Movie Reviews -
Gay Themed

‘My Sweetheart Jom’ is essentially a light comedy, featuring caricature-like villains and a slow-burn love story, with the community spirit and the silly shenanigans of its younger characters driving the plot forward. Despite its occasional charm and two very charming leads, the show tries to juggle too many plots all at once and letting some of the down. It feels like the show was supposed to be your classic love story, but some plots were introduced, some characters were forgotten, while the episodes duration kept getting stretched. The show has 12 episodes and each episode is like 75 to 90 minutes and a couple of them even longer. There is a lot going on here and s much of it could have been easily edited out. City boy Yo, who is now 19, did not finish 12th grade because of some drama. His girlfriend was also being pursued by a politicians son and they have a fight, so his parents send him to a rural village as an ultimatum to finish his high school. If he doesn't do that, he do...

This beautiful film started off really well and I was quite into it, but somehow the second half felt quite disconnected, almost as if two different film makers had made the film. An honest depiction of teenage sexuality, the film is about coming out story of a 17-year old, overcoming bullying and a hate crime to find happiness and self-acceptance. The film doesn't specify the time period, but lack of phones and chat style on computer suggest that this was likely set in the 90s when the times were very different. Leo, a handsome Greek-Italian teenager lives with his parents and younger brother. His best mate is Boof and they are quite close doing all silly things together. Leo is sort of rushed into dating Monique, a girl from the class who really likes him and whose best friend is also Boof's girlfriend. But Leo can’t stop himself from stealing glances at red-headed Tom, a buddy of his younger brother. At a house party, when Leo is unable to have sex with Mo, he just goes out ...

This series may have the most simple and basic storyline we have seen in BL's but it still does feel like a warm cozy hug. The cinematography, The lush greenery, the rainfall and the beautiful chemistry between the two boys was amazing. The show is just 7 episodes of average 15 minutes and then 14 bonus episodes of approximately 5 minutes each. We will talk more details once we summarize the story. Xiaozhi is asked by his older brother to spend a few weeks at a summer camp to monitor children on an island that produces lychee fruit. He is a boyishly handsome young man, who is also interested in art and philosophy. He is roomed with a friend of his brother and about the same age as his brother. Chen Li, handsome and helpful, takes a liking to Xiaozhi and immediately the two of them become close friends. Both take separate soul-searching journeys that intercept and intertwine with one another leading to only one inevitable course. The two spend a lot of time in the camp just being th...

Adapted from a Japanese manga, this apparently toned down version, is a quintessential love story in my opinion. What lengths would you go to when challenges come in between love and your work and how do you balance the two is wonderfully shown in this series. Subtextually there is a lot going on in the series (base din the film world showing all kinds of differences, and rivalries), the show tries to remain focused more on the love, which can be good or bad. With 11 episodes, each of about 45-55 minutes, the shows ends teasing us the possibility of a second season. Akin is a famous star actor and a celebrity. He has winning the sexiest man award for few years in a row and is trembly popular. Enter Jin, a newbie whose first small role is with Akin. He is a wooden actor but after giving a few bad shots, Akin gives him some tips and soon he is nailing the scene. Their first show gets popular and soon the duo are cast together in a historical adaptation. This is where the love story betwe...

Netherland-based queer drama Out is about two young boys in love and how their lives change when they move out of their conservative hometown to live the glitzy gay life in Amsterdam. I would say this film is extremely relatable. What does being in love for two men mean in the quiet rural life v/s city? What does liberation mean for them? Capturing the recklessness of youth and the excitement of newfound sexual liberties in sensuous black-and-white cinematography, Out offers up a vivid and tender tale of being young and gay. Tom ( a budding film maker) and Ajani (we are not surely told what is he studying) are closeted secondary school sweethearts who yearn for life outside of their small-minded, rural community in the Netherlands. While Ajani comes out to his family, Tom's family is different. Plus he is very sure that he is bisexual and keeps reminding himself and other. When They both get accepted in school in Amsterdam, their excitement knows no bound. Ajani is excited because ...

