Maurice: Bravely living with love or settled with status?

It is unpretentious to say that Maurice (1987) is one of the classics when it comes to LGBT films in general and gays in particular. Set in England in the early 20th century, when homosexuality was still considered pathological, Maurice portrays a beautiful but tumultuous love affair between two sons of the aristocratic class. Above all, the film is also a pent-up journey and struggle to be true to oneself and when the final scene closes, viewers are forced to ponder that when standing between love and status, how do people decide?

*Articles with spoilers

Main story

Maurice's two protagonists, Maurice Hall and Clive Durham, met while studying together at the old Cambridge University. It was also here that Clive first confessed his feelings for Maurice and the two fell in love in secret. At Clive's insistence, the relationship between the two is simply a pure, pure, and sexless love. Later, under pressure from his family and wanting to preserve his status, Clive broke up with Maurice to marry a girl named Anne Woods and settle down. As for Maurice, he had to go through painful loneliness for a long time before he found the true love of his life: Alec Scudder - the forest keeper of the Clive family. With a duration of more than 2 hours, Maurice is sure to satisfy viewers with the burning but also turbulent love moments between the main characters. The most valuable lesson that the film gives the audience is that all of us have the right to love and be loved no matter who you are, to have the courage to stay true to yourself and live with the person you have your heart for.

Maurice Hall: Intense desire for true love

Maurice not only captivated the audience with his handsome looks and blond hair, but also because of his personality and soul. In Maurice there is a kind, gentle expression that you can hardly find in another son. That kindness is even more evident when he is around Clive, whether it is when the two hug or when Clive suddenly faints and falls ill. It can be said that every event or turning point in Clive's life was witnessed by Maurice. For Maurice, Clive was his everything, his reason for life. He always gave Clive all the care and patience even when Clive said hurtful words to him. It's hard to forget Maurice's bright smile when he sees Clive and his hurried look as he runs home in time to say goodbye to his love. Pain strikes Maurice when Clive breaks up with him. He tried to hold on to Clive in shock and then accidentally caused a scuffle "That's it. What are you going to be like? I'm going to die." However, Clive coldly slammed the door in front of him, ending their love. Maurice's life after that was a series of boring and miserable days. Maurice always shows everyone that he is normal, but deep down, he seems to be suffocated by love and not being true to himself. His pain and fatigue dissipated when he met Alec Scudder. It is Alec who is the answer, the salvation of Maurice's withering soul.

Clive Durham: Only love is not enough

There will be many of you who dislike Clive because of his cold, heartless personality, thinking only of himself and abandoning others. But if put in the context at that time, how many people were willing to give up their careers, reviled by everyone around them to chase love? Beset by toxic stereotypes, Clive's choice is safe for herself but also causes pain to Maurice. Clive's love for Maurice is sincere but that love is not strong enough for him to give it all up. Sau khi cưới Anne, anh vẫn giữ xem Maurice là bạn và thường xuyên mời Maurice tới nhà. After marrying Anne, he still considers Maurice a friend and regularly invites Maurice to his house. Eventually, when he heard that Maurice was going with Alec, Clive was initially calm because he thought he could keep Maurice by his side as before, but this time, Maurice insisted, "I will always be yours until I die if you will keep me even once." Clive knew he had lost Maurice forever, even when he was with Anne, the only figure he remembered was Maurice.

Alec Scudder: Living freely in spite of the grim society

Alec is the figure that many people aspire to be whether in that century or today. Although the appearance time is relatively short, Alec has impressed viewers with his nimbleness and free and liberal lifestyle. Alec was so bold that he used the stairs to climb to Maurice's room and sleep with him while he was at Clive's house. Alec does not have a prosperous family, all he has is love for Maurice and he is willing to risk his future even if he is not sure what to live with his beloved. "From now on, we will not be separated."

Meticulous costumes, brilliant backdrop

For followers of the classic style, you definitely cannot ignore Maurice. The film recreates England in the early 20th century with European shirts, giles and pants. Each costume worn by the characters has the breath of the era, making you feel like you are immersed in the context at that time. The feat of the crew is also reflected in the choice of setting and shooting location. Ancient buildings, door frames, objects are designed in classical architecture that fascinates viewers.

The cast with great acting

Although we have not appeared in public for a long time, when talking about Maurice, we cannot forget the trio of James Wilby, Hugh Grant and Rupert Graves. All three of them excelled in their roles, contributing to bringing the character closer to the audience. I really admired and sincerely thanked your contribution to world cinema.

*Note: the line "I will always be yours until I die if you will keep me even once" is only in the uncut version.

(Photo credit: collectibles)