La Contrée des orages

What the hell? I would've considered giving it a full 10 stars. There are some beautiful shots and sequences and even though it can be a little hard to watch at times, it's a very good film, until the last 100 seconds. I have no idea what the director's and writer's point was? The last 100 seconds need to be erased or something. I was having a great time and now I'm heavily disgusted. If you're planning on watching this, stop watching when 5:05 is left (with credits) or 1:45 is left (without credits) because really, the film ends there. Whatever it was after that, it was inhuman and disturbing and most of all, pointless.

The fact that it's based on a true story shows in the authenticity of the film and a storyline that doesn't fit a straight line narrative and Andras Suto's performance is so strong and the process of discovery is tangible. The emotional depth of the film is less about discovery of sexuality and more about discoveries of oneself and how shame and pressure to conform also clouds the discovery process. That is the best part of the film, it's not about sex, but about what sexuality is and if the characters can embrace that especially given the circumstances. The ending of the film feels abrupt, but the story is far from a conclusion. That's what makes it really satisfying because it leaves self discovery to continue and sometimes it's a long journey of hatred and shame and maybe you never figure it out. It's a powerful story with great performances.

Two boys are talented football players in Germany Szabolcs is from Hungary and his best friend Bernard is German. Then after a particularly unfruitful game, Szabolc decides to return to Hungary and live in the broke down farm that he inherited from his grandfather.

Whilst he had rejected his homosexual urges in Germany - once he gets home he meets Áron and for him it is a game changer. The thing is it is also a game changer for the whole community. To say any more may be veering in to plot spoiler territory. Needless to say there are depictions of homophobia here. Some may say that we have seen it all before, but films like this need to be made to address the still pervading attitudes in many countries and communities towards LGBT people.

Filmed in Hungarian, German and a tad of English with good sub titles. This is done using an original story line, a group of talented actors and a lot of warmth. The decisions that some of the characters make may be questionable, but I am pretty safe in saying that we all have made mistakes in our lives. I found this to be engrossing, sensual - in parts - and ultimately moving; this is for lovers of gay cinema in all its parts.

Beautifully shot with sparse dialogue and apparently based on a true story, it's a great film as long as you're ok without a happy ending.

Taking place in a small village in Hungary, there's some homophobia which could be triggering but then again that's the world we live in. It might not be pretty but life isn't always.

This isn't an American film so don't watch it if you're expecting one. Shots are long and there can be stretches where not much is said but the actors do a commendable job regardless. I would give it 7/10 but I had to deduct one for the ending. It was literally jaw dropping and left me feeling a let down. That being said, if you don't mind dark endings, then it's definitely worth a watch.

I was really shocked with the ending of this. It was really hurtful to watch the end 😢 Nevertheless I did enjoy the whole plot.