Young Hearts

Young Hearts is a beautiful and emotional film about first love. The film follows the journey of Elias, a 14-year-old boy who lives in a quiet village in Belgium, his self-discovery, confusion, and love. What makes the Series special is how real and gentle everything feels. The story has no big drama or shocking twists, but focuses on small, honest moments-looks, touches, and conversations. The emotions feel true and familiar and there is neither sexualisation of minors nor robust entering into the adult world.

Lou Goossens, who plays Elias, gives an amazing performance. He shows so much emotion just through his eyes and face. His acting feels completely natural, and it is easy to understand what Elias is feeling. Marius De Saeger as Alexander is his more experienced partner who is a deserved mate to him - through different ups and downs. The music and the soft, warm camera work also help create a peaceful and loving mood throughout the film.

True, one might say the film is a bit too hopeful or doesn't show enough of the hard parts of coming out, but Belgium is one of the countries where being gay has been more or less tolerated for decades. It is refreshing to see a story that focuses on the beauty of young love without making it too dramatic or tragic.

In short, Young Hearts is a sweet, sensitive, and important film. It shows that love-especially first love-can be something magical. 9 points from me as I am not in the target audience - but I liked it a lot.

I truly love this film for its story and characters. Elias is in many children's hearts, showing how love is only once in a lifetime. I wish how this story goes for many who are still figuring out themselves or what love is to them. I like how spread out the film's storyline was and how from a young teen's perspective on growing up and facing his feelings of love. This is a remarkable movie by movie director Anthony Schatteman, everyone included! Especially Lou Goossens and Marius De Saeger for the main roles. I wished there was a film like this for me and others to see in the mid-2010s. I highly recommend a watch! I can't wait for it to come out digitally or in a physical copy!

Expectations were high for this film - and man, wow, not only did it deliver, but it delivered in style!

Beautiful cinematography, enjoyable music, adorable story that the viewer (especially ppl among the LMBTQ community) could identify with.

The struggles of the boy (Elias) were depicted masterfully, and the happy ending was excellent - good to see a movie that puts more emphasis on the positive side of the topic.

However, this is my only critics to the film (that's why it's 'only' 10/9) - that I found it overly optimistic. Real life, unfortunatelly, is not like this.

A little bit more screentime could have been devoted to some drama about bullying, or refusal, because let's face it, there are always haters in real life.

Yes, there were minor hints about this in the film here and there, but a few more scenes should have been put into it about the negative sides. This could have made Elias's fears more understandable. In the end, it created an almost dream-like scenario.

However, this is a minor issue. One that doesn't really snaps you out of the immersion at all.

(I just felt like I have to explain the 9 stars)

We have to also talk about how excellent the cast were! The actors played their role wonderfully - even the young ones, so hats off really.

Now stop wasting your time by reading my review, go and watch it instead!

Honestly, i don't know where to begin.

I never did a review, but i truely cant get over this masterpiece. It left me speechless. I did go through so much emotions, while watching this movie and now i don't know how i should feel - Happy? Sad? Empty? In a strange kind of way all of that at the same time, i guess.

But let me tell you - everything about that movie is just stunning.

To begin with the young actors, especially Lou Goossens - absolutely amazing how he expresses feelings without saying a word. But also the relationship and synergy between the characters fits just perfect.

The music by Ruben de Gheselle hits me so hard - im sure he will get awarded for his amazing work here.

The cinematography is just beautiful with all the landscape scenery and the strong colours.

And of course the message of the movie from regisseur anthony Schatteman will be so important for many young people and influence them in such a good way.

I truthfully believe we will hear so much good things about these guys and this movie in the future. For me it is just a masterpiece and deserves everything and more. 10/10.

Usually, I do not do Movie Reviews - but this one I have to.

Usually, Queer Movies on Film Festivals are Dark, Sad, Drama. Young Heart changed everything!

Naturally, on Coming-Out Stories you have fear and sadness. Here as well, BUT: the positive Part overruled. Seeing the love growing, shy but there, see the fun (no sexual party, just romance (thank Gosh!) of the friendship, enjoying the time they had together.

Not only me had tears in the eyes, the whole audience was sniffing, cheering, crying.

The young Actors are fabulous! Well casted, well played!

When you have the chance: watch it!!