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Zecji Nasip (Croatian) Sandbag Dam

By Golu
This indie film is a really powerful look at how a community can suffocate you and the hidden corners young people have to find just to be themselves in so many European towns, even with all the progress we've seen lately. The whole story plays out while the town is bracing for a massive, raging flood, and you just can't shake the feeling that some kind of intense reckoning or unavoidable doom is headed their way. To be honest, I didn't go in with super high expectations, but the way it’s put together makes it a seriously compelling watch. Plus, it’s not every day you get to see an LGBT-themed movie coming out of Croatia! The story follows Marko, a popular 18-year-old kid who seems to have it all—he’s got a girlfriend, he’s a competitive arm wrestler, and he’s well-liked at school. When he isn't in class, he’s usually hanging out with his brother, who has a disability, or helping his mom out in her greenhouse. Everything gets flipped upside down when a guy named Slaven ...
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Hidamari Ga Kikoeru (Japanese) [Theory of Happiness]

By Golu
This film is not a typical gay themed film. The relationship between boys is that of a deep friendship with one of them having feeling for the other, and hence it easily qualifies to be reviewed here. It's a nice , feel good film, but please don't have any high expectations. Only then you will be able to enjoy it.

Kohei is a college student who has distanced himself from others unconsciously because he is hard of hearing and it keeps causing one misunderstanding after another. One day, his classmate Taiichi stumbles into him and notices his delicious bento. Kohei gives Taiichi part of his lunch, to Taiichi's delight, but leaves without saying a word to Taiichi. Taiichi only later finds out from others that Kohei is hard of hearing. Taiichi makes Kohei a deal. If Taiichi writes up Kohei’s notes for him in class, he can have part of Kohei’s bento everyday. Taiichi has a bright personality to the point of foolishness, and Kohei is a shy guy. Their friendship eventually starts growing and you see the feelings start to grow. They have a minute misunderstanding because of a girl and they both start to distance form each other thinking that the other person can go ahead with the girl. Eventually the confusion is sorted and Taiichi confronts Kohei forcing him to just come out with his feelings. Kohei kisses Taiichi at this moment. Very confused at what just happened, Taiichi leaves leaving Kohei perplexed. Eventually he does show up next day telling Kohei that he is not sure what all that was but he is willing to spend time to understand what the relationship is all about.

Besides that one very awkward kiss, there is no gay moment or context as well. This is more of a bromance rather than a gay love story. Yes, Kohei clearly has feelings for Taiichi, but that could also be because he is literally the first person to be nice to him and talk to him. The film is an important milestone in dealing sensitively with both the problems faced by the hearing impaired in building a bridge to others to express their deepest feelings and BL. Just under an hour, it is a simple story, apparently based on a Japanese Manga (comics or graphic novels originating from Japan). Taichi was adorable and he understands what Kohei is going through. I liked his constant loud outbursts and his goofiness. Kohei does a good job of the silent guy resigned to his life. The chemistry they shared was quite alright as well.

It is a decent film. Given the short duration and pleasant storyline, it is a decent one time watch. (6/10)
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