somebody_else

Despite my longstanding love for the genre, I did not expect to be so moved by this film. In the same vein as movies like Shelter, Just A Question Of Love, Beautiful Thing, Jongens is about a boys struggle with sexuality, family obligations, growing up. There are plenty of plot points that are similar, admittedly, but Jongens had something the others didn't. Or perhaps it steered clear of things the others didn't.

While some reviews suggest there needs more elaboration, or elucidation, I think that's where the beauty lies. The main character, Sieg, and his love interest, Marc, fall for each other. You don't know that because they say it, or because they are physical with each other - you know that because of their stolen glances, their fleeting touches, the way they play and laugh and muck around, just like boys do.

There are serious elements to the film - we constantly see Sieger punishing himself with his athletic training, his overbearing brother always in the background - but they don't overwhelm you, or steal anything from all the sweet, gentle moments. Playing out parallel to the upcoming athletic championships, and with the backdrop of the river,forest,and long dirt roads - so much can be taken from what you see, and how it makes you feel, rather than what is told or forced upon you.

I agree there should be more, but only because they're special, their feelings and shared moments are fun and enthralling, and you'd like to be privy to hours of them.

If sweet, subtle, coming-of-age films are your cup of tea then definitely take time to see this movie. Sieg's journey into love, and identity is universal, and I think a lot of people - regardless of their sexuality - will relate.

I cannot tell you, with any great insight, the lessons to be learned with this film or the messages it may send to those who do not (choose not to) 'understand' homosexuality. That's not to say they are not there, or that this film fails to make those connections because it does. It speaks for those mistreated, it makes clear the tragedies that come with this prejudice, and does so - in my opinion - without being preachy, or pointing angry fingers.

For me, it is simply a story of love. A love that proves to be so special, that the two main characters - Cedric and Laurent - are willing to make crucial decisions, and changes in their lives for its survival. It is these two men; with their boyish behaviors - the joking, teasing and name calling - and the easy way they are together, that make this film. Superbly acted, this is a story that you can believe in.

If your interest for Firefly has brought you this far, don't look back. This show will not disappoint you. You will be amazed by the panorama, enamoured with the people, and so far lured into their stories that when you realise there's only fourteen episodes you will feel cheated. I cannot tell you how much I love this show. Not just for the futuristic setting - how authentic it feels; customs, cultures, clothing, language - but for each character and the struggles that they face. The colourful relationships between them all, the tension that runs thick and deep, the lessons that they (and the viewers) learn with each turn. To top it all off (in my humble opinion) it has a dry, easy humour that makes even the more decadent character pleasing to watch.

Don't let the genre scare you away. This is a story about people, friends, who are just getting by the best they can. A must see.