Customer Reviews

Living End [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Probably the greatest -- certainly the angriest and funniest -- film ever made about HIV+ young men. It is 'dedicated' to a Republican government (George I) that cares nothing for its citizens with AIDS.

"The Living End" is a remarkable love story. It begins with Jon (Craig Gilmore) being rather glibly told that he is HIV+. A mild-mannered film critic who never rocked the boat, Jon is dazed and confused. Just as he is wondering what he will do next, Jon meets Luke (perfectly played by Mike Dytri), a stunningly handsome trouble-magnet (and the sweetest hunk you'll ever see) who is on the lam. Their lives are changed forever. With a super-heated film chemistry, Jon and Luke fall in love. With nothing to lose, they set out on a darkly comic and violent crime spree -- Thelma and Louise with a twist. The world around them is dangerous, and the road of love is rocky: they fight, break up, make up, make love, but find that, in the end, they still have each other. Theirs is, quite simply, one of the most gut-wrenching and genuine love stories ever filmed.

This film masterpiece deserved a first class Criterion remastering, but the Strand Releasing version is the next best thing. The picture is bright and clear and there are lots of extras. You will not be left unscathed, or untouched, by Araki's powerful gospel of Jon and the beautiful Luke.

"The Living End" is an independent film in every sense of the word: no music, no production design or apparent costume design, no special effects or widescreen ratio, and no Hollywood gloss. What it does have it a simple story of two men involved in a "Thelma and Louise" storyline who share an offbeat, unconventional yet touching romance. Moments of black comedy tinged with violence and preachy dialogue provide a nice collaboration, though there are a few pitfalls involving the inclusion of supporting characters.

The story goes like this: two guys are introduced to us in separate lifestyles. Jon has just discovered that he is HIV-positive, though his outlook on life is not so hindered as he expected it would be. Luke, a drifter, makes his way to the city, where, upon brutally murdering three gay-bashers, he hitches a ride with unsuspecting Jon back to his place, where quaint small talk turns into a night of passion.

Right from the beginning, their attachment to one another is kinetic and bursting with energy, moreso than in the regular romances Hollywood pelts us with. Yet they have their disputes, and after a fight over Luke beating up a gay-basher, Jon demands that he leave, only to find that he cannot stop thinking about him. When Luke returns, he reveals that he has killed a cop, though Jon seems unmoved by the revelation, and continues to hold and embrace him, a very touching moment.

The two embark on a journey to nowhere, where they discover their love for one another and the many differences they share on their outlook on society and life itself. Luke knows that he loves Jon more than anything else in life, but Jon becomes unsettled by Luke's violent acts and short fuse. The movie then generates into a question of whether they will be together in the end or not.

Their relationship is unlike anything I've ever seen in a movie. At times, the rebel storyline takes a backseat to the passion shared by the two lovers. Luke's revelation of murder to Jon while in his arms is a very affecting moment, while sexual scenes shared between the two evolve into something more passionate and intimate, becoming more than just sex. Director/writer/editor/photographer Gregg Araki balances the sexual with the intimate in just the right manner.

Araki also balances their relationship with violent acts and black comedy, the kind which leaves us confused as to whether or not we should laugh or think harder. The dialogue shared between Jon and Luke involves a lot of societal discussion, mainly about how AIDS has become a social disease instead of a physical one. Luke's disdain for society's treatment of him leads him on in his rampage, while Jon follows him because of his deep emotional attachment to him.

More than just an examination of societal issues, the movie also uses the relationship between Jon and Luke to look at differences that can occur in a relationship. Jon is put off by the violence in his newfound love, and does not share the same beliefs as Luke. But that doesn't stop them from being together, nor does it succeed in tearing them apart. I think this is probably one of the strongest movie relationships portrayed in a film ever.

The convincing elements of the movie are due in major part to actors Mike Dytri, playing Luke, and Craig Gilmore, playing Jon. Their chemistry is full of sexual and emotional energy, and in these types of scenes, their talent is beautifully put to good use. Dytri does a good job of portraying Luke as hardened but retaining a soft spot for Jon, while Gilmore portrays Jon as timid yet strong.

So many good things come from this movie that my only complaint arises from the somewhat uninvolving storyline centering around Jon's friend, Darcy (Darcy Marta). While Jon is away on his adventure, she waits at home, sitting by the phone waiting for his call, driving her cheating boyfriend crazy. Her character seems a bit misplaced and uneven, though Marta's acting is certainly high-caliber.

I remember, in my preteen years, I once wrote a small series of short stories involving adventures between two men in love. Seeing "The Living End" brought back memories of those stories, while also moving me in a way that seems hidden from me. I can't really say why this movie hooked me as it did: perhaps the wonderful acting and the articulate romance, or the offbeat feel of the movie that is a welcome touch after so many glossy movies. What I can say is that this is one of the best movies I've ever seen, and one of the most convincing. See it for what it really is: a heartfelt passionate love story amidst angst and societal furor.

