Friday, February 24, 2012
MORE COMING OUT STORIES
Today's favorite gay film (#25) was the German language
Sommerstrum / Summer Storm ((2006)
Gay men love to tell and listen to coming out stories. Everyone's is different but in a fundamental way they are the same. We all identify.
I think that because of this it is difficult to make an entertaining and, in fact, informational coming out film. Many of the "favorites are just that". This one hits all the marks (get it?) and then some.
A kid who is gay and doesn't know what to do could benefit from this film.
Good looking kids, credible situations, a young man has a crush on his straight friend and this will cause some problems.
Fortunately he has the chance to be with some out gay men and, as a result, is able to heal from his disappointment and find a way to maintain his relationships and be out at the same time. It is not easy.
I liked this a lot. At times, because these are adolescents, there is frustration with their obtuse behavior but then that is what adolescents are.
They even confuse each other and that is part of the "trouble" here. Even the gay kids are having some trouble being so out that it is annoying. Even to me.
The film is funny, serious, upsetting at times, but relentlessly positive about all the people in it. Charitable would be a good word.
All the action occurs at a summer camp for rowing crews. Hence the gay team, the other team, the close relationships and so on.
I liked it. I could watch it again. A 4 out of Netflix5.