This film is a story of a 16 year old young teen who is suffering, is lonely, prone to self-harm and worse. This story of our protagonist doesn't give us much data on what bruises or tragedy from childhood pr past he is carrying with him and the way one summer unfolds takes him into a vortex of degradation, humiliation and masochism which hurts just to watch it. Tobias is a young 16-ish year old introverted young man who loves skateboarding and is eager for love. His mother doesn’t have time for him,  so she sends him to spend the summer with his out-of-town grandparents. His grandfather is a glassmaker who teaches his grandson the basics of the profession; his grandmother has dementia, but she gives the boy the little affection his parents fail to provide. When granny's health takes for worse, he goes off for few days to his father's place but he is also busy with his new family and has been equally absent. The summer days seem to drag on forever; there’s nothing to do in ...

This nice little film is a subtle, but sharp dissection of family dynamics. The film feels like a carefully directed ping-pong match between family members, in which everyday life unexpectedly sets up as an obstacle which can threaten the happy existence of the family. The scenario, although seemingly simple, exposes layers that are about love, loyalty and the fragile balance within a family. I quite enjoyed this film. The film starts with Teen Tommy just having graduated, but sadly has also been dumped by his boyfriend and is struggling with the pain of heartbreak. His father, is well intentioned but unable to provide emotional support. His mother supports him unconditionally. When Tommy starts to work with his father Rin his workshop, he accidentally discovers email chain between his father and another man, clearly indicating a gay affair between the two. The young boy doesn't know what to do. Gathering courage, he asks his father about this, who tells him that this man was someo...

The series Blur tells the story of a close group of friends formed during high school. But what happens after graduation? As their lives change, so do they, and so do the dynamics between them. Will they let go or stick together? The first season had 8 episodes of 35 min each. It I snot really a gay show, but there is a queer relationship quite prominent in the initial part of the overall story and again later, so I think it qualifies to be reviewed here. This is the story of Tommy, Tuur, Femke, Rune, Manon, Joren and Julie, a close group of friends that emerged during high school. Their group is called "Pigs". After graduation, as they spread their wings and get to know themselves better, how will the multiple events affect their life and their interactions with others. Manon and Joren are twin brother-sister. Julie is Manon's best friend dating her brother Joren for 4 years. Rune is the gay guy (more like gender fluid , in my opinion) of the group, who is spending more ...

This Korean BL series delves into an interesting world of passion as three suitors vie for the heart of a man named Daon. Sadly, the very definition of relationships seems to spell disaster for him. He was constantly played, dictated and his boundaries were pushed; simply because they couldn’t stand seeing with someone else. The story is quite intriguing I must say, especially as the layers peel. But it is also a bit confusing and convoluted at the same time. The show has 8 episodes, each of 35-40 minutes (which is quite a contrast from other regular Korean BL content). Told us through a few flashbacks, here is what I understood of the story. Daon works in a an office, and he is good friends with a college professor who he has known from college. This college professor is Mr Too Goody shoes and takes care of Daon a lot to an obsessive extent where he even gives money to his abusive father. Slowly Daon starts to get feelings for him, but when he confesses his feelings, the professor guy...

“What About Me?” is a bold, short-form dark comedy series about queer grief, identity and Hollywood absurdity. Its 6 episodes each roughly about 10 minutes premiered on YouTube and is a rollercoaster of emotions navigating between grief, depression, comedy, family absurdity; while the story itself felt both relatable but absurd and silly. It's a short form but production was top notch and so was acting and direction. The story starts with a funeral of Jake, whose sister Jill is giving the speech. We are introduced to Josh at the same time, sitting in a toilet cubicle, browsing a gay hook up app. Turns out Josh and Jake were twins, with vastly different lives. Jake was straight, a famous Hollywood actor; while Josh is gay and a bakery supervisor. With Jake passing away now, every family member including mother, grandma, sister and most importantly his shadow, his twin brother Josh would need to confront their unresolved feelings - all while grieving. The sister finds out she is preg...

