Why Thee Wed?
Moments after a monumental court victory, two men make history outside of a Vancouver courthouse. They're the first same-sex couple to marry in British Columbia. Since then, many others have said 'I do' with pride. Gay and lesbian marriages are out of the closet! In 2003, British Columbia became the second Canadian province to recognize same-sex marriage. Filmmaker Cal Garingan looks beyond the headlines and introduces the eight couples who challenged the law in court. Why did they plunge into a scorching debate that meant their lives would be publicly judged? What does it mean to them to exchange marriage vows? Against the backdrop of playful weddings and heated protests, the couples ponder questions of love, family, faith and politics. Joy and Jane, who come from previous marriages, reflect on the significance of introducing each other as 'wife'. Bob and Lloyd ask if religious opposition means they must choose between God and their sexuality. Murray and Peter discuss why some people fear same-sex marriage, while Dave and Shane fought simply to have the choice. Garingan deftly intercuts colourful footage with commentary from the couples, their families and lawyer. The film also features acclaimed lesbian writer and activist Jane Rule - who disagrees with the focus on same-sex marriage rights - in a provocative conversation with some of the BC litigants. As controversy swirls around this issue worldwide, Why Thee Wed? offers surprising and diverse perspectives on what it means for gay and lesbian couples to walk down the aisle.
Why Thee Wed? — moviesda Movie Details, Country, Release Date, and More
| Release Date | 2005-05-28 |
|---|---|
| Country | CA |
| Languages | en |
| Interests | Documentary |
| Genres | Documentary |
| Production | National Film Board of Canada (NFB) |
Why Thee Wed? — moviesda Movie
Why Thee Wed? brings together elements of Documentary, delivering a captivating and immersive experience. Directed by an accomplished director with a screenplay by a talented writing team, it weaves a compelling story that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. Produced by National Film Board of Canada (NFB) and presented by moviesda, the movie brings a fresh perspective to the genre. Released on 2005-05-28, with a runtime of 51, it unfolds as a gripping narrative filled with memorable performances and stunning visuals. With a budget of an undisclosed budget, the movie has earned undisclosed box office results, reflecting its impact on audiences. Now officially released, it continues to leave a mark, carrying the tagline:
No official tagline announced yet.
Why Thee Wed? — moviesda Movie Review – A Cinematic Masterpiece That Stands the Test of Time
"Why Thee Wed?" is a poignant documentary that captures a pivotal moment in Canadian history with grace and depth. Directed by Cal Garingan, the film introduces us to the eight courageous couples who took their fight for love and equality to the courts, forever changing the landscape of marriage in British Columbia. Garingan's direction shines as he weaves personal narratives with the broader societal implications of their struggle, offering viewers a multifaceted perspective on the challenges and triumphs faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
The pacing is expertly handled, allowing moments of joy from colorful wedding footage to linger alongside the weight of heated protests and solemn reflections. The candid interviews provide a powerful insight into the emotional significance of marriage vows, as couples like Joy and Jane, and Bob and Lloyd, grapple with their identities against a backdrop of societal judgment and religious opposition.
The film also features thought-provoking commentary from activist Jane Rule, who challenges the singular focus on marriage rights, enriching the dialogue around love, family, and politics. Overall, "Why Thee Wed?" is a compelling exploration of love's resilience, making it both a celebration and a call to action.
Score: 8.5/10.