Stunning. A film I will keep coming back to.

Rating: 10/10 (4 January 2019)

Firstly, I read the book as a result of a bad review it had been given and was intrigued to see why it was getting so many divided opinions. Obsessed with it, I then watched the movie keeping my expectations low as I knew there were parts of the story that wouldn't translate well on screen (Most of the book is told through Elio's thoughts & fantasies), especially as it is a small independent film.
However, I was sat stunned for several minutes after the end credits rolled, crying uncontrollably, yet happy and left feeing like this movie cast a spell on me, esp the final moments. This is the best depiction of love and nostalgia I've seen on screen that I felt throughout. There is nothing corny, there is no silly villian. It is at times incredibly poignant, erotic and the chemistry seemed so real that I forgot I was watching a movie. The scenery is stunning and sets the tone to the story. Timothy and Armie really do bring these characters to life in a way I never thought possible, they deserve all the recognition. Some complain there wasn't enough sexuality explored, others complain there was just too much of it. Bore off. Yes it's slow at times, but I can deal with that. As for the lack of solid plot, the characters compensate for that by giving the performances of a lifetime. It's no surprise that Luca wants to make a sequel (of which I'm still in two opinions on).
The only other thing I'll add on the apparently controversial age gap is that just because you disagree with some national laws on consent, doesn't make it immoral on all levels. This is one of those things that will always have divided opinions but it's not Luca and Andre's responsibility to provide everyone an idea of what is or isn't right in everyone's eyes.
Whether people enjoyed this or not, it seems that almost everyone agreed that the father's monologue makes the story the masterpiece that it is. Do yourself a favour and watch it. This is far better than what actually won the best picture. Way better. Thank goodness someone gave it a bad review otherwise I would never have discovered it. I watched it twice in two days. See it for yourself.