Big Eden (2001)

65% of critics liked it
(51 reviews)
79% of users liked it
(3,625 ratings)

Arye Gross plays an up-and-coming artist who foregoes the convenience of big-city life for the charms of Montana in this drama, writer-director Thomas Bezucha's debut feature. On the eve of his first show at the Whitney Museum, Henry (Gross) hears news that his grandfather back home has had a… More Arye Gross plays an up-and-coming artist who foregoes the convenience of big-city life for the charms of Montana in this drama, writer-director Thomas Bezucha's debut feature. On the eve of his first show at the Whitney Museum, Henry (Gross) hears news that his grandfather back home has had a stroke. Upon returning to his idyllic birthplace, however, Henry realizes that the old man isn't the only thing he has to tend to: There's the semi-closeted issue of his sexuality, which he longs to reveal to his clan -- as well as to his old high-school crush, Dean (Tim DeKay). Amidst all the angst, Henry fails to notice the advances of the sensitive Pike (Eric Schweig), an espresso-brewing outdoorsman who owns the town's general store and cooks meals for the stroke-addled grandpa Sam (George Coe). ~ Michael Hastings, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Thomas Bezucha
Written By: Thomas Bezucha
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 1, 2001 Limited
On DVD: Apr 30, 2002
Studio: Jour de Fete Films

Critic Reviews

Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
Too concerned with being quirky and endearing and soon runs out of local charm.
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
Other than this gay-friendly gimmick, Bezucha's plot is as hoary as they come.
Rita Kempley, Washington Post
Echoes the mellow sensibilities of the TV series Northern Exposure.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
Personally, I found it irresistible -- not great, but definitely irresistible -- and I certainly enjoyed the company of these caring, enlightened people.
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer
Gross doesn't have the spark of a star, and most everyone else seems to hail straight from central casting.
Susan Walker, Toronto Star
It is annoyingly preposterous, corny where it could be comedic, sappy where it could be uplifting.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Um belo elenco em uma fantasia açucaradamente otimista que, criada pelo diretor-roteirista Bezucha, é um sonho de respeito de tolerância. E, por isso mesmo, agradável de assistir.
John Esther, Pasadena Weekly
Lackluster at 24 frames per second, Writer/Director Thomas Bezucha's debut film, "Big Eden" is another love story about falling in love with the wrong guy, all the while not realizing the right guy is in love with you.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
Big Eden focuses on relationships and creates a feel good fable that you won't find in ordinary Montana life.
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press
The characterizations are nifty, but writer/director Thomas Bezucha's stodgy direction holds the story back; there's often a sense that the camera is missing the actors' best work.
Ted Murphy, Baseline.Hollywood.com
... an innocuous fable about learning how to open oneself up to life's possibilities ...
Mack Bates, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
In an age when self-acceptance and taking a hold of one's destiny is more relevant than ever, Big Eden may be the right inspirational movie for our evolving times.
Jeff Vice, Deseret News, Salt Lake City
Surely one of the most genuinely sweet-natured movies around.
Brad Haynes, Orlando Weekly
Without any true motivation for this love to develop, it's hard to truly believe Bezucha's gay fairy tale.

Read all 14 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Sunil J

I kinda love this movie. I liked that just because it envolves a gay man, the whole movie didn't have to dumb itself down or overwhelm itself with having to be a gay movie. His grandfather has a heart attack and so he goes back home. It's not stereotypical and I genuinely… More
I kinda love this movie. I liked that just because it envolves a gay man, the whole movie didn't have to dumb itself down or overwhelm itself with having to be a gay movie. His grandfather has a heart attack and so he goes back home. It's not stereotypical and I genuinely enjoyed that as a movie. They also avoided stereotypes about small towns which you almost never see! A nice, well-made movie.