Not one for crying during films, I confess that a tear welled in my eye on more than one occasion while watching this documentary on the societal constructs of wedlock, and the discrimination against same-sex marriage. Because of the stance the film takes, many people will be turned off to the subject matter. As a
documentary, it stood on its feet firmly. Besides showing footage of rallies, the political windbags' testimony before Congress, and using case studies to outline the loss of constitutional rights by widowed partners, there is also a brief overview of the history of the definition of marriage, and several interviews with activists, politicians, clerks, and gay couples. The opposite side of the debate wasn't given much time except for sound bites that weren't taken out of context, but sure made for an interesting argument. In all, half the film made me overwhelmed with sentimentality and the other held contempt and disgust prevalent in my mind. Not pure entertainment, but a message of hope and civil liberties, your enjoyment will be based on frame of mind.
June 10, 2011
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