Sem Ressentimentos

Saw this during the Movies That Matter 2021 filmfestival, normally in The Hague but now 100% online. I have many problems to find a position in this drama, which is a positive conclusion, all things considered. There are no bad guys/girls, and no one behaves badly or opportunistically at the expense of someone else. We see the differences in language and culture we expected, but it is not the core of the plot. The story moves forward under the impending doom of what awaits those seeking asylum in a country that is not very eager to accept new immigrants. We also see lots of other topics pass by, like a proposal for a marriage of convenience as a legal way to stay in Germany. We see parents with the best of intentions working day and night to prepare a bright future for their son, who however does not seem to fully appreciate all their efforts. We see the same parents deliberating to stay in Germany or to return to Iran where their heart still is. And so on. The social context makes this movie the must-see it certainly is.

Apart from all that, there is the gay relationship that tends to dominate the story line. If gets much attention in the proceedings and takes a considerable part of the running time. This is logical and pertinent to the story, as most bystanders frown on it, Germans as well as Iranians, and the two men make weak attempts (not with great success) to conceal it. We see lots of action in bed, but without frontal nudity and without genitals in sight, which is a good thing as most viewers abhor gay sex and would consider it a reason to avoid this movie. The latter would be a pity, as there is much more to it than bed scenes.

If that gay relationship had been the single plot line, the movie would not have been half as interesting. There are ample side topics to make watching it worthwhile. I regret that many announcements for this movie emphasize the gay relationship too much, thereby risking to mislead potential viewers and letting them avoid it. Do not give in to this negative reaction, and you get social commentary in triplicate.

Just randomly watch this film cause it win teddy award, i can tell the reason why. It'd been well filmed, with quite slow but special plot, which i know that suite perfectly for the best featured film, if you looking for some entertain or rom-com movies, this is not for you, but it really worth watching, you not gonna boring seeing this. This is not a coming out or another need-to-be sorrow gay movie, it comfort, warm and beauty.

Beautiful scenes, great development, truly hard and loving emotions. great film to empathize with the reality of many young lgbt immigrants community.

This film is genuinely the most important piece of cinema of our generation. Germany needs this movie more than anything else on screen. I saw this movie three times, because so many of my friends needed to see it. Most of us are immigrants and refugees who have never seen ourselves represented on screen in such a careful and brilliant way. We are touched, moved and inspired by this work.

I would even go so far as to say that this film is more important than Call Me by Your Name.

There are numerous aspects with which many more people can relate to than I had originally expected, which is the true strength of this film. The directors intent was to bring queer immigration stories to the mainstream screen, which is incredibly ambitious and I think he succeeded, even though I did have the feeling that there were several aspects such as relationships with the family that could have been played out a little more. However, this only makes me look forward to his future works.

The title of my review is because it's not only a gay movie but it talks about so many things at a time. The belonging, freedom and cultural diversity and especially in a refugee center. The guys are super handsome and there is so much of depth. It's a bit longer and 10-15 minutes could have been shorter.