Is this technically a gay show? Even after getting through the whole thing, that's still kind of tricky to answer. There's never any physical intimacy shown between the two leads, not even a single kiss. What it gives you instead is something that goes way deeper than that. It traces an emotional bond that spans a full decade between two guys who are both dealing with their own baggage, and what they share basically amounts to being soulmates. The story moves across Japan, South Korea, and Berlin. Honestly, whether people want to call what they have a romantic relationship or not doesn't really matter to me. A relationship doesn't need a label like boyfriends attached to it to actually mean something. And closeness doesn't need to be physical to feel genuine. What this show captures is something quieter but way more powerful, a bond rooted in understanding, respect, and just showing up for each other. Across eight episodes, each running 35 to 45 minutes, this is one...
Sometimes intentions behind a movie are sincere but somehow somewhere the soul goes missing. Something similar I think happened to this film. The film could have been a simple love story, but somewhere it wasn't made very evident of what the problems between the couple were, why would they not work it out and what was it that made the 2 guys attracted towards each other.
Set in Redwoods, Everett and Miles have a comfortable, non-passionate 7 year old relationship. Together they are raising Billy, a learning disabled boy, who takes up much of the loving and attention in their home. On one weekend, Miles and Billy go off to visit the grandparents and leave Everett to work in peace because that is what Everett wants to do. He wants some time alone by himself. There isn't even a kiss shared between the two men before the departure. Shortly after they leave, Chase, a wanderer and a writer stops his car at Everett’s house and asks for directions since he is lost. There is an instant connection between the two men. And then while antique store hunting with his Mom, the two men run into each other again and the flirtation is official. Despite Everett's reticence and clumsiness, Chase persists and their love blossoms quickly. Its a small town and soon Everett's mom finds out. His family knows that they their son is not happy but they also tell him that sometimes they need to things work out. Everett gives in and him and Chase have emotional and physical connection. Its time for Miles and Billy to be back and this is when Everett leaves home for a few days because he needs time to think and gather his thoughts. Chase is leaving town. They meet one last time. Few years ahead, we now see that Miles and Everett are together very loving for one another and still taking care of Billy. Chase has dies and his sister comes to visit them with a gift from Chase to Everett.
Both Everett and Chase acted very well. You could connect to their characters at some point but like I mentioned earlier, the inherent soul of the characters they portrayed was missing. I preferred Everett's acting because you could feel he was confused between the new found passion & connection that he feels with Chase and the love and responsibility that he has towards Miles and Billy. It was a sweet cute love story which could very well have been a story of a regular straight couple as well.
Definitely not a waste of time. Can be watched. (6/10)
Comments
just discovered your blog..just read a portion of it but kinda liked it already. dont have the whole cake for you that it's delicious--cliche i guess. :).
-gave me an idea what to watch but id appreciate it if you'll recommend some of your faves. :)
btw, like this movie (same as the old comment have my personal reason.
more power.
Enjoy and let your friends know
I really love how you put everything in a nutshell. More power!
You know, if there is one film I could watch again and again, its Big Eden. It has the comfort of family, community, love and coy and everything that I like from my film