This gay film has a lot that it unpacks. Tackling with the deep themes, such as budding love, the unsaid, the complexity of adolescence and the cruelty of bullying, the film is an interesting take. Set in two different timelines, the film is set in early 2000's with taking a flashback into the summer of 1983 when the two protagonists Paul and Joseph met. The sensitivity with which the sincere portrait of adolescence is drawn up in the first part and the reunion 20 years later of Paul and Joseph having made their adult life a vibrant, this touching story remains intact in their relationship despite the vagaries of life. On his wedding day, Paul's very pregnant wife surprises him by inviting an old friend of his Joseph, whom he hasn't seen for almost 20 years. With the burning memories of their meeting that summer of 1983, Paul is overwhelmed by doubts about the choices of a lifetime and the emotions of this forbidden relationship. Back in 1983, we see Paul was a shy teenager...

It seems like everyone is loving this show and is going almost crazy about it. We will get to what I think, a bit later. But I do have to say that the makers have really taken the production quality quite a few steps high with this show. The cinematography and visuals are top tier, they have focused on music and choreography (given the central theme is about 5 boys in a band) and have not taken any thing lightly. I am not sure of any of the actors are real life singers as well, but I am going to try to review this series as objectively as possible. The show is 13 episodes and thankfully all episodes are about 45 minutes, which was a welcome change after the last few shows which all seem to be hovering at about an hour duration each. Po, a young photographer is lost in life. His ex used him, draining his talent and then left him. He does odd jobs here and there to keep afloat. So when a friend offers him a dream job—capturing the final moments of the beloved T-pop band MARS before they ...

Firstly I wouldn't call this a typical BL story. It felt more of a coming of age story than romance per say, but clearly the feelings of the two men that they had for each other was extremely string and in thier own ways they learn a thing or two from one another. Not every love is a forever love. They both knew at the beginning of their relationship that it wasn't going anywhere, so better not to really start. Also considering their ages, I think it was a good ending that left room for future possibilities. Also man, what a wonderful location and cinematography. The series is almost entirely shot in a national park, the trees, waterfall, animals and the whole environment is just so serene and calming. Plus the show had elephants, so I was already sold. With 7 episodes of about 50 minutes averaging each, it was a pleasant watch. Just don't expect a full on romance here please.  Fifa, is a young charming boy who has always wanted to go to Japan for further studies. He has be...

4 bite size love stories is what this anthology series is all about. Spanning eight episodes in total, each story unfolds across two episodes, each around 10-14 minutes. Keep your expectations low, since these stories are simple, fluffy, and cozy romantic. An easy breezy watch overall, with just enough time spent to capture the vibe and give away those warm fuzzy feelings without dragging things out. Riding a Bicycle - This is the quintessential ‘friends to lovers’ tale. Two friends have just finished school and are looking forward to university life at different places. The two friends spend the night and next morning together, cycling along the Han River and it's pretty obvious they are smitten with each other and want to be more than friends. This one feels like a slice of life captured in soft light, no big declarations, just two adorable friends slowly leaning into something more. I loved all of the caring and sweet moments. The actors were very cute. I would gave preferred t...

The practice of conversion and aversion therapies marks a very dark chapter in the gay history. Surgical, chemical and electrical experiments being carried out on gay men held in psychiatric institutions with the intention to alter their sexual orientation. One such historical piece is shown in this film, showing some of these traumatic practices and the impact it had on people, setting his film in the Britain of 1920s. At the same time, it's also a stunningly tender portrayal of love, loss, and the complexities of human emotion. The film swings back and forth between timelines to give us a glistening account of queer love and an account of the dubious conversion therapy in those times. The film begins in an asylum for gay men where the nurses work as “dates” to get these men back on track. Owen is lucky to have Dorothy, a good-hearted nurse who is new to both romantic novels and dating. Owen is going through a writers block for his second book and this is when through flashbacks w...

