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...
By the end of season 2 we saw that the love birds were co-habitating together and Hira had started to work as an assistant to a photographer. The film continues and takes through further journey and bot more growth between these two characters. Hira's cousin is now going through a divorce and would like her home back leading to Hira and Kiyoi needing to look for a new place and hunt for it, leading to more discussions. Around the same time, the love affair of Kiyoi's female colleague becomes talk of the town disappointing fans. This makes Hira try to distance himself from Kiyoi little by little, not wanting to get in the way of Kiyoi's expanding career as an actor. But he doesn't understand how much Kiyoi wants him by his side. In the film the other main focus in on Hira's personal growth. He wants to get the biggest award in photography, but the one subject he wants to film the most, his lover Kiyoi, he is scared to even ask him, let alone photograph him. Through proper mentoring and coaching from the ace photographer, he manages to eventually overcome this fear and captures Kiyoi like no photographer has ever done. Towards the end, their love only gets stronger, where Hira is now starting to open up and also being more physical with his love and affection for Kiyoi.
When the film begins we notice that the couple has gotten used to living together. Kiyoi is a lot more direct with his affection and doesn't hide behind his tsundere ways, and Hira takes a bit more initiative this time. Hira does still idolise Kiyoi by calling him a "king" and himself a "fan", but the 'God' like status has reduced. The one thing that was very obvious in the first two seasons was the toxicity of the relationship, which has almost gone in this film version. What I appreciated was the healthy relationship between the renowned photographer and his mentorship for Hira. He is the only one who sees through Hira's brain, and coaches him to come out of shell and really go for his dream. The film definitely focuses a lot more on growth of Hira's character, which was long overdue. But besides that, the film, to be honest, is not saying much. It simply is a chapter in life of Hira-Kiyoi's growing relationship and their own personal growth and love for each other. The female star's love affair situation was too much in my opinion, but is still integral to the plot since, towards the climax in a crucial scene, we see the extent Hira will go to show his love for Kiyoi. The whole kidnapping thing towards the end was unnecessary though. The film felt rushed and I can see that probably the only reason it was made was to cash in on the popularity of the show without offering really anything new. It wasn't bad as a standalone, but nothing memorable. (6/10)
Comments
The kidnapping felt too much at first, but I liked it when Kiyoi says "Hira is nothing like you... he is way scarier!". And then Hira loses control. Those guys are totally fucked up haha I love it.
Hira's growth was really well done, as the show was more centered on him. I wish Kiyoi deserved some more development as well (he has always been the most intriguing of the 2 for me).
Also they tried something a little bit more graphic in the cinematography at times, and I liked it.
The whole series is an UFO for me, I still don't know how to feel about it, except it's different, unique, and somewhat endearing.