Film Reviews by WH

Very simple plot- a young Iranian man escapes the homophobia of his birth country to hitch a ride on a cargo ship- ending up in Veracruz..

Desperate to get to Greece or Turkey he hangs around the docks where he encounters various colourful characters- each with their own personal tales of hardship.

This is the basic plot.

The direction is great- and so is the cinematography. The movie passes an enjoyable hour or so- it runs 72 minutes.

And-Hey- there ARE still good times to be had at the Veracruz Carnival!

I thought the homophobia from both fellow pupils , teachers and parents was a little overdone. Surely-ALL those people wouldn't have been so blatantly homophobic in real life? Sometimes it was hard to believe the film dates from 2016. I think we have all come a little further along the path of acceptance than this. But still- if the film was intended to make a point about homophobia- then it surely did! I reckon this movie should be compulsory viewing in secondary schools teaching ' sex and relationship' education. It would certainly educate those living in ignorance of what is after all- a fact of life. The performances of the two leading actors were excellent - and being French- I loved the scenery and the depiction of the local way of life. Highly recommended.

LGBT ' coming out' movies have progressed mightily from the doom and gloom - 'You'll die in hell' phase. And this movie beautifully illustrates that point.

The two leading actors are brilliant in their portrayal of young people coming to realise their sexuality.

Their parents react exactly how parents of gay offspring should react when their child confirms their sexuality.  No more end of life angst- or hate-fuelled homophobic mob.

Cannot recommend this movie too highly. You will mightily enjoy!

Only 2 stars because - to save yourself wasting your time- there is only one of these short pics worth watching and that is Jermaine and Elsie. It lasts about 30 minutes.

Well directed gay-themed thriller. Provencal location adds to the appeal- and the acting is very good. Totally believable storyline that keeps you guessing until the very end. An enjoyable movie

There is no plot or story line in this film- its just a series of set scenes that amount to nothing. Basically a complete waste of time that looks like it was made as a vanity project for art house cinemas. If I were you I just wouldn't bother!

Excellent direction and cinematography- but the plot just rambles on and on and eventually gets nowhere- just drops off the end.

Lots of little mini- plot lines that are under-developed don't make up for the absence of any direction in the plotline of this movie.

Yes- its watchable- but don't expect any conclusions or resolutions. It just doesn't go anywhere.

LGBT ' coming out' movies have progressed mightily from the doom and gloom - 'You'll die in hell' phase. And this movie beautifully illustrates that point. The two leading actors are brilliant in their portrayal of young people coming to realise their sexuality. Their parents react exactly how parents of gay offspring should react when their child confirms their sexuality. And above all- this movie has a very happy ending! No more end of life angst- or hate-fuelled homophobic mob. Cannot recommend this movie too highly. You will mightily enjoy!

This is an excellent compilation of short gay-interest movies that is well rounded and contains something for everyone.

Without doubt- it is the best Boys on Film I have seen.

There is only one 'weak' selection in my opinion and that is 'Spoilers'. Its a bit pretentious and unbelievable.

Don't write off 'Happy and Gay' either- just because its a cartoon- its a great 'take' on the old black and white Mickey Mouse cartoons of the 20's and 30's - but with a gay slant.

The two selections that really 'stood out' for me were 'Hole' and 'Alex and the Handyman' - both of which were thought provoking.

Overall an excellent and mature selection- with something for everyone.

Not wanting to post a ' spoiler' - I am reviewing this title from the perspective of the major part of the movie.

The film is excellent- it is exciting- with a good narrative and first rate acting and direction. I was never bored - and eager to see where the next scene was coming from and what was going to happen. It was utterly realistic and totally believable. I was very sorry when the movie came to an end- and that's the nub of my title!

I won't say more for fear of spoiling it for other renters - but for a very entertaining and enthralling evening of 99% movie enjoyment- this is the one to view! (Shame about the 1%)

PROS: Great story. Excellent acting. Good direction and interesting scenery.

CONS: Those used to 'art house' presentations will be disappointed. Its what I would call ' Hollywood Arthouse'. All the characters speak with american accents. The lead actor - despite his name- is american. At times it reminded me of a Robin Williams movie set in the USA. Change the location and the names and it could easily have been.

Went on too long. Could easily have shaved 30 minutes off total running time. (over 2 hours)

In summary I would say :- Worth seeing-but don't expect authenticity.

Quite possibly the BEST British film with a gay theme. Its up there alongside Merchant & Ivory's ' Maurice' and Dirk Borardes 1961 groundbreaking 'Victim'. Owing much to Brokeback Mountain- it is a far more realistic representation of a gay man's life- growing up in a close-knit family farm on the North York Morors in the UK. The direction is excellent- as is the cinematography and acting. Really my only criticism would be over the 'deleted scenes'. Personally I don't think any of them need to have been deleted! Highly recommended.

The director is trying desperately to do a ‘Mr.Ripley - And it shows. The pregnant pause rules in this plodding plot! Basically its a load of garbage! Not recommended.

Pitifully amateur and cheaply done. It is a total waste of time. However it got 5 stars I do not know.