i have just watch this film a part of film 4 british connection . i felt this film be an excellent exploration of homosexuality in the heart of middle class britain . i live close to the film location basingstoke when this be make and be the same age ( give or take a year ) a the main character and stephen . whilst never be a confident in my sexuality a stephen and i really connect with the story tell and his relationship with his parent and the scatter shot but inadvertently appropriate use of homophobic abuse by the bully . also think the excellent flash of dialogue uplift the film such a whenever i see that badge ( head boy ) i wish it be an invitation . priceless . the performance be almost perfect through out ( i be a little unconvinced by jon the head boy to begin with but warm to him hugely a the film and love story progress . ) the cinematography be suitably understated and this be not the most cinematic film ever shot and which i feel help with the realism . some of the symbolism be quite fantastic and especially the closing shot and which i wont spoil . i find it to be a much more recognisable film for me than brokeback mountain and not to that film detriment and it be a masterpiece but i may feel close to this because i have regularly be to the odean in basingstoke and but have never herd sheep on a snowy mountainside with jake gyllenhall . it be a simple effective narrative about a subject close to my heart and i recommend it highly .