Mi mejor amigo

I happened to run across this film on cable and was impressed with its subtle approach to a familiar situation. How many films are shot in the bucolic Argentinian Patagonia? A troubled young man is sent to live with a charming family that includes teenage son Lorenzo. It isn't long before tensions begin to surface. Angelo Mutti Spinatta has the complex role of Lorenzo and his performance is remarkable.

There is a bit of conflict about whether this is an LGBT film. I think that is a waste of time. The film is simply that two adolescent youths have an ' attraction ' towards each other and the director has decided that the scenario should steer clear of a too obvious sexual contact. I often wonder while watching a film what happens between scenes and it is quite possible that some sort of experimentation takes place and is not shown. Mutual masturbation is the obvious act that comes to mind and at that age it does not necessarily mean ' Gay '. That is my opinion and directors and writers make choices at what to show. To put a label on the youths is useless as this is fiction and dear reviewers create your own in between acts between cuts or blackouts in cinema narratives. Hollywood ' hinted ' for years in films. And in this film there are a few hints, especially when the two look in silence at each other and the way one stares at the buffed half-naked body of the other. Imagine sex if you want to; if not do not and if it is a not then it is not an LGBT film but ' simple ' close friendship. Personally I felt it was full of romance and silent longing. The two main actors were very good in their roles and the film, beautifully made is clearly aimed at those who are not quite sure of their sexual orientation. The slightly repressed atmosphere of the Argentinian background slightly closed in on me, and the Bible is made prominent in the scenario and God, which is not exactly inducive to relaxed emotions between two young male teenagers. This should be shown in schools so as to let the age group it is there for be able to discuss and decide. As for adults make up your own minds but steer clear of being too definitive about it. A tender and fine film not to be missed.

Mi mejor amigo (2018) is an Argentinian movie shown in the United States with the translated title My Best Friend. The film was written and directed by Martín Deus.

The movie stars Angelo Mutti Spinetta as Lorenzo, a shy, quiet young man who is chosen last for sports, but who is a classical guitarist and an avid reader.

His life is changed by the arrival of Caito, portrayed by Lautaro Rodríguez. Caito is tough, muscular, and well versed in life on the street. He's the exact opposite of Lorenzo, but they still become friends.

Caito has been sent from his father's home in Buenos Aires to stay with Lorenzo's parents. He's had serious troubles, brought on by his impulsive behavior. He pushes limits every chance he can, and those chances often involve Lorenzo.

Both actors are excellent. Director Deus deserves credit for knowing how to bring their talent to the screen.

The film is subtle in the way it portrays the bonding of the young men. Actually, the entire movie has a subtlety about it. No one is a villain, no one sets impossible standards, and no violence occurs. It's a gentle film, but there's always a sense of foreboding about it. You'll have to watch it to learn what motivates Lorenzo, Caito, and Lorenzo's parents.

We saw this film at Rochester's Little Theatre. It was shown at ImageOut, the excellent Rochester LGBT Festival. This was its New York State premiere. It will work well on the small screen. Right now this movie has an IMDb rating of 8.4, which is remarkably high. However, less than 100 people have rated it, so that number could change. That high rating reflects my own thoughts about the film. I hope the rating remains high, so more people will want to see it. It's worth finding and viewing. It will work well on the small screen.

P.S. Watch for Mariana Anghileri in the unheralded supporting role of Lorenzo's mother. She's a great actor as well as being very beautiful.

Though not your stereotypical feel-good, happy-ending, first-love LGBT film, this film definitely shows a situation, I believe, more common of homosexual coming of age. The angst and frustration of unrequited first love towards an often times unsuspecting, hetersexual youth.

Adolescence is strange and difficult enough without the extra measure of finding attraction in something not socially understood or accepted.

While fraternal love is beautiful in itself, it is made to feel tainted by the added homosexual impulses felt by the lead character causing him to question his integrity.

This main male character. who is gay. is dealing with the dilemma of having not just 'normal' feeling for another male who is heterosexual, but 'un-normal' feelings for his friend as well.

Though his intentions and empathy for his friend are pure, he feels clouded by his other emotions and is left to grapple with the confusion of his competing motivations for closeness to his friend.

I found this film very nuanced, and intelligent. Not just another cookie-cutter coming of age inspirational LGBT story.

I hope future films will stop duplicating the tried-and-tested, cookie-cutter LGBT films, and continue to stray from the now stereotyped image being portrayed of LGBT existence. Just as with all other experiences, the LGBT experience is extremely varied, and needs to be expressed as so.

This film is an example of the newly recognized, complicated feelings and emotions during adolescence. While unrequited love in our young age is not unique to LGBT youth, it takes on added layers, and is quite worthy of being reflected upon and untangled on the screen.

If you enjoyed "Moonlight", you'll enjoy this. Another quiet gem of a movie that doesn't require constant talking to get its point across.

The actors, especially the boy who plays Lorenzo, are terrific at communicating non-verbal. It's not a complicated story, but more an emotional exploration of the characters' relationships and how they develop. Be prepared to not get the ending you may be wishing for...but that only adds to the movie's more realistic interpretation of how life doesn't always turn out the way we expect.

I'd rather watch a well-done character study like this than another stupid explosion-filled Hollywood flick any day.