While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

I am marking this down because it could have been so much better. Its starting scenes promise a good story but disputes are resolved seemingly without confrontation, and drama depends on confrontation. The people in this movie are too timid to confront those who should be confronted whether it's the Catholic Church or a family member. Even the direction seemed to be trying to please everyone, from its choice of score to the photography. Unnecessary scenes didn't set the mood but just added to the slowness and boredom. Maybe it got better but I couldn't finish it.

Yes, there are a few plot mistakes - such as the group intervention/"We need a place to crash" meeting - something a group email could have easily handled. But, what a lovely story of two mature gay men who have become so deeply connected over the tenure of their life together. The film includes family issues, teen struggles, gay rights issues, religious bureaucracy, art and music, socio-economic realities, and more. I cried many times and longed to grow old with my partner as these two characters have. It is rare that I get to see a love story about two older men - usually gay love stories involve young men falling in love, or maybe there is an older gay couple playing a supporting role in the far background of a mainstream film. To see Lithgow and Molina embrace so naturally and shares kisses of true companionship (and not of Hollywood lust) warms my heart and validates those of us who share a similar path. Thanks Ira Sachs!

I liked this movie for about thirty minutes after I viewed it. The performances are stunning, particularly Molina and Lithgow. But as I thought it over, the story as a whole was contrived and very thin. It is a very superficial movie which appears to be deeper because of the excellent if badly presented performances. I blame the writer/director. I won't say what, but the most important part of the story of Lithgow's and Molina's characters is simply missing - what was left out, only to be referred to in a wrenching transition, was the meat of the story and should and could have been the movie. Watch the movie for the performances, but don't bother with the story, it is a poor one - so much so that in the end, for me, dissatisfaction with the writing and directing ruined even the performances.

It's quite a long time since seeing a film so evidently intended for the thinking and a film so much of its age.While it might be easy to categorise this as a film about Gay Love, Marriage and the consequences, that would be a serious mistake as those themes are almost incidental, the important themes are much wider, the circularity of life and love, growing up, family and generations.What was interesting to me was what was NOT said or shown, like a good book you need to read between the lines.Finally a word about the score - sumptuous.Any lover of Chopin will feel the hair on the back of their necks, particularly at the final Berceuse with orchestral arrangement, which flows like the ripple of evening waves up and down a deserted beach - music at its most ...musical.