Gewoon vrienden

This is a light young love story. Yad and his family are refugees from Middle East and come to Netherlands, where he is lucky to come into acquaintance of Joris. There is very little made of their sexuality, with is refreshing. They just are 2 people that happen to have some fun, and more.

It's not deep drama by any means. There is little context or history to explain the characters' behaviors. This is a feel good, look good movie. Especially the drop dead Joris, who the camera lingers on in various stages of undress. (i did not have a problem with this.)

I truly enjoyed this cute movie. The performance of the actors is awesome. It's really a cute story. We have a modern, very well produced gay-love story without stereotypes, and the best part is that it has a happy ending FINALLY! That's a big change from the usually amateurish movies where someone HAS TO die!

Gewoon Vrienden is so underrated and under the radar, only 32 reviews (including me) proves it.

There are 4 salty reviews here I can't stand them, because this didn't deserves rating below than 6 of out 10. This is in my top 6 gay movie all of time (so far and I can watch it over and over again), with Brokeback Mountain, Four moons, God's own country, Longtime companion, and The way he looks.

P. S. Did you know that: 1. This is a Telefilm: Telefilms are Dutch feature films specially made for television (such as Jongens also from Netherlands or Hidden Kisses from France).

2. Director Annemarie van de Mond has resigned due to a disagreement with the creative team about the course of the film, the director's name has disappeared from the credits, the name 'Ellen Smit' is mentioned as a replacement. This is a pseudonym and is more commonly used when a director distances himself from a production.

3. If y'all find it difficult to find the soundtrack, it's from Jeffrey van Rossum (I'll Follow You & My Home)

Once you get past the sheer beauty of Josha Stradowski this film really delivers. It's about love and family. How parents impact your daily lives.Funny at times, definitely sexy, beautifully shot. Not serious, but not fluff. Young, new love and expectations. Loved it, loved the silliness, loved the emotional impact - a feel good film!

It is a surprising film. for the choice to not be a manifesto, a pledge, a drama in the well known frame. but a simple, honest lovely story of a relation. nothing great but impressive for each detail. because it is not only the film of lead actors. because the performances of ladies are more than beautiful. because it is a film with roots in social reality. and a love story who could convince each viewer. a beautiful film. and this "verdict" , for me, is enough for invite to see it.