The Pass

I almost skipped this film due to some bad reviews I read about it, and therefore was surprised to find that it is quite enjoyable and interesting. Acting is great, especially Tovey Russel's performance which I found excellent in spite of a somewhat exaggerated character script. I admit the subject treatment is a bit outdated, and the script is more suitable for chamber theater than for a film. But still, this is a very good gay flick.

"The Pass" is extremely well-thought, well-written and well-acted; an EXTREMELY rare combination for a gay themed film. But times have certainly changed, in that we now have the benefit of openly gay actors (such as Russel Tovey) who don't shy away from such projects, and can apply their experience and skill unhindered. I felt the chemistry between the two characters of Jason and Ade at the beginning of the film was both real and forced...maybe the scenes were shot out of order, but at times I felt they were seriously best mates, and at other times it felt as if they were just playing stereotypical 2-dimensional English soccer players. I can also say this about the Jason character overall; we're supposed to believe he has an irresistible magnetism and charisma, which is why people deal with his narcissism (a very real phenomenon). Yet at the same time, the final scene crossed the barrier of disbelief, in that I can't see the Ade character would have stuck around to "participate" in whatever Jason had going on if he were still infatuated with him. However, I think the ending was a perfect way to express just how it might have brought Ade to make certain decisions in the beginning. All in all, this is one of the highest caliber gay-themed films I have seen (rivals "Brokeback Mountain") and definitely worth watching .

Russell Tovey and Arinzé Kene are two young football players on the verge of having bigger careers when they share a hotel room the night before a big game. The titular moment happens, and then we see the fallout five and then ten years later in two different hotel rooms.

I was struck by the large disparity between how much I wanted to like this film and how little I really did. It was adapted by John Donnelly from his successful play, and it's one of the most clear "adapted from a play" films I have seen with three equal length acts involving a couple of people standing in small rooms and talking. It's a film where I really liked it's overall arc, but didn't really enjoy much of what it took to get there.

It does have a truly heroic amount of very ripped, shirtless men, so that will add an extra element for many viewers.

I've just watched "The Pass". It was much more rewarding than two other reviews on this site might suggest. I think that they were deliberately posted by homophobes in order to diminish the attractiveness of this movie. To confirm my view, I'd just suggest that you consider the "External Reviews" on this site. All of the English reviews are overwhelmingly positive, which makes me think that there are some people out there who try, very deliberately, to denigrate or otherwise diminish the quality of any gay themed movies.

Now, to the movie itself. It's a tale of two young footballers, one black and the other white. While they feel a certain attraction to one and other, it is only in their later lives that they are able to come to terms with it. I think it to be a really good movie with interesting messages.

Just how beautiful is "The Beautiful Game"? Only you can determine that. But I thought this to be a good and thoughtful movie. Russell Tovey was believable, handsome, beautiful and excellent in his role, as was his counter-part, Arinzé Kene. Two good-looking men. They are just surprised when they are attracted to one and other.

I give the movie 8/10 for its honesty in examining relationships between men. It's a subject which is not often covered in the movies.

If you choose to watch it, then I trust that you will enjoy it.

I really enjoyed the movie and the acting was great. The way it portrayed the range of emotions in the different relationships were very poignant and authentic. Russell Tovey was amazing and gave a layered performance. Arinze Kene should definitely be given more roles in the future. I hope UK cinema realizes what they have before he is forced to go to the US for work.