Woof... This movie hit me right in the face. I had it for some time but for some reasons I didn't get any further, on a couple of occasions, than 10 minutes. Tonight, I was inspired, so it seems to be, and I watched it till the end.I was very impressed. The relationships between people are so subtle and finely shown, every situation is built up slowly, and only at the end you understand, you "feel".All the actors & actresses have done a wonderful job here. Also the writers & crew. I was very impressed.

I agree with the poster who said a 4-hour miniseries would have been better. There are several issues addressed in this film, but the runtime precludes developing and bringing each issue to culmination.Having said that, there were indeed some great segments: of course, the boys discovering what was really in the stolen truck tops the list (actually, from that scene to the end of the movie). While the loss of virginity scenes (gay and non-gay) were excellent, for me the true highlight was elsewhere: the hands giving presents through the hole in the wall. Second would be George sitting on the stoop, talking to his sister. The father-son "fag" scene is another nice nugget.Watch the movie. Just understand that too much is attempted in too small of a time.

This is a courageous movie, full of stirring moments, sensuality, authentic emotions, love, hatred, ignorance, self-discovery. Had it been launched in Europe, in France perhaps, it would have had major success. In the US, the race discourse, commingled with Jesus talk, environmentalism, identity politics, etc., completely overshadows the genuine merits of plot and cinematography. Acting is not always great, but the roles are not as hard as they look. There is one love scene between two young men in which the tension and the mutual attraction are so well calibrated that anyone, straight or gay, is inevitably touched. Anyone, male or female, gay or straight, can identify with the daring, the fear, the unavoidable accumulation of desire that turns the adolescent into adult. I love how the scene cameos the way the whole movie stages fear and anger, the major emotions in the story, and shows how love can channel them into something positive and constructive. The two young men are perhaps only in lust with one another, at least in that specific scene, but as we know from the plot they also love one another. They have known each other since childhood. This is a powerful story, tragic and beautiful, and true, and perhaps it will earn viewers a sense of peace. Odd that it id not make a bigger splash. 9 out of 10 stars is the minimum.

It's hard to believe there aren't tons of reviews for this film! It handles numerous "taboo" subjects with aplomb, and gives the viewer a whole lot to think about.The three youthful leads give outstanding performances all around, Peter Gallagher does a fine job in support, and Teresa Yengue ices the cake to perfection. Many other fine performances here, don't get me wrong.Try on a "thinking" movie for a change. I think you'll find this most rewarding. Not sure whether this is out on video yet, but please don't give it a pass when it comes your way.