of young Australian men who fall in love as youngsters in the days before there was any AIDS awareness. Ryan Corr ("Tim") and Craig Matthew Scott ("Tom") are superb as t...