Beira-Mar

Here is an example of self-conscious introspection going in too many directions at once. Bad enough for the viewer trying to cope with shaky frames from hand-held cameras, even worse when the narrative slows for long, heavy pauses in either words or actions. One wonders why so many low budget films share this phenomenon. It is tempting to call out to the screen, "Get on with it, already!"

Still, there is charm in the notion that two young friends can figuratively swim their way, as ocean sounds play in the distance, through casual interruptions in a simple assignment to locate and retrieve a family document of some importance as they visit a beach house in the cold of winter. It might even be possible to salvage this film by cutting out totally irrelevant scenes that serve only to provide background for their respective characters. A filmmaker's self-indulgence in attempting to recreate a familiar story from his or her past reminds me of how quickly I run away whenever someone says, "To make a long story short..." which in fact becomes a stream of consciousness without an end.

Indeed, there is no clear end to this film. It just goes on and on.

I was delighted to discover this gem of a film. Outstanding, naturalistic performances and relatable characters. I found myself completely engaged from the very beginning of this film. Excellent casting and direction of two quality lead performances. Highly recommend this film!

I can understand this movie doesn't get the best rating from the average gay movie viewer. It stays away from most gay movie clichés. There's no mentioning of anything gay scene related. There's no dancing to cheap house music in a gay disco or bar. There's no muscular actors or too pretty characters with successful high paid jobs. There's no singing of musical tunes nor is there a group of happy gay friends sharing their latest flings. There's no straight guys to be turned and no rent-boys and hustlers to be paid. There's no diseases and it doesn't end in drama. There's no acting in which inner dialogue is is being constantly expressed in words. There's no gimmicks or tricks to keep you entertained nor endless music scores on piano. There's two boys that could have been your best mates at school (when you discovered alternative music, alcohol and smoking weed) who admit to loving each other more than they dared show before. I enjoyed the natural pacing of this movie, the timeless boredom of seaside towns out of season, the frustration of family and the recognizable (big) events in the little lives of the everyday characters involved. Well done, I need more of this!

Its realy nice movie to watch if you just want the emotions,its not eventfull and it doesnt have that much dialog but i realy enjoyed it because i just wanted to wach something thats relaxing and where you dont focus on the words that much.Wouldnt recomend this movie to those people who are all about plot and drama.

A soft tale of rite of passage for two boys. The story unfolds in an undramatic way. Nothing more than the absolutely necessary is explained. The acting is superb, awkwardness, confusion, fragility and desire all perfectly depicted on the actors' faces.