Vito

This film is about the life of Vito Russo, an American gay activist who was on the forefront of the gay liberation movement back in the 1980's.

"Vito" tells the life of a man who felt social injustice and oppression, and acts against the tide. With numerous interviews of people close to Vito including his relatives, it vividly portrays what his life was like. The archive footage of the man himself adds depth to the already interesting interviews. I particularly like the coverage on the gay characters in the early days of cinema, these eye opening scenes would otherwise never be seen. The AIDS part is a truly moving portrayal of personal journeys and the societal political climate back then. It appears that everyone in the cinema was moved to tears. I was so engrossed by the film, and I felt the power of the film resonating in the cinema.

As the film pointed out, Vito passed down the history of the gay liberation movement to the new members of the political groups in the last days of his life. This film helps to pass the torch to younger generations. If not for the forerunners who laid down the path, life would have been so different now. I hope "Vito" would inspire people to fight against injustice and oppression.