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!

This film was very adorable. It is honestly a super refreshing watch compared to the rest of the depressing cinema that clogs the lgbtq+ genre. The lack of homophobia and tragedy is something that I am very appreciative of, this was a much needed change of pace. It is definitely a comedy, but its nowhere near campy or overbearing, just a very lighthearted and enjoyable gay-themed movie! I totally recommend if you're looking for something to lift your spirits or even just give you the giddies. Its a relatively short watch and the sweet message that comes along with this film absolutely makes it all the better; "Love can't be controlled. It controls you." So true!

I am pleased that this film was made by a female director and she achieved a miracle; I laughed with and not at the poor way the Dutch treat homosexuality ( when they occasionally do ) and after just seeing ' Akron ' I was yet again involved with mothers and one dead father as much as I was involved with the two very young gay protagonists. The running joke of the urn with ashes in it wore thin after a while, but it managed to resolve itself with a few shedding of tears. The humour I did laugh at was mainly to do with dialogue, which I kind of understand ( badly all the same ) as after many years living there I could not and still do not quite get it!!! Shame on me. The story itself is basically the usual and rather tiresome I have just got out of my nappies film, which is a trope in Gay/Queer cinema I wish we could drift away from for a while. Two ( teenage ? ) guys meet cute by one of the dreariest landscapes in the world, and after a few bumpy rides in the relationship all's well that meets well. Mothers dominate yet again, and so do grandmothers as well as anyone else you want to mention in families. Their stories were sometimes moving, and sometimes full of cliches but the acting was overall good and the film is very watchable. I give it a 7 for being entertaining and at times manipulatively moving, but did Josha Stradowski as the tall youthful hunk from homosexual land really have to dominate quite so much with his skimpy shorts and teasing overtures of masturbation ? I am fond of male beauty but I am sick and tired of Gay cinema being overwhelmed by mainly young men of say under 22. There is a whole wide world out there of other gay male imagery to be explored, and some films do, and believe it or not, the male Lolita syndrome wears thin. I have said probably the unsayable, and perhaps the ' other ' portrayals ' of men are less popular with those who buy these films. Gay/Queer film still has many battles to fight to win over audiences, and that is sad but it does not have to remain in a world of sea bathing, shower scenes and titillation to gain attention. I like real sexuality in Gay cinema and have often applauded it, but the domination of youthful angst can become boring. That said I think this is the best gay themed film to come out of the Netherlands and that is to be celebrated.

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?