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...
The plot of the show is not very complicated. Nuea is an experienced wedding planner. He wants to be in love but because of his busy schedule , doesn't have any time. One day Nuea and his company are approached by a couple Lom and his fiancé Yiwa who want their wedding done in three months and have nothing decided yet. Lom and Yiwa are one of his trickiest clients ever. This couple is uncooperative and has no idea what they want. And NNuea is out of his wits. Things are complicated because Mom is exactly the kind of guy Nuea likes and he is trying his best to not get attracted to the groom-to-be. Since Yiwa doesn't have any suggestions, Nuea is forced to spend more time with Lom and things don't help when Mom shamelessly flirts with Nuea at every given opportunity confusing Nuea very much. We soon find out that Yiwa has a steady girlfriend and Mom is gay. They are childhood friends and are getting into a marriage of convenience. Lom had actually seen Nuea at a wedding which he planned and has ever since crushed on him but he hasn't find the right opportunity to confess that to him since he doesn't; t know if Nuea will like him back. Nuea finally gives into the flirtations by Mom and the duo end up in bed. Next morning Nuea is full of guilt for spoiling someone's wedding plans and disappears. Lom eventually gets to explain everything to him and Yiwa and her girlfriend also try and explain things and eventually Nuea agrees to date Mom is secret. The wedding day finally arrives but Yiwa decides she has had enough and along with her girlfriend she runs away to England, there clearly the way for hopefully Nuea and Lom being able to date and come out in open.
An openly gay man falling for a supposedly straight guy who is about to get married does create a sweet and spicy love story with memorable relationship moments. As avid viewers of BL shows, most people will know from a mile away that this is where the story is headed, but its the light moments, silly antics and constant comedy makes this show a worthy watch. Nuea is undoubtedly the star. His smile, the way he keeps reminding himself to not fall for charm of Lom and everything else is quite funny. The flippant humour produces a lively atmosphere that entertains from start to finish. I happily tune into each new episode, anticipating hours of cheerfulness and cheekiness. I did question Lom's unbashed attempts at straight on flirting, especially, when he had more than several occasions when he could have clarified things with Nuea. The show is not all just fun and frolic. Towards the last 2-3 episodes, plots explore personal autonomy, family obligations, and moral conundrums. Contrary to the humorous antics, the narrative themes are surprisingly relatable. Even with its bittersweet moments, like Nuea's family time or family pressure that Yiwa and Lom are in or the whole fun atmosphere f the wedding plan office; the series never loses its signature playfulness. The energetic cast brings enthusiasm to their roles, injecting joy and mischief into each joke. The overall production quality is very high end and the characters suit their part. As I mentioned in the beginning, what I liked the most os that there are no unnecessary side stories to distract you. We have Yiwa and her girlfriend's story but that is also very essential and central to the overall plot. Overall I enjoyed this show. (7.5/10)
Comments
Thankfully mame didn't disaapoint on her other trademark : very pleasing hot and kissing scenes :D
I liked how they didn't just use cliches. Like how Nuea felt bad, but not because of what he assumed was Lom discovering his sexuality, Nuea doesn't care about that. No, he felt bad because of Yiwa. Same for Lom. At first I didn't understand why he wouldn't explain everything to Nuea and it seemed it was just for drama purposes (... ok it was too). Then he explains he can't give up everything and risk Yiwa's situation for a guy he just started dating, even though he has the biggest crush on him. Which makes sense.
And who cares, given how charming he is, Lom is forgiven anyway. Especially shirtless :p