Forgive and Forget (2000)

David O'Neil, a plasterer and mature student Theo have been best mates for fourteen years and are practically inseparable. However, their friendship has become strained as Theo is about to ... See full summary »

Director:

Aisling Walsh

Writer:

Mark Burt

Stars:

John Simm, Steve John Shepherd, Laura Fraser

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Simm	...	Theo
Steve John Shepherd	...	David O'Neil
Laura Fraser	...	Hannah
Maurice Roëves	...	Michael O'Neil
Ger Ryan	...	Ruth O'Neil
Meera Syal	...	Judith Adams
Stephen Graham	...	John
Roger Griffiths	...	Carlton
Huggy Leaver	...	Paul
Charles De'Ath	...	Alex (as Charlie De'Ath)
Isabella Marsh	...	Gabby
Jonathan Slinger	...	Carl
Nikki Amuka-Bird	...	Nicky
Annette Bentley	...	Michelle
June Page	...	Carol

Storyline

David O'Neil, a plasterer and mature student Theo have been best mates for fourteen years and are practically inseparable. However, their friendship has become strained as Theo is about to move in with his long-term girlfriend, photographer Hannah. A raging jealousy awakes in David and he starts scheming to break up the loving couple using Hannah's insecurities against them. When the couple eventually separate David is in a quandary about his next move and is forced to confront his long-hidden homosexuality and feelings towards Theo. Eventually, David decides to reveal his sexual orientation and deep love for Theo very publicly by arranging for them both to appear as guests on Judith Adams' talk-show, "forgive and forget", with tragic consequences for their friendship and David's family.

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Plot Keywords:

friendship | jealousy | love | plasterer | break up | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 January 2000 (UK)

Also Known As:

Forgive and forget - Pardonner et oublier

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Scottish Television Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

User Reviews

Don't be put off by the critics - this is unforgettably powerful.

Neither pro nor anti gay, this powerful drama is set to make us think. A young man is secretly gay, he has loved his childhood 'mate' all his life but can never reveal his true feelings to anyone. His father is a bigot and the rest of his family are oblivious to his needs. His friend is equally unaware of the intensity of his feelings but eventually the truth is revealed under dramatic circumstances. Secret passions, deceitful relationships, bigotry and social pressures to conform, the paradox between between platonic love and sexual need; these are just some of the issues very skillfully handled in this unforgettable drama. The ending may frustrate or even disturb you - but Forgive and Forget will certainly leave you with the feeling that such sentiments are too seldom practiced in our modern selfish culture. Definitely worth seeing.