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.)

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)

This was a very well done film, with top notch production values, beautiful outdoor settings, a good amount of comedy to offset some of the very serious issues taking place. Two young males, from different backgrounds, fall in love. There is some fall-out because neither mother accepts the other son based on race/religious and economic status. With the help of one of the boys' Oma, they find a way to eventually master some of these hurdles. The grandmother character is one of the main highlights, with her sense of humor and outlook. The two main characters were standouts in their performances.

This an amazing movie. The acting, editing, sound design, costumes...everything is on point. An amazing exploration of two young men lost in the world finding where they belong.

This is a lovely feelgood movie, with excellent acting by the two young male protagonists. They are very realistic and comfortable in their ways. Dynamic, believable (and handsome) in a strong storyline about a mixed-race relationship.

An even more epic performance is given by grandma Jenny Arean in her typical Amsterdam nonchalant style, and mother Tanja Jess, who perfectly embodies the rich widow, who is never satisfied.

This movie makes you long for more. Gewoon Vrienden 2 - The Next Generation?