BPM (Beats per Minute)
Overview
Paris, in the early 1990s: a group of young activists is desperately tied to finding the cure against an unknown lethal disease. They target the pharmaceutical labs that are retaining potential cures, and multiply direct actions, with the hope of saving their lives as well as the ones of future generations.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
The film is set in Paris in the early 1990s, a time when the AIDS crisis was at its peak and effective treatments were scarce. It reflects the frustration and desperation of activists fighting for recognition and access to life-saving medication against a backdrop of societal indifference and pharmaceutical company profiteering. The French title, '120 battements par minute,' refers to the recommended beats per minute for CPR, symbolizing the desperate fight for survival.
- Its unflinching and realistic portrayal of AIDS activism captures the urgency and emotional intensity of the era.
- The film boasts strong performances from its ensemble cast, particularly Nahuel Pérez Biscayart and Arnaud Valois, who bring depth and nuance to their characters.
- The narrative masterfully interweaves the political struggles of ACT UP with the personal lives and relationships of its members, highlighting the human cost of the epidemic.
- The film's authentic depiction of ACT UP's strategies and internal debates offers a valuable historical record and insight into the power of grassroots activism.
Fun Facts
- Director Robin Campillo was himself an ACT UP activist during the period depicted in the film, lending a personal and authentic touch to the narrative.
- Many of the extras in the film were involved in ACT UP Paris, adding to the film's realism.
- The character Sean is based on a real ACT UP activist who eventually died of AIDS, making his on-screen death particularly moving and historically grounded.