We watched this film because of the fine cast, but we were taken aback by the obviousness of the story (sister has to reconcile with gay brother before he dies of AIDS)and the shallow characterizations. No fault of the actors, but yikes! I could predict everything that was going to happen, and poor Kyra Segdwick and Kiefer Sutherland had no roles to play. Stockard Channing had maybe six lines. The screenplay was so poor that we never did figure out where the movie was supposed to be taking place, despite the breathtaking scenery. (Nova Scotia? Maine? I'd love to go there if I only knew.)Overall: arty but not satisfying.

Not too bad, but not something to watch more than once, unless you are a huge fan of one of the actors, who make a quite good appearance. Especially Kiefer nails his part and makes the film better. Otherwise quite slow film that leaves one possibly confused. Possible SPOILERS follow:It is nice to see Kiefer Sutherland in something else than 24. He can actually talk and not just whisper and he sure can act (but we already knew that). With just 5 seconds he can show that his character is gay, but I guess a lot of credit should go to the writers and director too. Kyra on the other hand did not impress me that much. Maybe it is because I didn't feel her character. But in all fairness she does capture her character well.

Just caught up with this film recently as it was shown on Showtime. To say that it was a surprise, it's the least that can be said. I don't remember a anything as deeply felt, and as well done, and without the cheap sentimentality that might have drowned a film about the subject it treats: Aids.Of course, this film wouldn't probably been made without the vision and the great direction of Mattia Karrell, who also contributed to the screen play. Contrary to what others have said in this forum, it is not a story that requires a box of tissues when one watches it. My own reaction was an amazement on how well the situation is handled, as it never relies of any cheap tricks to convey what is going on between the long distanced siblings. The past comes to haunt the sister, more so than the dying brother, who obviously was too young to realize what had happened to his mother who has died under mysterious circumstances.Kiefer Sutherland as Roy, the perfectionist brother, is excellent as this man who must confront his own death. It must be terrible for someone in his line of business to realize his own mortality and have to depend in the kindness of a sister that he stayed away for too long. Kyra Sedgwick's take on the wounded Natalie, is too amazing for words. Natalie stays behind because the love she always felt for Roy. She never rebels against this blow fate has dealt her; Natalie shows she is a better person for staying with her brother until the end. Never, in recent memory, two talented actors have been paired together with such rewarding results. Rounding the cast is Stockard Channing who is the one responsible for the family reunion, but she is a minor player in this film. The gorgeous cinematography by Robert Elswit is too stunning for words. The musical score by David Fleury makes a great contribution to the mood of the film. Ultimately, thanks to the director Mattia Karrell comes such an unusual film that deals maturely in presenting a real slice of life without formulas.

this is one of the most touching story in the world. it's not so much the story as it is the acting. Kiefer Sutherland is definitely at his most brilliant and Kyra and Stockard are just as good. Please go watch it. You will laugh a little, cry a lot, and love Kiefer after this movie as I do.