zagauk I liked the twofold symbolism of the waves: of baptismal cleansing and as a reminder that 'Time's ever rolling stream bears all its sons away.' While some might think this film is ponderously slow, I reckon it's very meditative. When you're that young, time moves very slowly – remember the long school and university vacations? Teenage angst exists the world over, including struggling with one's sexuality and an evangelical young man like Brady will be able to quote chapter and verse from the bible to condemn himself. That's where the pastor was weak. His quotation of two, vaguely relevant bible verses would not have been sufficient to convince him.And who is this pastor, anyway? His church has cross and candles and the Stations of the Cross, which suggest a Roman Catholic building; not the sort of church Brady and his mother would attend as evangelicals (though their home has the tackiest reproduction of Da Vinci's Last Super that I have ever seen).The place, Rock Haven, far from being a place of escape became a means of finding oneself, somewhat like a pilgrimage destination where you have to travel in order to arrive back at where you started.Despite these minor niggles, this is a beautifully-produced film dealing with issues that are still live for many young people despite its being the Twenty-first century.

Kieth11 Finally! After all the time I spent wondering why there weren't any good movies that have a gay theme, then I stumbled across this movie.It's about a Christian who finds out he's gay, and that becomes a conflict between a love life, or his religion. (I know this sounded terrible, but...) I have to admit that I was surprised that I actually liked this movie, since it has no secrets, if you know what I mean, then great! If you don't, let me put it this way. You almost always know what's coming.That's all that's "bad" about the movie.What I like about it, is that it has a nice plot. Some people would rate this show pretty low, because it is kind of repetitive, but I don't mind when it's this type of movie.The thing that I like is the characters. People are really, surprisingly nice in the movie, including the priest (or whoever he is).The names for the characters, I feel could be a bit better (they aren't my favorite), but the actors were pretty good at acting and looking the part they played. The two gay people in the movie actually look gay, and look really convincing for the part.To me, this show is not that much of a drama, but it's still there, though not as strong as I usually like dramas, although you can't really make people cry for something like this (at least, I probably couldn't)

Rob Byledbal I must be one of the easily impressed as described in an earlier review. I thought this film was excellently directed and written. Coming from a Christian and conservative background, I can relate with the tension of coming to terms with absolute truths about oneself. It is difficult to reconcile blind faith with the reality of actual experience. I envy those who can define and reach that balance. This film is a rare depiction of the inner conflict so many young and not so young individuals have to deal with daily. The strength of the character Brady shows those who feel alone and isolated that their feelings are valid. I wish I could have seen this film as an adolescent. To me, this film has the potential to comfort a confused teenager in a positive and potentially lifesaving way. For me Rock Haven hit home.

ajwachter Considering the small budget this film must have had, all-in-all I found it to be a true delight. I now hold it as my second favorite after "Latter Days." Sean Hoagland turns in a masterful performance as Brady, the confused Christian lad with a heart of gold and a tortured soul. He brought the movie home for me and I found myself tearing up at the end. Sure, I wanted both of the boys to go off into the sunset hand-in-hand, but the actual ending was more realistic and illustrated the consequence of failure to be true to one's self. I can't say enough about Sean Hoagland, a truly talented young actor who completely suspended my disbelief with his performance of the naive, sweet, introverted and sad Brady - he will go far. The brief nude scene only intensified the implied love making. If the two boys were seen grinding in bed, the movie would have turned into soft-core. Instead, the act of revealing their bodies to each other in the way the two actors did told you everything you needed to know and was not gratuitous. The kissing scenes were the hottest part to me as there was real passions being expressed. In conclusion, I think it's very interesting that people seem to either love or hate this movie. Count me as one of the ones who loves it.