'All of Us Strangers' is a somewhat paradoxical title. The film begins with that premise--the lack of connection among people, but soon metamorphoses into a brilliant, beautiful, wrenching meditation on loneliness, loss, and love--the latter even beyond death, intensified by the use of 'The Power of Love,' a song by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. It is no surprise that writer-director Andrew Haigh based the film on the novel 'Strangers' by Japanese writer Taichi Yamada, recasting it as the painful realities of two lonely gay men in London who find each other. The surreal quality has a flavor and look that we see in Japanese films like 'Kwaidan' (1967)--rational, linear narrative eschewed in favor of profound human experiences that tread the line between the real and the supernatural. But there is so much more to this film, all woven into a complex emotionally shattering tapestry. While many gay men will certainly see elements of their lives represented here, this beautiful work of art will also wring tears from virtually all viewers. It must be seen, and more than once.
Perhaps the Motion Picture Academy's history of discomfort with LGBTQ themes may be responsible for its serious error of ignoring this amazing work for any nominations. The performances have been critically acknowledged as among the best and most moving, with Andrew Scott again demonstrating his incomparable artistry, the other three principal cast members shining brightly as well. Critics also universally praised the writing, direction, visual style, and scoring choices. Indeed, for many, myself included, it was the best film of 2023.
Perhaps the Motion Picture Academy's history of discomfort with LGBTQ themes may be responsible for its serious error of ignoring this amazing work for any nominations. The performances have been critically acknowledged as among the best and most moving, with Andrew Scott again demonstrating his incomparable artistry, the other three principal cast members shining brightly as well. Critics also universally praised the writing, direction, visual style, and scoring choices. Indeed, for many, myself included, it was the best film of 2023.
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