And the Band Played On

Audience Reviews

View More

Han M Oct 31, 2018 This may be a TV movie, sure. But don't let the format fool you -- as far as exhaustive, blow-by-blow docudramas are concerned, this is amongst the better margin. And as far as docudramas concerning the origin, discovery, and discussion surrounding AIDS are concerned, there really isn't any other that comes to mind that's as emotionally resonant as it is journalistically adept. It's simply a must-watch for anyone with questions or skepticism regarding any element of the AIDS epidemic, and a compelling film altogether. See more

Hermione S Jul 29, 2018 The book's better but still very much worth watching. I've always been fascinated by the role greed played in the AIDS epidemic. Republicans didn't want to waste money on a "gay" disease. Neither did closet queen New York mayor Ed Koch or liberal New York Gov. Mario Cuomo. Democrats thought AIDS was a loser issue to raise money on. The gay bathhouses, which were mostly Mafia run, bought off politicians and the gay media. Scientists cared more about getting fame and fortune than sharing information. The blood bank industry insisted there was no problem. The mainstream media ignored AIDS because it was seen as too gay. The world itself didn't even wake up to AIDS until rich white people started getting it. See more

Albus S Jul 3, 2017 At its worst, this HBO movie is a dated but solid historical, procedural drama. At its best, it's a powerful, Sorkin-esque walkie-talkie about a time when human beings (who happen to be gay) weren't treated as human beings, but as a plague. Deathly serious, but peppered with great touches of natural humor, and boasted by an endlessly impressive cast, it may be homework, but it's not boring. See more

Poe R Jun 29, 2017 A good dramatized version of the development of the HIV testing and discovery. I had seen some of the documentaries that came out in the mid 2000's that gave me knowledge of the story ahead of time. A star studded cast that performed well. Some of the music was off putting for me. Good movie. See more

Leia W Apr 29, 2017 An incredibly powerful and moving film, made all the more heartbreaking by the fact it is based on what actually happened. I thought I had made it through to the end without reaching for the tissues, but the montage of famous faces who all lost the fight against the disease, and the haunting *The last song* by Elton John played and sang over it finished me off. See more

Read all reviews

And the Band Played On

My Rating

Read More Read Less WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW POST RATING