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Shelter

Beautiful, refreshing, wonderful and touching are the words that I will use to describe the movie. Coming out of the stereotypical gay movies, this movie deals with some of the most practical challenges one has in life, be it gay or straight. Most importantly it talks about importance of family, the sacrifices you make for them and how things can be made to work if you really love and respect the people around you.

Zack lives with his sister Jeanie and nephew Cody whom he loves more than anything. He was forced to give up his dream of art school and support his sister (whose husband left her). He genuinely loves Cody and wants everything best for him. But life has something else in store for him. Zack's best friend Gabe's older brother Shaun comes to town. They start hanging out together because both of them are crazy about surfing. Zack is struggling to keep his relationship with his girlfriend Tory. During this time Zack and Shaun start building relationship. Zack is confused and is torn between hat he wants in life versus what he should do as his responsibilities. He genuinely cares and loves Shaun but is afraid to do anything because it would mean shying away from his responsibilities towards Jeanie and Cody. Meanwhile it is shown how he is trying to best to keep everything in place. Gabe finds out about Shaun and Zack and is completely supportive of it. But Zack can't handle it anymore. He freaks out and breaks up. But he is restless. Meanwhile Shaun applies in the art school for Zack and he gets in. This time he genuinely wants to go but he cannot. Jeanie wants to move to Portland with her boyfriend who does not want Cody. Zack is ready to live with Cody but only if Jeanie agrees that they would be living with Shaun. They promise to make things work between them. Things end well.

The story seems simple but the way it is directed is beautiful. The way Zack is struggling to balance between his aspirations and responsibilities is amazing. It kind of reminded me to a level of my personal life. I respect the fact that Zack wanted everything best for COdy and the way he reacts when Jeanie's boyfriend snubs at Cody. One more thing that I admired was when Gabe says that he will still be best buddies with Zack irrespective of whatever.

Small things can make a movie a wonder to watch. Go for it. Definitely. (8/10)

Comments

Anonymous said…
Awesome movie I think your post says all that needs to be said I own this one and love to show it off to friends hehe!
Golu said…
Good for you. This film is brilliant
KJ said…
I was moved by this movie. Good story. I loved it.
Pitbullshark said…
This was one of the best movies I have ever seen at Outfest and your review captured all of its key assets. In my view, it is wonderful to see a movie (or read a book) about a genuinely good and exemplary character. In this, Zack was beautiful both outside and inside. I loved his interactions with his nephew. And for sure he deserved to find, and keep, love.
Golu said…
Absolutely. This movie is fantatstic
vrosca said…
aaaaaawwwww, this is my favorite.
Golu said…
Yup. This is definitely a good one
shaneyrain said…
One Of The Very Best!
The fact that you rated this movie an 8, makes me realize how personal & differently peoples respond to film. I find three of the four movies ranked higher to be inferior to this superb film. Your review also fails to mention the excellent visuals & soundtrack.
Golu said…
There is no doubt that everyone responds very differently to a film and thats what makes all of us individuals. I still remember that last year in a LGBT film festival, I saw this film which everyone hated and I simply fell in love and i have also seen cases where people go gaga over a film and I just don't see the point.

The good thing is we all love movies :)
GC from France said…
Watched this one last night for the second time ; and will probably watch it again in a year or two. To me, this is one of the very best gay-themed movies ever, along with Big Eden. Anyone who has not watched it yet should search the web right away.
Sailor Maan said…
Definitely one of my favorite gay movies!
Actually one of the first one I saw, and it made me want to see a lot more gay movies.
Mainly because it's a simple, guenuine feel good movie (when many gay films are over dramatized...), with a lot of sweet romantic moments but never syrury.
I love to watch it every now and then. The last scene with the "family" playing on the beach keeps me smiling everytime. You can see that some time has past, and they are still very happy together. I feel this this is something you rarely get to see actually.
Golu said…
Haven't seen this myself in a long long time. Maybe its time for a repeat screening soon.
Michaelcosm said…
I'm surprised at how few of my friends have seen this movie. I picked it up without having heard of it because it was available on Blu-ray. So few gay-themed films are available in HD in a physical-media format. So very glad I got it! I immediately fell in love with the story, cast, and sweet spirit that went into the making of it. Have been a cheerleader for it ever since.

I love your blog btw. It's a "go to" for me whenever considering a movie. Thanks for all your hard work -- and for the longterm commitment you've given to the sometimes thankless task of informing the faceless masses via the web. xx
Golu said…
Thank you michaelcosm for your encouraging words. Sometimes you do things without expectations. Writing this blog is one of those. I can't believe you had never heard of this film. This film features in pretty much all of the lists that talk about good gay films and must watch gay films. Wee better late than never.

I truly liked this film and hope more and more people it, along with mu favourite 'Big Eden'.
Michaelcosm said…
Well, I *did* pick it several years ago. ;) I'm really surprised it's not available on iTunes (US) or Dekkoo.

You know, I saw Big Eden, like, back around 2001-2002 and didn't love it. It's been on a million lists since then which has had me thinking that I should see it again. Thanks for the recommendation.
Michaelcosm said…
Oh! A recommendation for you, because I don't think I've seen it on your blog: Leather (2013). Despite an annoying & amateurish supporting actor/character, this is a decent movie. Quirky and sexy. An interesting vibe with two leads who are easy on the eyes. Not in Shelter's or, say, Weekend's caliber, to be sure, but worth a look.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2473718/
Golu said…
Thanks for the recommendation for 'Leather'. Ill definitely look for it.
Meanwhile, yes please, do watch Big Eden again. I have seen it like 5 times and have cried every single time in that one scene that I talk about in my blog !!
Hedgehog said…
this is movie is on my top list.
Golu said…
how can it be not !!
ILHiker said…
My tear continues and I finished my rewatch. Loved it once again. Spare, not sentimental, not cliche, strong performances, scenic, great characters, great sense of location and socioeconomic challenges. More, more comfort food movies tomorrow, but bedtime for now.
Golu said…
Actually this is one movie even I should watch again.

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