The Disco Years (1991) User Reviews

Coming of age in the 70s

[mermatt · 16 September 1999]

This is a bittersweet story of a teen coming of age and realizing that he is gay in the 70s. He has a brief sexual experience with his handsome tennis team mate, but then the team mate gets cold feet and turns homophobic. The main character must deal not only with the rejection of this person on whom he has a crush but also with his shame at realizing that he is gay and the threat of being discovered, especially in light of the homophobia directed to another classmate and a gay teacher. His single-parent mom is supportive until she learns what is bothering him.

The story is touching, funny, sad, and true to the pain of coming out. The performers are all excellent. The film is short and to the point -- an excellent production.

colors of a period

[Kirpianuscus · 28 December 2022]

The first good point is the acting of Matt Nolan and Gwen Welles. The second - atmosphere, gentle suggested, well used for define the story of Tom and his discoveries about himself and others.

More than a gay story, it is the portrait of the change of society. In same measure, about the rhytm and traits of a period in which apparences are more easy to sustain than the virtues so often evoked.

So, the realism as a greeat good point in this case. And beautiful open to a period who is not so far by the idealisation of next generations.

The result - just powerful, useful and touching. Maybe, not difficult to see as sketch of present times.