I would have gladly rated this movie with ***** stars, but, the picture was not clear and the sound kept going from 2-10 decibels.
The acting was great and the actors really worked with each other and fit together.
This is a love, all of us dream about! Luke is wild, physical and a little on the crazed-side, handy with a gun. But, he still can relate with his tender side as shown in the shower scene and his admitted love for Jon, as he tells Jon "you will never find anyone who loves you the way I do" And Jon soon realizes this ; although he doesn't like the way Luke snuffs-out homophobic red-necks, he cannot tear himself away.
At one point Jon kicks Luke out,then cannot get him out of his mind.
Luke returns, enters Jon's apartment and Jon awakens to Luke standing before him with the gun in his mouth(this is one of the greatest scenes ever). If for no other reason, you have got to see this scene.
They have their fights, but Luke always maintains his love for Jon. And you feel the deep love Jon has for Luke.
This film came out in 1993, where have I been that I missed this great film. I have nothing to compare it with except the intense film 'BENT'.
But, I know some of the milk-sop movies from our great film capital cannot sit in the same room as this film.
Accolades for Araki, Dytri and Gilmore!!
It WOULD really be great to see what they could do with this in DVD. They might be able to get the pic. and sound fixed. Rated *** but wanted to rate *****!ciao yaaah69

It's hard to believe this film is only ten years old, because it seems a bit tame by today's standards, compared to how it was perceived when it was released. The film is shot on an almost non-existent budget, the acting is weak, and the chemistry between the two protagonists is not the strongest. Still, it has its moments, telling the story of two HIV-positive men who have nothing to lose, literally, including their lives. As with most low-budget, independent films, it takes a lot of patience to get through some of the quirks, and perhaps a few viewings to appreciate what is really going on.

Gregg Araki expertly and faultlessly takes the 'buddy' film and elevates it with black humor, nihilism, and a bittersweet love story in this little gem. He angrily 'dedicates' it to a Republican government which cares nothing for the suffering of it's citizens with AIDS. Sad to say, not much has changed since the days of Bush I when this remarkable film was made.

"The Living End" opens with Jon (Craig Gilmore) being rather glibly told he is HIV+. Dazed and confused, his outlook on life and work is forever altered. One gets the impression that he was rather a 'goody two-shoes' prior to this announcement, but that all changes when he meets Luke (perfectly played by Mike Dytri), a stunningly handsome, sweet hunk on the lam. A veritable magnet for trouble with his in-your-face anger toward the homophobia which surrounds them, he is also HIV+. Jon and Luke begin a violent, surreal, humorous crime-spree and passionate love affair (one of the most honest on film). They fight, break up, make up, make love, and ultimately come to terms with each other. The world around them is hateful and senseless, but they will protect each other.

"The Living End" (Araki's masterpiece and the best HIV film ever made) has finally been released on DVD by Platinum Discs, for which I am deeply grateful. But it truly deserves a full re-mastering on the level of Criterion, with comment by its extraordinary participants. I mean, whatever happened to the magnificent Mike Dytri?!

As Hollywood comes out of the closet and has now made the "it's okay to be gay" statement, 'The Living End' had them one-upped 8 years ago with its stark portrayal of two HIV positive gay men on a road trip to nowhere as they run out the clock together. This is more moving, disturbing, and funny than any of the syrupy crap mainstream Hollywood has churned out on this subject.

I liked this film so much years ago that I bought it. (VHS) I looked past the uneven script and occasionally cheesy and hysterical acting, and saw the love story.

The leads here are relatively strong and believable, and the story differs markedly from every AIDS cliche. It's a decent effort and a decent film.

It is "irresponsible" in its depiction of violence and even violence between the lovers, but it's a thrill ride of a movie that has some sense of resolution and some sence of acceptance that I appreciated.

It's rough and certainly not for everybody, but it's worth seeing. Recommended.

What do you do when you have nothing to lose? Live life on the edge! That's precisely what our two protaganists do in this dark comedy/drama about two HIV+ men. This male version of Thelma and Louise delivers quite a punch, quite a statement, and unexpected humor. Must see!

When I first watched this movie, I liked it. Then, after a few times of watching it again, I fell in love with it. Though this movie may be low-budget, Gregg Araki delivers a beautiful classic story of two HIV positive men, with nothing to lose. With a Thelma and Louise-like twist, they travel on the road, taking lives with them unforgivingly. There's an unbreakable bond and love between Jon and Luke, that will never be broken. And Luke proves it in the last scene, leaving you with a feeling in the pit of your stomach that won't go away. This movie is worth every cent and every minute.

One of those movies that makes an impact the first time you watch it -- and I put some distance between viewings. Not light viewing. Must see.