Alive and Kicking boasts the most intense, sharply drawn characters in recent memory. The heartfelt performances of Sher and Flemyng fuel the passion that burns in Sherman's script. Tonio's an HIV-positive, moody artist who refuses treatment as long as he can still dance. Jack counsels HIV-positive patients and has begun to show signs that the job is wearing on him. The film's stature stems from its painfully honest portrayal of the stormy relationship.
Few films go to the emotional depths that Alive and Kicking explores.