Quebrando o Jejum

A break from the normal gay dramas, this one actually had heart and soul. Amazing script and excellent actors. Just the right amount of comedy too. Loved every minute, and I'm glad there were some loose ends left open. I demand several sequels!! Lol

So thrilled to see a movie like this. I learned a lot by watching it, it left me thinking, it left me feeling hopeful and happy. Bravo to the whole team for a job well done.

BREAKING FAST is everything I love in a romcom. It's funny, sweet, and heartwarming, with completely relatable characters. It's an old school premise (2 characters fall in love over the holidays amidst a backdrop of shenanigans from friends and family), with a modern day twist (it's Ramadan instead of Christmas and the lead role is a gay, Arab, Muslim man!). Amin El Gamal (the best friend) and Rula Gardenier (the mom) are absolute scene stealers! And the chemistry between the 2 leads, Haaz Sleiman and Michael Cassidy, is palpable and sizzling. This movie is an absolute delight!

This is a beautiful different special gay rom-com because it includes a gay muslim character and this kind of representation is usually not so common, and it's interesting. The script is nice with many interesting deep lines, and sometimes it's both hilarious and emotional. Performances are all very good. Cinematography is awesome too with many beautiful shots. Breaking Fast is a unique important light funny touching rom-com.

Being a straight English non Muslim woman I may not be the target audience for this film but seeing all the new negative reviews for this film, I felt that I had to stand up for this sweet movie as someone who has actually seen it. I am not usually one for romcoms either but a pandemic can do weird things to a person. This has been a go to for me during lockdown, being a gentle funny film to pass the time with. Not having a lot that I recognise in my actual life ie. the LA gay scene or Muslim life I found it to be quite respectful of the ideas of Islam in the way it shows a very demure love story with the American character having respect for the traditions of the Muslim character, calling him out on some of his assumptions but never disrespecting Islam itself, just sometimes questioning Mo's rigid ideas of how others should behave and to see things from their point of view. The idea of this being set in Ramadan has upset some reviewers but honestly it is a framework for the idea of making a connection and sharing an important part of your life with them.