BPM (Beats Per Minute)

(120 battements par minute)

Synopsis:

Early 1990s. With AIDS having already claimed countless lives for nearly ten years, ACT UP-Paris activists multiply actions to fight general indifference. Nathan, a newcomer to the group, has his world shaken up by Sean, a radical militant, who throws his last bits of strength into the struggle.

Quick Thoughts:

I’m a bit torn on “BPM”. Overall, it’s a powerful queer history film as it recounts how Act Up fought in Paris. For many of us familiar with US LGBT history, the historical value of this film is quite eye opening. And for those of us who are too young to have gone through this important era in our history, it’s equally important to watch. For we cannot truly understand how much things have changed for the better and how lucky we are today, without recalling the struggle of those before us. Yet, “BPM” is a tough film to watch. In all honesty, it’s TWO separate films that were combined into a very long film. The first half is primarily about Act Up and slowly skips from meetings to protests, showing the important historical bits via recreations. It almost feels more like a documentary than a feature film though. During this first part, the budding romance between Nathan and Sean very slowly develops and quickly overtakes the plot of the film. Unfortunately, the second half of “BPM” focuses only on their relationship and Sean’s losing battle with AIDS. While their romance is beautifully told, it’s also gut-wrenching to watch. Both stories are important to tell, but as one film it gets a bit muddled. While this queer history film is in French thus most of us require subtitles, I strongly encourage everyone to watch “BPM” – but make sure to grab some tissues!