This is one of those typical low-budget indie gay holiday movies that probably didn't get much attention when it first dropped. It used to be called 'Red Lodge' before they changed the name. While there are a few moments of actual comedy and sweet romance tucked away in here, they’re mostly hidden under a pile of mediocre acting, weird camera angles, and some really annoying choices by the characters. On the bright side, the whole thing only lasts about an hour, so it’s a quick watch if nothing else. The plot follows Jordan and Dave, a couple who have been together for a few years. Right before Christmas, Jordan pops the question, expecting a big "Yes!" but instead, Dave basically says, "Can't we just stay the way we are?" They head off on a train to spend the holidays with Jordan's aunt, bringing along Jordan’s "sister" Lisa—who was raised by the aunt—and her boyfriend. Most of the movie is just them bickering and talking through Jorda...
Khoi, a 20 year old guy moves to the big city with dreams in his eyes. Dong, an attractive young man befriends him to share his apartment with him when he sees Khoi looking for a place. Khoi meets Lam when he goes to check out the place. Dong and Lam turn out to be boyfriends, prostates and crooks, who won and steal all of Khoi's money and clothes. Not too later, Dong also dumps Lam. Lam starts working as a prostitute again on the streets till he once again sees Khoi and brings him home with him. The two become very close and eventually becomes lovers. Khoi constantly wants Lam to leave his job because it scares him but destiny has something else in store for these 2 men. Also in parallel we have the story of mute, slightly mental middle aged guy. he is lonely and somehow attracted to a female aging prostitute. We also see how he ultimately gets fascinated by a duckling, who eventually becomes his only friend. Finally the duck brings the guy and the prostate together.
Although the movie was emotional and I was able to connect to the movie, I really failed to understand the need for 2 parallel tracks. It would have made sense if somehow the two tracks were connected, but they were not. Also, the editing was a little off. Sometimes, one track would go on for a long time, that you would completely forget about the first story which IMO was very confusing. I don't mean that either of the tracks were bad but overall either the screenplay or the editing definitely needed some modification. Actors did a good job in their respective roles. As a young Lam, who has completely given himself to destiny, we see and feel his pain. We also feel the emptiness and harsh life that the youngsters had and still have to go through sometimes. I wished the ending was happier but then I think the way Lam's character was built, something bad had to eventually happen to him.
I will now be looking for a few more Asian gay movies. Time pass. (5.5/10)
Comments