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...
Hotel Boy
Young Samir accompanies a politician Stefan to a hotel room. Samir is ready to abandon his life and go all in with Stefan, thinking that his politician lover is ready to give up his family and live as an out gay man. What starts off as an excited hook-up soon turns into an argument as Samir realises that he had read far more into his relationship than he should have done. It captures the feeling of being young and in love, unable to see what’s pretty clearly right in front of you.
Poz
Now this was a weird short film. A troubled young man Oliver is searching for a solution to his problems and a way to ensure his sister's continued support. He ventures in a destructive path, where he sleeps around with positive men, so he can get the virus, and in an incident he even gets upset by the nurse who tells him he is negative. It is apt unclear why Oliver is on this path of self-destruction.
Young Man's Dance
Mattis feels rejected by his dad and seeks attention from his male dancing teacher. But this night something is different. Mattis induces a power struggle and when the dancing teacher desperately tries to set boundaries, they both loose control.
Svans
Aksle is scared to tell his friend about his sexuality but regularly hooks up with Aleksander secretly, who is openly known to be gay to the school. He is vulnerable and fears his friends reactions. When the friends finally know and they even accept it, it maybe too late because he already beat up Aleksander, the one person who truly loved him. A well acted, touching and seductive short. (Reviewed before on my blog)
Ladyboy
Transvestite Kristian lives with his loving mother. Performing at a local bar, he has no idea how his boss has feelings for him. Dynamics at home change when his mother starts seeing a new man, who, as expected, is not ok with Kristian. He also beats the mother. Meanwhile one evening Kristian gets beaten up too. It's time he takes a stand against abuse for himself and his mother and return the unhinged love that his boss has for him.
Each one is very different and for the most part they are hugely enjoyable. At times a little dark, these five shorts showcase the talents of their directors and their talented casts. (5/10)
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