Where Are You Going, Habibi?

Where are you going, Habibi? is a terrific gay themed movie with a beautiful positive ending. I watched this on Vimeo's On Demand service. The two main characters have been cast perfectly. The lead roll of Ibo, played by Cem Alkan, has one of those faces that lights up a room. He has a magnetic presence on screen and it is a delight to finally see a gay character that is not one dimensional and knows how to stick up for himself. His partner in crime "Ali" is played by Martin Walde and is the polar opposite to Ibo. Ali is a diamond in the rough, who is not scared to show his emotions and forms a special friendship with Ibo. I guess you could call this a "coming out" film, but it is much more than that. The movie is really about male friendship and what happens when that friendship becomes much deeper. If you're in the mood for an easy to watch movie, I highly recommend "Where are you going, Habibi?" It left me feeling uplifted and I wish more gay themed movies would take a leaf out of this book!

This film can be a bit all over the place but the feeling of hope is constant throughout the movie. It's a story of a bromance that started out as a one sided infatuation that became a friendship built on mutal love and respect. Loved the character development of the main actor, Ibrahim, who is faced with life changing choices. The ending was a bit scattered but it is really a thoroughly enjoyable story. Did not drag and moved at a good pace. Highly recommend as delightful palate cleanser between binge watching dramas or really heavy, nuanced movies.

It's a pretty basic movie but it does have its charm. There are issues with its rhythm. Sometimes it feels rushed and you get a sense that it probably would work better as a miniseries. Wanting more is a good sign. Having seen the two most recent movies of the director Tor Iben, I wasn't expecting a feel-good movie, but I understand why they gave him more chances to do his artsy stuff, with which he really struggles.

It's an OK movie with a basic plot and several soapy elements, but if you know the landscape of LGBT movies, this will feel like a rare outstanding movie.

Let's face it, this movie is not a stellar, high value production like a box-office movie, and the storyline is quite simple and predictable in a way. However, I have a soft spot (or maybe crush) on the main character , Ibo and he delivered a persona of an introverted, filial son but secretive with his sexuality, and I can relate to that. And what he did when Ali left the apartment is pretty much what I would do if I'm interested to someone, and some other things as well. Meanwhile, his counterpart, Ali is really an opposite of Ibo but I wasn't really irritated with his character which is a good thing. But, the precious Ibo is always there for his troubles.

Like other reviewer said, Ibo (Cem Alkan) lighted up with his presence in this movie, and I second that, I just love his demeanors and I wish I could have an 'Ibo' for myself. And I also wonder why he hasn't continued his career onscreen (as per IMDB listing) because I wish I could see him in another production just to see him in different light. This is still a mystery to me.

In overall, there were some cringe moments, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Good for light entertainment on weekend morning I would say.

Not written extremely well, and full of plot holes that leave you scratching your head. I could list them, but any viewer will pick them up.

What it does have are two attractive, endearing leads. You could believe their relationship. Also, just enough social commentary to relate to the story and move the plot forward.

It deals with their growing pains, the prejudice they encounter, as well as some family drama, etc. However, it also highlights how we cannot control who we love.

If you are a fan of gay cinema. I recommend you watch it, support it, and just take it for what it is - a story.

P. S. It has a great soundtrack by Bartosz Bludau.