A creative and intriguing look at live in East LA as the name suggests - it opens with what can only be described as a mouth-watering twist. It rapidly develops into a great tale about a young gay man of Latin origin trying to cope with his sexuality and trying to build a life with a significant other.
The main character is well etched out and well-acted - but there are some show stealing moments from supporting casstmates - his over the top aunt, the Hispani, narrowminded, dog-walking, gayhating chef and the bigotted overly camp gay neighbour!
This is a beautifully directed and played out film, very much in the same vein as 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'The Notebook'. The performances are superb, the soundtrack pitch perfect, and the final scene will bowl you over. The sex scenes are handled with great sensitivity, you can tell that this is a film directed by a woman. Its surprising that not many people have seen it. Perhaps because of the sapphic subject matter there wasn't much confidence in giving it a wide release, for worry that it would shock a lot of audiences. However, it has stood the test of time and become a cult classic of sorts. Ultimately, it is a tale about young love and the tragedy that can result when it is no longer mutual. I could watch this film over and over again.
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I thought I am going to regret this after seeing the two reviews here but it is not that bad, really. Jay Brannan looks pretty d**n hot too
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This is a wonderful film about a nun who escapes from her convent to spend a weekend by the sea with her long-lost brother, his boyfriend, and a handsome painter she meets along the way.
The beautiful Normandy locations serve as a perfect backdrop to the sweet narrative that intertwines between these likeable characters. A sterling performance from Sophie Quinton, and eye candy is provided by Nicholas Duvauchelle (Trouble Every Day, Hell, Inside) and Clement Sibony (Osmosis).
This is a good-natured film that is perfect for a night in with a bottle of wine, and I can't understand why it didnt get a cinema release. We need more films like this instead of the down and dreary arthouse films (no bad thing, but in moderation ... Read More:
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It took a while for me to get into the characters in this - it seemed a bit unfocussed to begin with but as the wedding looms and the characters get together and start getting mixed up with each other the film became really enjoyable and there were a lot of laugh-out-loud scenes and lines. I thought it was going to be a disappointing film but by the end was really enjoying it and loved the ending.
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(Alternate title for this review: "Thank god for espresso machines that make you take your clothes off.")---(Wait; how about one more alternate: "And when you pick up a guy, how do YOU get the conversation started? Why, ask him his astrological sign, of course. Works every time---don't believe me; just check with Steven and Karsten!).
((Here is my approach to obtaining/viewing/reviewing Gay tales in film form. Simply, it's seeking the holy grail of that genre, or looking for the "Addictive Film"---that movie one returns to time and again). Selection/purchase is based mainly on finding new releases by favorite directors/screenwriters and your comments/reviews at various on-line sites. Sometimes I feel correctly steered ... Read More:
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The plot is beleivable which makes a change. Big Brother is with us and the outcome of his early actions is predictable and scary for gay guys in these situations. Worth watching more than one time.
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Aureaus Solito's film about a 12 year old boy Maxi Oliveros (Nathan Lopez) is an emotive and charming drama about the highs and lows of a first love. Maxi is growing up in the slums of Manila among the detruitus of the big city, and despite his age has taken on the role of surrogate mother for his father (Soliman Cruz) and two brothers, all petty criminals lording it over their neighbourhood. Maxi cooks, cleans, washes clothes and sows - but does not go to school. Bring in the new policeman on the block, a gentle and charming young man called Victor (J R Valentine) and Maxi's little world is turned upside down with his first pangs of love and the exploration of his own sexuality.
A nice little film, where the film-makers heart is in the right place. Ok he didn't have much any money to turn this into a splashy, glossy, bodies being photoshop frame by frame, look beyond that and just enjoy it the spur of the moment. I did.
Aren't you bored of coming of age and coming out films that's full of cliches being release lately.
The surfer, Midget, his mad aunt and her niece reminds me of great expectations. Such a laugh!
Tan Lines will tickle you from down under.
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