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The Normal Heart
2014 133 min United States of America 18+
★8.1
Drama
Director: Ryan Murphy
🎭 Based on
«The Normal Heart»
byLarry Kramer
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
The story of the onset of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City in the early 1980s, taking an unflinching look at the nation's sexual politics as gay activists and their allies in the medical community fight to expose the truth about the burgeoning epidemic to a city and nation in denial.
Starring
Mark Ruffalo
Actor
Jonathan Groff
Actor
Frank De Julio
Actor
Awards
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2015
— Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Golden Globe 2015
— Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Emmy Awards 2014
— Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Golden Globe 2015
— Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Emmy Awards 2014
— Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Golden Globe 2015
— Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Golden Globe 2015
— Best Miniseries or TV Movie
Emmy Awards 2014
— Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Key opinion
The Normal Heart is widely regarded as a deeply moving and raw portrayal of the early AIDS epidemic, praised for its visceral emotional impact and strong ensemble cast. While the majority of viewers find it a powerful and necessary piece of historical storytelling, a minority criticizes the screenplay for leaning into melodrama and failing to provide sufficient depth.
| Acting | The ensemble cast, particularly Matt Bomer and Taylor Kitsch, delivers deeply convicted performances that capture the humanity of a marginalized community. | |
| Emotion | The film succeeds as a harrowing, emotionally draining experience that effectively conveys the urgency of the AIDS crisis and the tragedy of societal indifference. | |
| Direction | Ryan Murphy's direction transforms a political story into a personal, intimate narrative that avoids becoming a mere formal lecture on tolerance. | |
| Acting | Mark Ruffalo's performance as Ned is a focal point of intense debate: many see it as a transformative and anchoring portrayal, while others find it uneven or unconvincing. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the screenplay are polarized: supporters praise its bold and uncomfortable honesty, while detractors condemn it as a collection of melodramatic, superficial tropes that lack character development. |