Watch Another Country

Another Country from 1984 is a movie about two students, Guy Bennett and Tommy Judd, at a British public school in the early 1930s. Guy Bennett, played by Rupert Everett, is a popular and charming student who is also openly gay. Tommy Judd, played by Colin Firth, is a Marxist who is vocal about his political views and is not very popular with his classmates. The two develop a complicated friendship as they navigate through school life and their personal beliefs.

The movie starts with a flashback of Guy Bennett as a successful and wealthy writer living in Moscow in the 1980s. We then see a young Guy in his school dormitory room with his friend, James Harcourt, discussing their future plans after graduating. James wants to join the army and fight for his country while Guy is more interested in pursuing his writing and escaping the conservative society of England. Guy's life takes a turn when his roommate, Barclay, is caught in a sexual act with another boy and is expelled from the school.

The school authorities then launch an investigation to find out who was involved in homosexuality. Guy, who has a reputation for being gay, is questioned by the headmaster but is not expelled. At this point, Tommy Judd comes to Guy's aid by arguing that homosexuality is a natural occurrence and not a punishable offense. Guy is grateful for Tommy's help, and they become friends. However, their friendship is tested by their differences in political views and their approach to life.

As tensions rise in the school, Guy starts to question his privileged upbringing and the class system in which he exists. He starts to gravitate towards Tommy's Marxist ideology and eventually joins him in a political protest against the school. The school authorities deal with the protest harshly, leading to a tragic event that changes the course of the lives of all the students involved.

Another Country explores the themes of class, sexuality, power, and politics in a captivating and nuanced way. The movie portrays the consequences of rigid societal norms and the struggle for personal freedom in a conservative society. The relationship between Guy and Tommy is at the heart of the movie, showing that even people with opposite beliefs can connect on a personal level.

The movie is set in the beautiful English countryside and is stunningly shot. The costumes and production design transport the audience to the 1930s, making it a visual delight. The performances of the cast are exceptional, with Rupert Everett delivering a standout performance as Guy Bennett. Colin Firth's portrayal of Tommy Judd is equally impressive, with his conviction and passion for his beliefs shining through.

Overall, Another Country is a powerful movie that challenges societal norms and explores the complexities of human relationships. The movie ends with an unforgettable quote from Guy Bennett: "We're always pretending to be something we're not, aren't we? I mean, we're not for each other, are we, Tommy? You're Marxist, and I'm not. You're class-conscious; I'm not. I'm a homosexualist, and you're not. We're just dancing on the edge of a volcano, that's all." This quote encapsulates the central theme of the movie, that even when we are different, we are still human and susceptible to the same emotions and desires.

Another Country is a 1984 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.