Friday, April 28, 2006

Bishonen

Country Hongkong 1998

Picture and details lovehkfilm

Seen 28 April 2006

A gentle love story. Sam, a mother's dream of a son has secrets that only came to the fore when the father discovers that the son has an alternative lifestyle.

Sam, has always looked up to the father and done his utmost best to be what the family wants of him. The mother even laments that she wishes that Sam has some fault that would make him more normal. It does seem abnormal that Sam does not show any wild streaks or teenager angst while growing up.

But actually beneath that cool surface are deep feelings for others of the same gender. It just happens that Sam has never been the wild type. He takes what happens to him sexually as part of the growing up process and is cool about the attention given to him.

He does feel for those close to him, an office colleague, a star in the making and finally a street hustler. But he is duty bound to his family. Those nearest and dearest to him in his love encounters has to be set aside. He makes the decision that the family has to come first. Those touched by his presence have to go on with their lives and live with just memories of Sam.

Steam: The Turkish Bath

Country: Italy/Turkey 1997

Picture and details imdb

Seen 26 April 2006

Do not expect explicit erotic scenes or romps in the steam bath. What you get is a sensitive potrayal of one man’s discovery of himself. The discovery does not cover only his sexual side but also what makes him tick and what makes life worth living. His aunt who left him the steam bath or hamam in Turkish was discovering herself too a long time ago. The story is interspersed with readings from the aunt’s letter to her sister, Francesco’s mother (the hero).

At first, he wants to sell the place as soon as possible and continue with his career as an architect in Italy. His first encounter of a hamam and the aunt’s letters changed the course of his life and those around him. The ending is a slight departure from what the audience would expect.

The acting was low key as the story takes its time to unfold. There are moments when the nuances might be lost in the translation as the dialogue is in Turkish. Be patient when watching the movie.

Sunday, April 23, 2006

The Map Of Sex And Love


Country Hong Kong 2001

Picture and details dighkmovies

Seen 22 April 2006

Two guys and a girl. Each have their own past to conquer. The film shows the journey they take in discovering the inner demons that has to be exorcised. The director does not show outbursts of emotions. The whole story seems to be understated but there are strong undercurrents of feelings. The story is centred on Lamma Island, an almost opposite of the bustling Hong Kong that has always been depicted in films. That location itself brings an added dimension to the intense feelings of the three friends towards each other.