This road trip movie is set in 1970 in Canada, when homosexuality although decriminalized, is not widely accepted. The focus of the film is two brothers, , focusing on the sharp contrast between each of their characters. What looks like a drama comedy in the beginning also ends up becoming quite emotional towards the second half of the film. Based on a true story of the director's grandfather and granduncle, this one was an interesting watch. Weldon is a reserved and somewhat grumpy plumber living a quiet life in rural New Brunswick. A few days after his father's funeral (in an opening scene, we are given a hint that he wasn't maybe liked much by his family), one night, he receives a phone call from the police in Toronto. His estranged brother, Perley, has been arrested for having sex with another man in a public park an the cops are willing to let this one slide if a family member picks him up. Due to the demands of his stubborn mother, Weldon drives down to Toronto to bai...

Living with Him is a slice-of-life, slow burn romance that focuses on the palpable, growing tension between the male leads as they grapple with their feelings. There isn’t anything too complex about the plot itself beyond the emotional. But it still feels a little dragged out despite it being only 8 episodes of 23 minutes each. Sure the series is about positive messaging, no OTT drama and a really warm story with very charming leads, but how I wished that either they finished sooner or had more to say, because at various points it did feel out stretched for no reason. Kazuhiro and Ryota are childhood best friends who attended the same elementary school. Over time they sorta lost touch but the families are still close. So when it's time to go to university, their moms come up withe the idea of them sharing a flat together. Kazuhiro had become a popular baseball player but because of an injury had to leave that world. He is also handsome and gets lot of female proposals but he polite...

Jack and Joker is a show that tries something very new. This comedy action drama follows two men in an enemies-to-lovers romance, in a very fun, entertaining mix of romance, adventure, and emotional drama. A Thai BL series about a legendary thief and an innocent man who gets caught in the chaos of his schemes.As much I appreciate the makers trying something new, this was a big commitment to watch. There are 12 episodes of about 75 to 90 minutes each plus an almost 2 hour follow up episode called 'U Steal My Heart'. You can imagine, this is almost like 18-20 hours of content. Maybe if you watched the show weekly, you could enjoy it; but I think the mistake that I did was trying to binge watch over a few days and honestly, that was too much to handle. We meet the two leads Joke(r) is from an affluent medical family but Joker enjoys heists and robbery. When his family finds out, he is thrown out of house. On the other hand Jack is from a humble home who lives with his grandmother ...

'Yaoi' - an anime genre that depicts feathery romances between beautiful young men. This is a reminder for me, because I keep forgetting. Started as stories written by females for young female audience to enjoy nonthreatening romantic fantasies. Interesting that this film came out in 2016 when I was personally not very familiar with this genre. Of course, over a period of time, now I have seen so much BL content from Japan but still only a few anime. With a duration of just one hour, this nicely edited anime focuses on the budding romance between two classmates, whose chance encounter makes them feel all kinds of feelings. This is the story of Kusakabe and Sajo. They both study in an all boys school. Studious and nerdy Sajo can’t seem to master his part for the singing competition in his all-boys high school until slacker guitarist Kusakabe, who is in a music band teaches him to read music. With both getting along, they agree to hang out and practice in free time. As the days g...

I cant believe. This came out in 2019. A YouTube Premium original series with 6 episodes. Weird City is set in the near future in the city of Weird, which has been physically divided into two halves and segregated by economic class: Above The Line, populated by Haves, and Below The Line, populated by Have-Nots. Each episode follows different individuals as they navigate life in the city. I will be reviewing here only the first episode out of 6 since it was the only gay themed one in this anthology series. This episode is called "The One". We meet Stu, a young man born Below the Line. However, when his mother invented a hot app, he was able to move Above the Line. Now there is one problem. People born Above the Line are assigned mates at birth under specific regulations. Since Stu didn’t move Above the Line until he was older, he was never assigned anyone and has found dating tough. A friend at bar tells him about this company called “The One That’s The One.” This is a company...