Angels in America (2003)

for a long time, I was fascinated by this series. without a clear explanation. sure, great cast, impeccable story, different themes in a splendid combination. and something else. special. unique. impressive at whole. a film about the roots of present. like a family album. like a remind about the forgotten details who, each, defines the present . a kind of poem about the small things and about the purpose of decisions. nothing surprising. only reflection of a state. a film about illness and motherhood and love and abdications and sort of death. a film about the truth and about the levels of the fear. about the need and courage and madness to be yourself. that is all. and, maybe, it is enough.

The mini-series Angels in America is a story of epic proportions, the playwright re-written into a screenplay by the original writer Tony Kushner, has multiple stories connecting through the deadly disease of AIDS, takes them on a journey of discovery through hallucinations of angels. The entire cast give a stunning performance, with actors like Meryl Streep, Jeffrey Wright, Justin Kirk and Emma Thompson playing up to two to three roles, giving the film that extra little bit of magic. Each character has a story that we follow through out, with every character relating in someway to sexuality, following confusion, acceptance and frustration. On top of it all is the wonderful score by Thomas Newman, who scored such films as "American Beauty" and "The Shawshank Redemption", Newman takes you on a magical flying carpet ride through a world of almost cinema, giving the television series a strong beating heart that will stay with you for a long time.The story is in 6 chapters rolled over in two 3 hour episodes, which gives the series a triumphant legacy, as a part of HBO's outstanding library of film, television and documentaries. This is truly a major milestone in cinematic history and should be recognized for it sheer emotion and storytelling.

'Angels in America' is amongst the moving & beautiful Mini-Series from the early 2000's. Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning play of the same name by Tony Kushner, This Multiple-Award-Winning Mini-Series, is simply unmissable. Also, the performances, are top-notch!Set in 1985, the film has at its core the story of two couples whose relationships dissolve amidst the backdrop of Reagan era politics, the spreading AIDS epidemic and a rapidly changing social and political climate. 'Angels in America' was the most watched made-for-cable movie in 2003, and garnered much critical acclaim. And it deserves all the acclaim. Here's a story that is about, love, hate, believe & forgiveness. 'Angels In America' unfolds with magic and each chapter, is interesting & very moving. The characters, some taken from real-life, are diverse, yet very connectible. Even though depressing at times, Tony Kushner's Writing is so emotionally engaging, it leaves an haunting impact on it's viewer. Mike Nichols Directs this Marvelous Story, most amazingly. Cinematography by Stephen Goldblatt is excellent. Editing by John Bloom & Antonia Van Drimmelen, is sharp. Art Design is pitch-perfect. Performance-Wise: Al Pacino as Roy Cohn, is sensational. Meryl Streep portrays 3 different characters, with unmatchable ease. Streep, delivers a performance, that truly can be considered, as an actor-study. Patrick Wilson is absolutely terrific, while Justin Kirk is nearly flawless. Mary-Louise Parker is superb. She delivers the performance of her career. Ben Shenkman is quite natural. Emma Thompson & Jeffrey Wright, who also appear in multiple roles, are first-rate. James Cromwell is impressive in a small cameo. On the whole, 'Angels in America' is a Masterpiece! An Unmissable Story! Strongly Recommended!

One thing to remember if you're thinking about watching this -- and it is one of the gay classics -- is that it has uneven patches. But when you're just about fed up with a patch that is senseless, tedious, or irritating, suddenly it gets good again. And of course in totality, the whole thing gels and feels complete and meaningful and uplifting.One great thing about the film is that it encompasses a wide variety of characters. It's not confined to a tiny group of gay friends, one or more of whom might get sick. In this regard, it succeeds much better than even "Rent" does.So do take a look at it if you're interested in gay-related cinema or AIDS-related themes. Just realize that, however, it probably won't be quite what you expected. But, in that, it might actually turn out to be better than you expected!