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On The Sea (UK)

This one's a beautiful, tender, quiet romantic drama with a moody atmosphere, set in a tight knit Welsh fishing community. It's a touching story about a man waking up sexually in the middle of his life, and how he, his family, and everyone around him deal with it, which makes it emotional and sentimental without ever getting over the top. The slow burn plays out against a landscape that's as bleak as it is gorgeous, where quiet, closed off men are stuck inside rigid ideas of what masculinity should be. Some people might be reminded of "God's Own Country," but I think both films are lovely in their own way. Jack is a middle aged guy who co-owns a mussel farm with his rough around the edges brother Dyfan, and the tension between the two of them is simmering under the surface right from the start. Dyfan's three sons all help out with the work, while Jack's sulky teenage son Tom keeps skipping out. Jack's been with his wife since they were both 16, and...

Primos (Portuguese) [Cousins]

After a long time I am seeing a nice feel good film about teenage love, coming out, without unnecessary drama just for the sake of it. Sometimes straight forward films are much better than the films that create plot twists and intense drama just for the sake of it. For some people life can be full of surprises and yet be all about sweet romantic love. And this is what this simple film is all about.

Set in a small country town, adult teenager Lucas lives with his very religious aunt Lourdes. He is a shy boy and keep to himself, with his gardening and music. One day his aunt tells him that his second cousin Mario is going to live with them for a few days. Apparently Mario is just getting out of prison and his family doesn't want him to come home after such an incident. Incidentally, the aunt has to go on a mission, so Lucas will have to welcome and entertain Mario. Mario comes next day and is a complete contrast to shy Lucas' personality. He is happy, extrovert and makes Lucas come out of his shell. They are both happy because they have both missed love and affection. They fool around and play with each other like most cousins do but they always have this sexual tension between them. Eventually the barriers are broken and they make love to each other. This makes them extremely happy and they both are very happy and content. A neighbor girl Julia is very interested in Lucas but never gets any attention from him. The aunt comes back and sees that Lucas is happier and is glad to see them. When Julia exposes the truth about the boys in front of the aunt and other neighbors, she shows maturity and accepts their love despite her religious background. Love eventually wins.

The story of the film is pretty straightforward but primarily works because of the amazing captivating chemistry between the two boys. They carry the film completely on their shoulders. Every single scene with the duo lights up the screen. We see the gradual change in Lucas from shy teenager avoiding Julia's advances to starting to be happy with Mario being around. They share their life stories, their passion, cook and clean together, play around like little boys but also make love to each other and make each other very very happy. The fact that boys boys are extremely good looking only helps it even more. The aunt's character was a little unclear. She was religious but not really and the whole angle with religious events with neighbors seems like a  spoof and not really serious. Also the whole voodoo angle of Julia for the boys added absolutely nothing to the story and was completely unnecessary. Besides these minor glitches, the film is all about pure sweet teenage love. Small and simple dialogues like when Lucas says. "I don't want you to go, not now, not ever" really shows the depth of the love they both have for each other.

Enjoy this sweet romantic gay love story just for the simplicity of it. I remembered my young days and wished I had someone like this in my life at that point. (7.5/10)

Comments

luigi43 said…
A fairy tale seasoned with good sex scenes.
Cinderella and Brent Corrigan : what more could You want? THIS is IMHO what I'm expecting from a gay themed movie , quite a magic mix.
Golu said…
Yeah. the chemistry between the lead actors was superb
Sailor Maan said…
What a sweet movie! Love the reaction of the aunt at the end. Makes me think of my grandmother, very religious but in the good way (love wins, nothing else matters).
BTW wish you a happy new year 2020! (was about time haha)
Golu said…
lol. Better late than never. Happy New Year to you too
The voodoo stuff apart, this is a beautiful love story and the leads are so cute and amazing together. 7.5 is well deserved.loved it
Golu said…
Yeah. They did share an amazing chemistry together.
The second watch was even better... Those two actors are unbelievably amazing and the love scenes are the most passionate ever. This movie gives us 80 minutes of sheer love. How can so young actors be so good ? Loved how Lukas surrendered to his feelings for Mario. No useless twist or drama. Two teenagers madly in love. We need more movies like this.
Golu said…
Exactly, sometimes unnevcessary drama is created just for the sake of it and it just adds nothing to story. THis film was simple and pure love story.
Ryankunn said…
Does anyone know this movies soundtrac title? Please tell me. Thanks.
Golu said…
I don't even remember the songs part :) I am sure Mr Google should be able to help you out here.
Can anyone else help with our friends query?
Miisu said…
"Does anyone know this movies soundtrac title? Please tell me. Thanks."

It's "Tennessee Skyline", played by Foragers. Youtube link is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3VCBBalz7w

Enjoy :)
Golu said…
Thanks Missu for helping out with Ryankunn's request
Miisu said…
"Primos" are united once again - this time in a music video :) That was uploaded on Youtube this morning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5V5NVHh4Ec
Lars said…
Just finished it. I loved it! One of my top three. It is up there together with Call Me By Your Name and Latter Days.
Golu said…
Oh wow! You really really enjoyed it then.
I'd be keen to know your thoughts and views on some of the other content here.
Golu said…
interesting insights Miisu.. I agree, many people may not see relevance or agree but I know exactly what you are talking about. Its also these small little cultural nuances,

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