Un momento en común

Great to see intelligent scripts and good production and direction in GLBTQI Cinema. A Moment In The Reeds, while obviously a Gay Love Story I think could an should be seen by any audience of any sexual orientation.

It's a 2017 Prize Winner from Finland , partly in subtitles but mostly In English. The three actors are Janne Puustinen as Leevi the Art Student returning home from Paris to assist his moody disapproving father renovate the family and his childhood cottage in Finnish Midsummer.

Boodi Kabbani is Tareq a handsome Syrian refugee who's been employed by Leevi's Dad Jouko as a labourer, even though in his own country he's a qualified architect and it's eventually obvious to Jouko not only that Tareq is highly skilled but also that Levi and Tareq have more in common than carpentry.

There's much more to this film than the attraction of the young men , anyone worried about the male sex scenes note the ratings . Sex and Nudity :moderate Violence and Gore :None Profanity : None Alcohol and Drugs /Smoking :mild Frightening/Inttnce scenes : none

It's contemporary setting shows the difference and difficulty of refugees trying to start a new life in a very foreign and suspicious culture and the deep rift that many Gay men experience with a parent or parents that just won't accept their children for who the are. It's interesting to me that with a some good exceptions European GLBTQ1 films are of a much higher quality and able to reflect stories that while obviously are aimed at The Queer film audiences also can resonate with any open minded progressive audience

I consider entering the world of gay movies as one of the most important points in my life and I feel like this movie now has a very special place in my heart. As someone who has watched many movies of this kind I I'm very critical when it comes to story telling as it usually tends to repeat itself over and over again with many clichés. This movie shows us once again how less is more. Every dialog is well put together and has it's purpose in storytelling, developing characters and explaining their experiences, therefore there is no unnecessary babbling that would take away the beauty of the moment. Director somehow manage to trick us not to feel the lack of conversation perhaps by bringing them together quickly, like they known eachother forever or they understand eachother at some level we can't comprehend. Yet when they do talk, it's overwhelming and we can learn so much about the different worlds they live in and also about passion they have for one another. Thing that bothers me is how easily this affection that seemed so strong broke at the end leaving us with that weird feeling of being deceived to believe in something that doesn't exist, which is why I think this story needs a sequel.

I liked this movie, I liked its way in telling the story. Yes, its tempo is slow but the story streams perfectly. Dialogues and acting are very successful. There is no exaggeration or "unnecessary emphasis". Both players, Boodi Kabbani as 'Tareq' and Janne Puustinen as 'Leevi' did well-done job. I slightly disturbed in some scenes (not in scenes with sexual content) when the camera moved too much. For example,, the camera was moving (like shaking) during the scene where two guys were swimming in the pond. I don't know whether it was necessary. Camera moves are usually preferred for horror scenes or for increasing the tension.

I liked the movie but I have some general critics on movies which place "gay issues" at the focus. Why do generally gay movies have to be shut in an isolated places? Far from people, creating a lonely planet have started to be a cliche. 'A Moment in the Reeds' repeats this cliche too, like 'on God's Own Country'. (Likewise directors may create another getto instead they wanted to demolish the walls??) There is also often a hidden sadness in the background and it causes a slow motion streaming. The balance between "drama" and "comedy" are missed on purpose. (That's why I liked more the movie 'Theo and Hugo' due to its tempo.) Gay style-movies also like giving too much priority to dialogues. In the sound structure, the audience listens to dialogues more than the other sounds. These dialogues are also mostly between two main characters. Soundtracks, sounds of city, or other people's dialogues are usually less. This makes movie less believable and less real!! Despite of my general critics, 'A Moment in the Reeds' was directed quite successfully and deserves to be watched!

...captured like spiders' silk on film. Apart from the slow start, there is nothing negative about this production. I don't even see the four people in the film as acting; it's as if the camera is simply there. Not boring, no miscasting, beautifully shot and directed. So gentle, so tastefully done. So very different to the stuff Hollywood churns out these days. Stuff that is instantly forgettable. This one lingers like wisps of vapour from a long-ago summer.

I love everything about this movie. I rarely buy dvds these days, but this one is an exception.

A Moment In The Reeds does build slowly, but truthfully I wouldn't want it any other way. It's all about the small moments.The emotional intensity between the two lead actors is great. Both giving completely natural, nuanced performances. Their shared chemistry on screen is captivating. This film has a lot more to offer than your typical erotic romance though. Both men are forced to confront issues in their lives that have long been ignored. Finland's beautiful countryside serves as a breathtaking backdrop to the emotional turmoil they're both going through. For fantasies unfortunately has to meet reality.

A Moment In The Reeds is an incredibly sensitive, seductive and poignant film. Impeccably directed with stunning cinematography and performances.