I've always had kind of a love hate relationship with Chinese historical BLs. Some are genuinely excellent, but then there are others that cram in so much plot that keeping track of all the layers of betrayal and scheming gets exhausting, and I end up checking out mentally. Part of the issue is also just how much content is out there in this space, so something really has to stand out to keep me hooked. In this case, the production value is genuinely impressive, top tier stuff, but story wise, I just couldn't bring myself to actually care about these characters. There's a ton of political scheming and backstage manipulation running throughout. Somewhere in the middle of all that chaos, a hostage ends up falling for his own Prince Charming. The show runs eight episodes, each around 50 to 60 minutes long. After spending three years guarding the border, Fifth Prince Yin Qi gets called back to the capital because of a secret letter, only to end up walking straight into a deadly...
One of the anthology of 3 films: Amor is story of a 49 year old man in relationship with young and carefree latino boy who recently moved to the country. Due to age and experience difference, they have difference in opinion on how to spend evenings and weekends and mostly argue around going to bars/clubs. After one such major fight the older guy lives the club leaving the young boy behind, as it happens to be the night of the Orlando gay club shooting.
A popular YouTube goes to get a massage for the first time, but since all masseurs are busy, the owner asks his nephew, the receptionist, to massage the guy (which will be first for him as well). The duo connect and bond over this massage. A thoughtful message but very poorly crafted film. More like a first time direction and acting. Cringe !
When Richard and Carl's car breaks down in the mountains, they find themselves stranded at the opulent mansion of "Mommy", who is convinced that Richard is her son coming home to visit. As the night progresses, each one's divergent desires become evident... but Mommy always gets what she wants.
Bearmania (USA)
Two men face off in an erotic explosion of glitter
Khoa Ãs a recluse, gay high school student who gets bullied. One day, not knowing, a new student Truong calls him gay but feels apologetic when he finds out the truth and makes an effort to befriend him. As their relationship solidified, this doesn't go well with Quyen, who thinks of herself as Truong's girlfriend. Truong begins to realize that he is attracted to Khoa and really wants to be with him and obviously the same reciprocal feelings are felt by Khoa. The 2 part 20min series ends with a potential kiss and a promise for follow up season.
This 3 part, 30 minute series takes on from Khao and Truong being in a relationship that has grown to the point where Truong is taking Khoa to meet his mother, but Truong has been blindsided by Quyen who showed ups before claiming to be his girlfriend. She does everything to create trouble so that the mother turns against her son being gay. The son and the mother have a heart to heart chat and clarify about his sexuality and love of his life. They are supported in this by their friends who he calls brother and sister. Both this and prequel series are direct, simple to the point, short mini series that do not say anything profound but are easy and simple to watch.
On the eve Chinese New Year, Steven, a closeted Chinese international student living in New Zealand oppressed by the expectations of his parents, plans to lose his virginity to a stranger that he meets online. A very well shot film showing the nervousness of a first timer and it being beautifully handle day the experienced guy. Show importance of respect, conversation and kindness.
Two Thai boys meet in Korea in wintertime and they spend some time together and fall in love. These are 14 short vignettes giving us every step of falling in love: from meet cute by accident to happily ever after. And all along flogging drinks and brand winter clothing! Product placement and all. The actors are cute and oozing chemistry. And the way their relationship develop is cute!
After two years in jail, Issa is about to get out when he meets Gaëtan, a young inmate who has not served his sentence yet. Before leaving the jail, given his mother doesn't accept who he is, he come sup with a word way to expresses love.
We Only Sleep on Xanny Bars (USA)
A trip through the queer underground and perverted subconscious of San Francisco's id.
A profound honest series about a young man looking happiness and love. Fighting, in his manner, to accept himself. In the three episodes, spanning over three years, Derek, this college student meets three different guys, while trying to navigate his way through life and find his self-worth. First he miscalculates his friendship with Zander (his ex) in a moment of weakness. Then, on the night of his 21st birthday, Derek gets an unexpected surprise from Benji. Finally, he finds companionship in an unexpected older friend.
Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, a boy named Denys is forced to leave his country. He has nothing left but the hope of seeing Dmitri, a young recruit of the Russian army, who had to leave him to join the Russian army because of the war.
L'année des treize lunes (France) [The Year of Thirteen Moons]
Experimental short film by Lionel Soukaz with Tony Tonnerre. The title is a wink to Fassbinder's film.
Abu and Nuwas are two teenage boys in boarding school. With different characters, both try to keep a secret between them. Nuwas is tormented by bullies but refuses to run, while Abu fears risking his popularity by defending him. Interesting film, although the end is a bit unclear.
Cathedral (USA)
This early gay film by Ronald Chase from 1971 shows scenes of touch and affection. Sensuality and sexuality related to the spiritual. Some of the footage was shot in the St. Chapel, Paris.
Comments
"Our Winter" has been called a mini-series. Often I try to combine lunch breaks with something to watch since eating is something that can easily be done "while watching" - this time making of the salad took twice as long as watching the whole series :D Lovely concept and locations and actors, although snow is something I'd rather not see in a very long while, thank you.
I haven't noticed these in your reviews, but have you seen these:
"Hearts and Hotel Rooms" - low budget short, but sweet and emotional. Smiles and eyes...
"Lips Together 6 Feet Apart" - Sean Ford and Angel Rivera, social distance dating during Covid lockdown.
"When in Rome"/"Paese che vai" - Rocco Fasano and other well chosen cast in an Italian village. The ending is sort of predictable, but still the whole film spoke to me and I've been rewatching it every time I need something warm and uplifting.
I actually have not seen those short films. I will try and get my hands on those asap.