Stories of Our Lives is an anthology of five short films with LGBT themes from the East African republic of Kenya. It was made by the Nairobi-based art and activist group The Nest Collective, many of whose members prefer to conceal their identities to avoid possible persecution under Kenya’s notoriously draconian anti-gay laws. The film is still banned in it some country. The five dramas are mostly personal and domestic inspired by true incidents. ASK ME NICELY Kate, a rebellious young high school girl, meets first-love Faith, a fellow student. They begin a secret relationship, until the school principal takes action to separate the two by suspending Kate from the school. Back at home, Kate impulsively has a sexual encounter with a boy in her neighborhood. Two weeks later, Kate and Faith have an awkward reunion leading to their separation. RUN After negotiating a business deal, Patrick stumbles upon a local gay bar with his homophobic best friend, Kama. Patrick later returns to the clu...
Xiaotian used to be a gang member but when one day they bully a young boy Xingkong, he stood up against them and has been away from the gang since. He became a better person with his new friend Xingkong and two other friends. While hiding after being chased by the gang, he realizes that he actually loves Xingkong. This feeling s new for him a din fact the feeling is seen reciprocated by the young boy but neither is willing to accept and confront. Going through some denial and confirmation, he finally begs that the gang leave Xingkong. He does get beaten u badly but the gang leader sees love in his eyes and leave the two alone post which they both confess to their love for each other. and him and got beaten for it. He finally have a happy live with Xingkong after recovery. In the parallel story, we also see about Xiaotian's other friend Yan, a child of a neighboring divorced couple and childhood friends with him. He loves Xiaotian in secret. He is very jealous of Xingkong but decided that he wants Xiaotian to be happy and helped Xiaotian to confess with Xingkong.
He story, as you can see here is actually pretty basic and because of inexplicable reasons also feels very patchy and I wonder if it was completed just for the heck of it. It does have a number of flaws, we see a fourth friend in the first episode and then he just disappears for rest of the show. But still somehow, something I found cute about it, maybe the leads and the innocent looks they have (neither of them looks university student btw). The show could have been a much better 25 minute sharp short story and would have been much better as a release, but hey, to each its own. If you see this from a perspective of a slightly amateurish production, which it probably is; I have seen many more much worse shows than this. This one at least is quick and easy to watch and doesn't drag for far too long. Still, in this sea of BL shows, this one will disappear without a trace. (4.5/10)
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