Review by Robert O'Neill
By: Robert O'Neill
In-House Review - Dec 02 2013
The Falls was one of the most splendid surprises of 2012 - at least in terms of gay cinema. Writer/director Jon Garcia mixed heartwarming romance, titillating sexual tension, high drama and unexpected moments of levity to tell the story of Elder R.J....
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The Falls was one of the most splendid surprises of 2012 - at least in terms of gay cinema. Writer/director Jon Garcia mixed heartwarming romance, titillating sexual tension, high drama and unexpected moments of levity to tell the story of Elder R.J. Smith and Elder Chris Merrill (Nick Ferrucci and Benjamin Farmer), two young Mormon missionaries who explore one another emotionally and sexually despite their community's hostile stance on homosexuality. Even though the film bypassed most major LGBT festivals, it generated a huge amount of buzz on DVD - mostly through positive word of mouth.
After the events of the first film, RJ and Chris were separated. Once their relationship was discovered by the church, RJ was sent home while Chris was permitted to stay and finish his mission. The two reunited when Chris finished his service and took a long, romantic trip across America - embracing one another fully without fear of repercussion. At the end of their trip, they parted ways having made plans to live together in Boise, Idaho. After RJ dropped Chris off with his family in Salt Lake City, however, he never heard from him again. RJ made many attempts to get in touch with Chris, but could never seem to reach him.
The Falls: Testament of Love picks up five years after their last meeting. RJ is still a devout Christian, but is not affiliated with any particular religion. Though he's still not over Chris, he lives openly and happily with a new boyfriend. Chris isn't nearly as free. by his loved ones to renounce his homosexual tendencies, he is now a married father struggling to live in complete denial.
The two are brought back together after the unexpected death of an mutual friend. RJ tries to press Chris for answers as to why he disappeared five years prior, but Chris is reluctant to rehash the past. Dissatisfied and convinced that Chris is in trouble, RJ makes it his mission to break through and help the man he loves come to terms with his desires.
It's never unusual when a hit film, even a low-budget indie, gets a sequel, but it is definitely out of the norm when it's just as good. Garcia, Farmer and Ferrucci rise to the occasion admirably. The performances are remarkably natural and the film has a great deal to say about religion, familial obligations and sexual repression. It's also impossible not to be affected by the seemingly doomed romance at the story's center. You'll root for these boys to run away together, though - as in real life - a happy ending is never guaranteed.
Review by Michael X
By: Michael X
Director Jon Garcia moves the story of RJ and Chris up three years. They meet this time at the funeral for Rodney, Chris is now married with a family in Salt Lake City, RJ writes for a magazine in Seattle. Once RJ sees Chris, feelings re-ignite for h...
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Director Jon Garcia moves the story of RJ and Chris up three years. They meet this time at the funeral for Rodney, Chris is now married with a family in Salt Lake City, RJ writes for a magazine in Seattle. Once RJ sees Chris, feelings re-ignite for him, and he decides to take time off and go to Salt Lake to confront Chris about their old relationship and why Chris hadn't reciprocated in the intervening three years. Another unresolved ending for this sequel, and I understand other reviewers disappointment with this. I think by the end, viewers will be able to guess(or enlist hope for) the outcome. Like the first installment, no character is put under the bus, you may not like their stance but you can understand it. Still well-written and well-acted, again. There was talk of a third installment at the film fest. That seems up in the air, and save for seeing this couple(as actors and as characters) again, I'd be satisfied if Testament was the last episode. If you haven't yet watched either film, buy or view them together, if you can. A very good job again by the actors, crew, and writer.
Review by ptab
By: ptab
I very much enjoyed the original, the characters were believable and the direct approach to fanatacism and intolerance was very well done. I like the sequel, but not as much, esp. in the beginning, mostly because of Chris, renouncing his true sexuali...
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I very much enjoyed the original, the characters were believable and the direct approach to fanatacism and intolerance was very well done. I like the sequel, but not as much, esp. in the beginning, mostly because of Chris, renouncing his true sexuality and his attitude towards RJ five years later, did Not sit well with me. The conversion therapy myth drives me crazy: society and family can't you to change your sexuality, and Exodus finally closing down after 30 years of fraudulent failure, that proves my point, even though that battle is far from over. Yes, I went back and forth from bi to gay, to the bisexual confirmation, but my family didn't that on me, and no one else should be either. I also didn't expect the bittersweet conclusion, that was my biggest letdown.
Review by ptab
By: ptab
The first one was fairly good, this sequel, however, didn't have a very satisfied feeling, for me. The concept of religious intolerance is very well done, with a very in your face approach, in both films. That is very admirable. R. intolerance is una...
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The first one was fairly good, this sequel, however, didn't have a very satisfied feeling, for me. The concept of religious intolerance is very well done, with a very in your face approach, in both films. That is very admirable. R. intolerance is unacceptable in my eyes, and I'm so fed up with holy rollers getting on their soapboxes. Religion wants to know why they're getting so prosecuted and want it to end? Here's a suggestion: stop trying to play God, in other words, judgment is reserved for him and him alone, let him do it, I've said this until I'm blue faced with fanatics, although, I have my hot topics as well, I won't lie.
Review by Silent audience
By: Silent audience
Five stars for the director and two main actors. The film is absolutely touching and moving. Forbidden love between two people who were brought up to hate who they actually and to believe it. I have watched so may gay theme films but hardly write ...
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Five stars for the director and two main actors. The film is absolutely touching and moving. Forbidden love between two people who were brought up to hate who they actually and to believe it. I have watched so may gay theme films but hardly write a review, but with The Falls and the Falls: Testament of Love, I would like everybody, gay, straight, bisexual to watch it. Their love is very true and palpable. They complete each other.
Review by Amos Lassen
By: Amos Lassen
About a year ago, I saw and reviewed a film that I really liked, "The Falls" about the forbidden love between two young Mormons who met and fell in love with each other as they were doing their missionary work.
RJ (Nick Ferrucci) is a high schoo...
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About a year ago, I saw and reviewed a film that I really liked, "The Falls" about the forbidden love between two young Mormons who met and fell in love with each other as they were doing their missionary work.
RJ (Nick Ferrucci) is a high school athlete who's now out of education and keen to take on missionary work, spreading the word of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of The Latter Day Saints (aka Mormons). It's something many thousands of young Mormons do, so RJ heads away from home and gets paired with Chris (Ben Farmer).
Together they are tasked with going out and spreading the word, trying to get as many people interested in their religion as possible, with the hope the newcomers will eventually be baptized as Mormons. Although they initially take to their task with fervor, Chris soon begins to flag and doubt whether they're doing the right thing. Slowly the two young men fall for one another ? something that's particularly difficult in their church, which is deeply homophobic.
Their new found love coincided with their slacking off from hustling potential converts and starting to actually have some fun for the first time but when their Supervisor comes to check out what's up and he gets an eyeful of naked flesh, then the game is up. Now they will have to head home in disgrace and face their families and their faith. At this point the original film ended.
Now the sequel "The Falls: A Testament of Love" continues their story. It takes place some five years later when they find themselves together again. The feelings they shared resurface and once again they are faced with difficult issues and choices. They once again risk hurting the people they love and care about as together they begin a journey to find freedom and happiness.
Our two Mormon boys are good looking and good actors and we certainly feel the chemistry they share. Directed by Jon Garcia, I honestly did not expect a sequel to the original but I am so glad it has been made. It is so important that we see positive images of those from a religious background that fight homophobia directly. (And the romance here is very nice).
We are all aware of the issues surrounding what the two young men are about to face and how difficult it will be if they are discovered.