The Wolves of Kromer

Gay werewolves? emmmm ... a likely story. Though their shabby fur coats and sewn on tales, definitely shows that this film didn't really have that big of a budget, but its not totally unbelieveable considering the werewolves are suppose of be symbolic of gay males, and not actual monsters.

I'd recommend this film if your looking for a little eye candy, as the two main characters (Gabriel and Seth) aren't too bads on the eyes, considering their both male models! Which generally explains why they were a little lacking in the acting department.

In truth the two old ladies creep the hell out of me, especially Fanny, but there performance was a little better than the wolves, though they don't shine a very nice light on lesbian's.

This is going to sound really bad, but my favourite part was the credits. But only cause they look sooo gorgeous! But I don't want to give too much away.

To sum it up:-

Acting: 5/10 Costumes: 4/10 Plot: 8/10 Eye candy: 10/10

Odd, odd, odd. It's a little like watching Ken Russell seen through a prism of Alain Resnais. And the "wolves" of the title are not exactly "wolves" and not exactly "werewolves." You'll see what I mean when you see their costumes. Being a wolf, or becoming a wolf through inborn genetic or infectious disease or "contact" is a metaphor for homosexuality. (No, I'm not dissing what I am and what you probably are--it's just part of the film's wackiness.) Once you see it's from a play by Charles Lambert, it all makes sense. But it beautifully translates to film.

I love the old lady, Fanny, who despite myriad lines and wrinkles on her tanned old face still retains the remains of great beauty. Hearing the actress adopt a cockney or regional accent, puckishly enunciating her saucy remarks, is a delight. (She also played the incredible beauty at the end of "The Da Vinci Code.") This film is also a satire of the class war, reminiscent of Mike Leigh's "High Hopes." Catch Polly, a member of the Biffen family, with her ludicrous "county" accent as she wears her quilted jacket and complains that the minister won't allow her dog Parsnip into church.

A delightful film, helped by the fantastic beauty of the English countryside and the fantastic beauty of the lead Gabriel, played by James Layton. A melange of humor, beauty, and oddness.

I'm always dumbfounded when people equate budget with quality (think of all the high-budget/ low-quality Hollywood movies that dominate the cineplexes). So, yes, this is low budget -- thankfully -- there's no fancy make-up or special effects, and no CGI. This movie is based on a PLAY. And it's filmed that way (not "opened up" very much from the source). Regardless of how you feel about this specific film, please be aware that there are many fine films out there, of varying budgets, that are presented stylistically as more of a play. Most of the time it is an artistic decision having nothing to do with budget.

As far as the content (plot, performances, etc.), I can easily understand why there's much dissension in these areas of this particular film. Certainly this is not a movie for the unwashed masses, or even the washed ones! What I like about it is that it's part murder mystery (not a whodunit) with social commentary, and touches of black humour (I guess in many ways, stereotypically British), not to mention the charming and handsome leads. The Wolves of Kromer is to me what Brokeback Mountain is to many others. So if you want a big-budget flick with big American stars (that's also high in quality), go climb the Mountain!

Loved Wolves of Kromer. Of course I have to say I watched it because of Lee Williams, who is always beautiful and a delight. This movie has the feel of a made for TV movie or after school special. Set in a small village in Great Britain, that is plagued by wolves. Now the wolves aren't really werewolves, or the 4 legged kind of wolves, they are people with claw-like finger nails, fangish teeth, and tails. Really the wolves are supposed to be gay people. The pretty young boys who want nothing but to sing, dance and romp with each other, harming no one, but are blamed for everything wrong in the town. a Metaphor for "somethings wrong and I don't want to look at us. So, of course, it's them!" My favorite relationship besides that of Seth (Williams) and fellow wolf Gabrielle (James Layton) is the relationship between the priest and a young boy. (No not in that way) The priest who acts like a closeted wolf himself, tries to convince the boy that wolves are evil, sent by Satan, and must be killed. The boy is always asking questions like, if the wolves must be killed why aren't they mentioned in the bible, and why can't we just leave them alone. To which, the priest just responds with non-logical rhetoric, while all the while looking more obsessive and more bent.

The Wolves of Kromer tells the story of two wolves who, despite being persecuted by the villagers of Kromer, fall in love.

The Wolves of Kromer is a "modern-day fairy tales" with a bit of a gay twist. The persecuted wolves aspect is supposed to be a metaphor for gays being persecuted by the straight community. Also - to add some not so subtle hints - all of the wolves are male...! The Wolves of Kromer had some potential with its interesting ideas and fresh approach to gay cinema - but unfortunately - it gets bogged down with a boring story-line featuring two old ladies trying to murder a wealthy woman to get her inheritance. The subplot doesn't really gel with the gay wolves at all.

If the movie had of been a bit more focused on the gay-wolf story - then it could have been a whole lot better. Despite all the criticism - there were some neat ideas and a half-decent twist at the end.