The French Film 120 BEATS PER MINUTE - Gay Activism, Gay Pride and Sorrow Set in Paris 1990s

Robin Campillo (b Morocco 1962) received the Cannes Grand Prix prize for his film 120 BEATS PER MINUTE.  Of course, the title refers to the beating of one's heart and this film about the AIDS epidemic and a group of AIDS activists in the 1990s aims straight for the heart.  ACT UP is an int'l direct action advocacy group founded in 1989 that works to impact people living with AIDS.  ACT UP's efforts are directed towards legislation, medical research & treatments to eradicate this fatal disease and draw attention to how it impacts lives.  This film set in Paris in the 1990s follows a militant group of ACT UP members.  The group gathers to debate their strategies, plan news worthy non-violent protests that are directed against pharmaceutical companies & geared to garner media attention.  They also pay tribute to those who've died from AIDS.   Some of the most compelling actions are less confrontational but all the more courageous for informing people, especially teenagers preventive safety measures.  The film focuses on a gay couple, Sean & Nathan who connect at ACT UP meetings.  Sean & Nathan's love story does not shy away from explicit sex, the fear of contracting AIDS and the realities of how AIDS ravages & kills people who are HIV positive.  The movie is bold, graphic, informative, painful & life-affirming.  There is plenty of arguing & dissension  within the ACT UP group and the gay community.  Of course homophobic reactions are noted. The movie is also a stirring love story and an acknowledgment of living life to its fullest and the support that comes from a knit community.  I highly recommend experiencing this rousing film.  This keenly made movie is an homage to the 35 million people who've died from AIDS, to the 40 million people now living with AIDS and to human compassion.  The slogan adopted for ACT UP which was bantered in the film is "Silence equals Death".   I fear the movie may fall on deaf ears and will only be sung to the choir.  I sing the praises of this effective film.  120 BEATS PER MINUTE captures an honest examination of living with AIDS, beat by beat by beat.