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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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Wei Hun Nan Nv (Mandarin) [We Are Gamily]

By Golu
Although this film is from Taiwan, it is set in the town of Chengdu in China. We have seen a few films in many languages where social stigma about being gay is depicted in a humorous way. The thing with comedy is that you have to be crisp and to the point, which is somehow missing in this film.

Wu Gang and Sam are a gay couple who have been together for over three years. To give into his mother's pressure, Gang gets into a fake marriage with Yang Duo. Yang is a lesbian who has been in a steady relationship with another girl. But when after the wedding, the other starts showing up unannounced at their home, Duo is forced to move in with Gang which leads to her breakup with her girlfriend. At one such event, the mother shows up with Gang's sister and she asks Duo to convince her to get married. We soon realize that the sister is also gay and before you know the sister and Duo are getting together. Some awkward hilarious scenes with a very dominating mother follow, who even fakes to have cancer to have the sister marry Sam. Eventually the truth comes out. Initially the mother is mad, as you would expect, but eventually gives in.

My big problem with the film was that it tried so hard to be funny but barring few scenes it just wasn't funny. It felt more drama. Some genuine humor would have elevated this film to another level. Also a lot of scenes were unnecessarily stretched. To use up 2 hours to tell a simple story is a bit too far. Gang acted well and was funny but you could see how he is totally momma's boy. He can never say no to whatever she asks or says. In contrast, the sister is more outspoken and wants to fight back to just be herself and live life on her own terms. The mother, my god, is very very dominating and nosy. I understand that culturally children respect their parents very much in Asia, but this was just taking it to another level. Forcing them to get married, and then forever asking them to have kids is just super annoying after a while. As a couple Sam and Gang have thankfully great chemistry. There is no awkwardness. Same can't be said about the girls. It was funny to see Gang having a penis shaped pillow that he carries everywhere. I want one of those now.

the film's premise was interesting but its funny only in bits and pieces. This could have been a lot better. (5.5/10)
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