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The film opens with a rendition of my favorite song from this musical, "Seasons of Love." The film begins with the cast members angrily inquiring in a belting rock ensemble how they are going to pay last year's rent. The film is set in December of 1989 in the East Village of New York. The film proudly highlights New York's 1989 recession as well declines in mortality in rich and poor neighborhoods, and inequalities.

Mark is a filmmaker, who was recently dumped by Maureen and Roger's roommate. Maureen is a bisexual performance artist, and is currently dating Joanne. Joanne is a lawyer from Harvard. While Roger is a rock musician who has contracted HIV. He also has a romantic interest for Mimi. Mimi is an exotic dancer with the HIV virus who has an interest in Roger. Tom is a gay philosophy professor and an AIDS victim. He previously lived with Maureen, Roger, Mark, and Benny. Angel is a gay cross dresser and street musician who is in love with Tom. Angel also has the AIDS virus, and Benny is the apartment landlord.

Certain parts are harder to interpret without context; but the plot lies in the lyrics. The rich, rock ensembles empower the film as it explores problems of love, rejection, learning, bohemian culture and the effect of the HIV/AIDS virus. Unlike most musicals it sings the stories of the oppressed, and highlights a difficult time within New York City. The original musical is a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner celebrated by countercultures, subcultures, and artists

7.3/10
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