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Romeos (German)

The Q-Fest this year has definitely been better than last couple of years. Surprisingly, the number of lesbian and transgendered movies have also seen a raise in this years film festival and thank god that most of hem have been good ones. I will see these movies any-day over crap, really pathetic gay movies. FTM transition and a love story woven between this, the film is definitely a great debut from the director. This film shows us the mindset of people transitioning and how it affects their relations with family, friends and of course how they go about finding love. This has been done in a very subtle manner. Lucas is a 19 year old FTM. He is on hormone replacement therapy and still has breasts that keep him bound and hidden. He is invariable put in a female dorm while doing community service. He is stressed there and wants to move to male dorm as soon as possible. In this time, his lesbian friend Ine is always with him and keeping his secret safe with her. Lured by Ine and his new friends, he starts hanging out in the gay life where he meets Fabio, a cocky, dark haired extremely good looking gay hunk who beds whoever he pleases. The two are opposite but somehow strike a friendship. There are many beautiful scenes of friendship. Soon Fabio starts making romantic moves but Lukas holds back. One evening when Lukas' parents are visiting, his younger sister spills out his secret which Fabio hears. They start ignoring each other. In the meantime, Lukas moves to male dorm. Fabio decides to keep his secret and eventually they start talking again. Fabio now becomes his friend, his guide into the male world and very soon, his lover as well. First things first I have to mention about Lukas' performance. The guy has done such a fantastic job, it is unbelievable. INternet search revealed that the actor who played Lukas is actually a man and al scenes with breasts etc were prosthetic makeup (which I must say could've fooled anyone). Lukas plays his part of a FTM with conviction specially in the scenes where he is interacting with other trans people over the internet. The film thankfully devoid any cliches and shows the positive side of things and hope in Lukas' life. Fabio also played his part very well of a cocky all-man gay guy and he looks pretty hot too. There's a nice, tender moment where we get to meet Lucas' mother and father and how they interact with him. The film also showed how over a period of time the friendship of Ine and Lukas progresses and how Lukas' transition affects not just him but people around him as well. I am still remembering the film and how much I liked it while watching it. It is a small film but a big gem in the world of queer cinema. Please watch it. (8/10)

Comments

cisi said…
I loved this film! I've never understood FTM or MTF, I think it was because I'm not familiar with anybody or seen anything other than movies portraying transgenders in a bad or funny way. :/ I like how this film shows all the good there is in love-and how love can never be ignored. The chemistry between the two actors is amazing. :) The actor playing Lucas has a presence rarely seen and that shows when he interacts with his friend Ine and Fabio. I'm in love with this movie!
Golu said…
I am glad that you liked this film. I absolutely loved the film. The acting by principal characters was pretty good and it felt very realistic rather than dramatic just for the sake of it
Daniel said…
Really enjoyed the movie. I too not understanding FTM or MTF identity am now left with a better understanding, yet will never be able to understand entirely all that one has to deal with. The actor playing lucas did such a great job that I actually had to research whether he was actually a male because I began to view him as a true FTM actor in real life.
Golu said…
Isin't that a shocker when you find that Lukas is actually a male. This film definitely deserves to be seen
condemi said…
Loved this movie even if ...Lukas is a former woman and "she" should be attracted by women.Is a little twist and surely it's my fault not fully understanding !Anyway very good looking actors and the film deserve all attention.BTW,would You drop some lines on"Private Romeo"? Thanks in advance.Luigi43
Golu said…
yes the film was fabulous. "Private Romeos" has been recommended to me and it is next on my list to watch :)
Fernando said…
I loved this movie. People should made other ones with happy endings, just like the ones we normally see in the movies.
Golu said…
Hey Fernando, I am not big on either happy or sad endings. Depending on what direction the film story is progressing, I wish directors just take the right decision which feels like the right thing to do
GC from France said…
I'm usually more keen on coming of age stories but I gave this one a shot and don't regret at all. The actor playing Lukas just did an amazing job and his chemistry with the other characters is just awesome. Definitely moving and worth watching.
Golu said…
Agreed. And not surprisingly, this film won the critics best film in Philadelphia Qfest, where I saw it. I m glad that you saw it.

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