Alive and Kicking (1996)
"Indian Summer" (original title)

A passionately committed young dancer is forced to re-examine his career and life when faced with death, finding hope through an older man who becomes his lover, mentor and companion.

Director:

Nancy Meckler

Writer:

Martin Sherman

Stars:

Jason Flemyng, Antony Sher, Dorothy Tutin

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jason Flemyng	...	Tonio
Antony Sher	...	Jack
Dorothy Tutin	...	Luna
Anthony Higgins	...	Ramon
Bill Nighy	...	Tristan
Philip Voss	...	Duncan
Diane Parish	...	Millie
Aiden Waters	...	Vincent
Natalie Roles	...	Catherine
Freddy Douglas	...	Luke
Kenneth Tharp	...	Howard
Michael Keegan-Dolan	...	Alan
Ruth Lass	...	Night Nurse
Linda Bassett	...	Doctor
Hilary Reynolds	...	Nurse

Storyline

A passionately committed young dancer is forced to re-examine his career and life when faced with death, finding hope through an older man who becomes his lover, mentor and companion.

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Plot Keywords:

death | lover | dancer | oxygen mask | nudity | 

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Taglines:

Love is the ultimate kick

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some strong sexuality, and for nudity and language

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 July 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Alive and Kicking

Filming Locations:

Aegina, Greece

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

DEM 1,748 (Germany) (17 April 1998)

Gross:

DEM 1,748 (Germany) (17 April 1998)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Greentrees Films, Channel Four Films, Martin Pope Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

(at around 1h 30 mins) When the chaps who call them "lousy poofters" go past, when Tonio says 'I am angry', the two chaps turn the corner onto another path by a litter bin, but in the next shot they are still on the same path, with no bin in sight.

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Connections

References My Own Private Idaho (1991)

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Soundtracks

"Adored and Explored"
by Marc Almond and John Coxon
Performed by Marc Almond

User Reviews

The actors were real and vibrant!

One thing I look for in a gay based movie is whether the actors either gay or straight, can give a realistic performance. Jason Flayming and Antony Sher gave a convincing dialog, and romantic scene, after scene. All the actors were good and the dance sequences were outstanding, (and I don't like ballet) .

The ending dance is very sexy and the cast really seemed caught-up in the dream-like-naked-torso-writhing and really enjoyed themselves.

The fact that this was about aids and people dying could have smothered the whole movie, but, it didn't dwell on the morbid, rather it gave everyone hope to carry -on with their lives.

Jack knew that if Tonio was not dying, he would not have given him a chance at the romance they have. And Tonio knows that there is a certain infatuation that Jack has for the fact that Tonio is dying.

They have their spats and both men need extra room now an then. Jack from the everyday dealings with aids patients (he is a therapist) to Tonio's hurting, aching body and the pressure to perform one last show.

I got wrapped-up in these characters and was able to have genuine feelings for them. I saw this on VHS and I understand it is available on DVD which I will add to my collection. ciao yaaah69