Movie Reviews -
Gay Themed

This film is a really moving drama from Singapore about a drag queen who heads back home to look after his mom as she struggles with dementia. It’s a super heartwarming story that uses a bit of deception to pave the way for healing and self-discovery, exploring themes like family and identity along the way. I haven't actually seen a ton of queer cinema coming out of Singapore, so seeing an LGBTQ+ narrative handled with such an open heart was a really nice change of pace. The plot kicks off with Jia Hao, a drag queen who has been away from home for years, returning for the funeral of his abusive father. His brother is constantly traveling for work, so when their mother starts showing clear signs of dementia, Jia Hao decides to step up and become her full-time caregiver since healthcare is so pricey. During one episode where his mom completely forgets who he is, he impulsively pretends to be her daughter just to keep her calm. From there, the movie turns into a tender story about Jia...

I totally get that I’m supposed to be obsessed with this show since everyone else is losing their minds over it, but I just couldn't get into it. It’s got all the ingredients for a hit—historical setting, flashy Chinese-style fight scenes, a revenge plot, and a big romance—but it just didn't click for me. Right from the first episode, they throw so many names and kingdoms at you that I was completely lost. I forced myself to sit through six more episodes to see if I’d finally catch on, but the fancy costumes and sets ended up drowning out the actual heart of the story. I’m probably the odd one out here, though, because the internet is basically a giant fan club for this series right now. The whole thing is 12 episodes long, with each one clocking in at around 40 minutes. The plot is centered on a brutal war between the Northern and Southern kingdoms and how it basically ruins the lives of two guys who love each other. Xiao Shu He is the Sixth Prince of the South, and he’s this ...

Getaway was apparently one of the first gay BL dramas from Singapore. Besides 'People Like Us', I don't remember seeing any other BL shows, which is interesting, given how many more shows are being churned out by their neighboring Asian countries. I read in an interview by the makers of the show that through the 5 episodes of this show (available on y YouTube and about 10-12 minutes each), they hope to raise visibility, understanding and acceptance of Singapore’s LGBTQ+ community. Interestingly, the show is primarily set in English. The story of the show is actually pretty straight forward. At the dinner table Sam comes out to his father as gay but the father doesn't take it too well. Angry he jets off to Bangkok, where apparently his uncle also moved to many years back, when Sam's grandfather disowned him many years ago for being gay. Sam is hoping to reconnect with his uncle with whom eh used to be close growing up. A chance meeting with a local Thai Boy in his ho...

People Like Us is a poignant reflection and insightful look at being gay in Singapore, following the lives of four gay men in Singapore as they navigate life and relationships. The series is raw and telling, never shying away from controversial topics while being respectful of the subjects addressed. There are 2 seasons, each with 6 episodes of about 7-8 minutes each. Singapore does have a weird standing where legally gay men have no rights, yet the city-state does have a very active, gay community.  We meet 4 gay men based in Singapore. Joel has been looking for love but somehow all his ex's left him after sometime. He meets Ridzwan, a Malay origin muslim guy who is in closet. Something about. Him attracts Joel and he pursues him relentlessly till he agrees to go out. Before you realize they begin to like each other, but the conflict arises mostly due to Ridzwan not being out. We then have a 20-something old Indian origin army recruit who is constantly on Grindr looking for Mr. Ri...

This Chinese musical comedy from Singapore follow life of a middle aged man who accidentally becomes a night club drag queen sensation. I was quite wary of the film because these kind of subjects tend to add a lot of over the top drama but thankfully such was not the case here. Not to say that the film wasn't with its flaws, and it could have been easily shortened in length but overall it was quite alright. Chow Chee Beng gets sacked from the company on ew years eve and the same night his wife tells him that she is pregnant again. He desperately looks for a job through his recruitment agent but nothing comes through. Eventually he gets hired for a night club Number 1. Its only later Chow Chee realizes that this is a drag club and there are 5 drag queens there. But when it is revealed that one of them was a runaway soldier, Chow Chee unwillingly has to take up the fifth position. When he sees tips coming in, he decides to continue performing to pay off his housing and car loans. Ove...

Romance and rivalry are the two primary components of this film. I wouldn't call this a gay film, per say because the focus is on the mother, but given her sons are gay, this film definitely warrants a review here forepeople who might be interested in prominent gay characters being featured in a film. The film was overall a fell good film where, I guess the importance of family and th bond is what comes to the forefront despite the sexuality. Jen runs a successful restaurant business with best Chicken rice in Singapore. She has three sons whom she raised single handedly. Two of them are openly gay. Daniel is a successful pilot, who lives with Tim and then Harry, a dafdy gregarious guy who has a new boyfriend every other week. Jen has all her hopes on her third son Leo to get her grandchildren. Leo, as of now is young to sexually discover himself, but he does spend a lot of time with his best friend Batman. Jen's best friend is Kim Chui, who has loved her for years and runs anot...

This film is a provocative insight of the world of several disenchanted, tattooed youths rejected by their own families and sidelined by the mainstream of society, all 15 years of age. Shot in a disjointed MTV and voyeuristic style with mixed paces, this film is a semi-documentary of a lost generation. The plot, consists of short stories which fell into 3 acts. The first, being the brotherhood between 2 friends who ponder the meaning of their aimless lives. They know that they are condemned in the eyes of society, and find solace in the company of themselves. The second act was a bit comical, as 2 friends helped an ex-enemy to look for a building to commit suicide in. And the last act continued with examining the lives and friendship between the same 2 friends. There is really nothing more to the plot. I was solo ultimately bored with the concept, idea, direction and everything, I didn't even bother to know whats going on and what not!! I read all over favorable reviews of t...