Alive & Kicking: Jason Flemyng, Antony Sher, Dorothy Tutin, Anthony Higgins, Bill Nighy, Philip Voss, Diane Parish, Aiden Waters, Natalie Roles, Freddy Douglas, Kenneth Tharp, Michael Keegan-Dolan, Chris Seager, Nancy Meckler, Rodney Holland, Lorraine Goodman, Martin Pope, Martin Sherman: Amazon.ca: Video

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From the Back Cover

Alive & Kicking is a lively romance between unlikely lovers-Tonio (Jason Flemyng), a narcissistic dancer pushing his body to artistic perfection, and Jack (Antony Sher), a therapist whose mind is mover agile than his body. This mismatched pair stumble along the rocky path of commitment in a poignant, often hilarious, always believable portrayal of gay courtship in the new "Swinging London." Alive & Kicking is the first screenplay by noted playwright Martin Sherman ("Bent") and the second feature to be directed by Nancy Meckler whose debut film Sister My Sister won critical acclaim around the world.

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Customer Reviews

6 Reviews

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4.0 out of 5 stars (6 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars ALIVE AND KICKING!, Oct 23 2001

By

Michael Anthony Brenton (The Other Side of the Known Universe) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alive & Kicking (DVD)

Martin Sherman, author of the acclaimed play "Bent," wrote the screenplay for this thoughtful and moving drama of life in the era of AIDS! Directed by Nancy Meckler, this 1997 British film stars Jason Flemyng as the dancer who is too proud to let his HIV-positive status interfer with either his career or his love life! In addition to Flemyng's outstanding performance as Tonio, is the story line which has him finding comfort with an older man, a psychotherapist who is angry over the deaths of so many of his patients! "Alive and Kicking!" is one of those life affirming films in which it does not matter if you are gay or straight, sick or well, because it will touch everybody!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful and Life Affirming, Jan 11 2001

By

Robert L. Jaquay (Spring Hill, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alive & Kicking (DVD)

As this was a "pig in a poke" selection, I had no pre-conceived notions as to what this film would amount to. From the very first frame the wonder began, and it continued to the very last roll of the credits. Not only are the performances of Jason Flemyng and Anthony Sher excellent, but the entire cast is great. Directed with an apparent love for the subject,the film never has a false moment. We do care about the characters and their circumstances, and feel certain that whatever may become of them, they will have made choices out of love, not pity. There are wonderful life lessons for anyone here...don't miss it!

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5.0 out of 5 stars I thought it was entertaining, July 15 2000

By

Dennis W. Viau "Dennis" (Santa Barbara, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Alive & Kicking (DVD)

I enjoyed this film (a.k.a. Indian Summer) and, as a result, I have watched it many times. Sure Tonio (Flemyng) is an obnoxious queen at times. But most of the time he is a man who lives by dancing. Although he laughingly denies it, he escapes through dance. Having worked as a costumer for a dance company, I know some of these people really are obnoxious. The relationship between Tonio and Jack (Sher) is believable within the context of their backgrounds. For those who can't see it, the visit to Greece codifies it perfectly. Sadly, they love each other in a way that wouldn't have been possible without AIDS. The dance company (Ballet Luna - I love that name) is believable within itself. It's just like this, folks. As a troupe, they made me smile.

Having also been an actor, I was impressed with the acting, too. Almost everyone portrays their character believably. Flemying was the most entertaining to watch because he portrays Tonio on so many different levels. The past keeps catching up with the future in him. The energy was right, the focus was clear, he was dynamic. Jack's repeated asking, "Why aren't you angry?" is fundamental. Tonio truly is angry and it comes out through his antagonistic behavior throughout the film. Jack, for all his perception, can't see it (yet) because Tonio successfully runs from it. Finally, when temporary paralysis stops his running, the anger catches up to him and he has time to admit it and reflect upon the past. Duncan (Voss) was the surprise. I loved his representation of the dignity of the past.

The message, living and dying with AIDS, is, albeit, a tired one. Can anything original be said about this subject? We've heard it all before. Thankfully this film deals with it from another angle. Some people really are tired of dealing with it, and those people are portrayed here. It is downright comical the way these people escape it by disco dancing, karaoke singing, and, of course, drinking.

Whether these people are likable or not is a matter of personal taste. I wouldn't choose them for friends, except maybe Vincent (Aiden Waters). He's adorable. But the film entertained me. I am not tired of watching it repeatedly. I think it is a well crafted film.

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Most recent customer reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Dead and Paralyzed
Antony Sher's performance was very good, but otherwise this film is laughable. We keep searching for a reason to care about Jason Flemyng's character, but we're never given one... Read more

Published on July 13 2000

2.0 out of 5 stars Only if you're bored
I did not enjoy watching this movie. By the time that the end finally came I felt that I had wasted my time. Read more

Published on May 31 2000 by judybat321