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A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Edmore, MI

And the Band Played On (1993) is a powerful, critically acclaimed HBO film based on the non-fiction bestseller by investigative journalist Randy Shilts. It chronicles the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States and the often-frustrating battle to recognize and combat the disease.

Here is a breakdown of what the movie covers:

The Plot Summary
The film begins in the late 1970s and early 80s, following Dr. Don Francis (played by Matthew Modine), an epidemiologist at the Centers… read more

May 10
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Reactions

Answer Summary

Members responded warmly to the question about the 1993 film 'And the Band Played On,' with many sharing that it still moves them to tears... Read more

Members responded warmly to the question about the 1993 film 'And the Band Played On,' with many sharing that it still moves them to tears even after multiple viewings. Several members reflected on how the film shaped their early understanding of the HIV/AIDS crisis, touching on themes of government inaction, stigma, and the human cost of delayed response, with some noting how their personal experiences with HIV later complicated what they thought they knew. A recurring theme was the continued relevance of the film today, with members drawing connections between the struggles of that era and ongoing concerns about funding, access to care, and social division around HIV.

A myHIVteam Member

Yes, that was what I knew about HIV until I became a pos. Turns out real life was nothing like the movie.

May 12
A myHIVteam Member

I think the premise of the movie would be the premise of the book; which was the unfolding of the AIDS crisis in the very late 70's. Accounting the early days, when we knew nearly nothing of why gay men were dying of a cluster of rare diseases. Then the resistance of our government to acknowledge that it was a problem; as it was perceived as a solution to the gay rights movement.

May 11
A myHIVteam Member

It still makes me cry. Our social studies teacher played the movie, but then berated the hell out of it many years ago! One of the great films of the era shedding light on many things from that era.

May 10
A myHIVteam Member

I love Rent better though...

May 14
A myHIVteam Member

Yes, I watched it several times and cried every time.

May 14

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