Swingers

Despite the title and context, there's not really a lot of sex in this (and certainly no hardcore).

It is, however, quite an interesting drama capturing the interplay of the four characters in all the various combinations, with periodic naked episodes.

As such, it examines the state of contemporary marriage from a variety of perspectives and could thus be a "conversation starter" if seen as a couple or in a group.

Personally, I found three of the actors to be pretty convincing with the fourth being a bit static - so for a single-location, small cast film (presumably thus low-budget) it's not bad.

Worth a look.

Exerpts from the German site: "Das Manifest..."

What appears to to look like a cheap soft-sex-film, turns into a real discovery under the cunning hands of newcomer Stephan Brenninkmeijer. Not only does he avoid all the clichés that usually comes with a theme like this, he also succeeds in giving you the feeling that most other films about this topic lack... erotic tingles.

Instead of plunging into a lot of fumbling in the dark, Brenninkmeijer builds an atmosphere, he gives us a chance to care for the characters and he doesn't shy away from cutting these tensions short, just to build them up again. As happens so frequently in real life.

"Swingers" didn't do to well in the Dutch cinema's but turned out to be a front runner in the video and DVD stores.

Hopefully sales in Germany also boosts for this little gem, so Epix can treat us more often with such a pearl.

(for the complete review check out http://www.dasmanifest.net/03/1020.php )

Swing low - no pun intended. And I have to admit, I never ... how do I put it? Explored the world of swinging. I'm not sure how comfortable I would feel. But don't knock something you haven't tried. One thing is for sure, everyone has to be honest and open about it.

Of course when an experienced swinger pair meets a "virgin" swinger pair ... well you know that there are things to explore there (no pun intended). And the movie may have nudity and some titilating scenes, but it is about emotions and about relationships. About the depths of human nature. About what limits you set for yourself ... really well played and well written. Visually (video wise) this has not aged well - at least the version I saw didn't look too good. That aside and if you don't mind the movie does work ... because the central theme does not age.

Great mix of drama and erotica. First part of the film is provocative and sultry. It appeals to everyone's fantasy and is played out very realistic. After a while however more serious questions are asked and it is here where the lack of moral guidance was well appreciated. The makers give you room for your own conclusions, which is a far more intelligent than just telling us how to feel. Unjustly compared with the Dutch, cheap sex laden films from the 70's. People who think Swinging is something from the past don't know what's going on. Even puritan Oprah did a show on this group of people. "They may be your neighbors. They could live in your street!"

Good entertainment.

Being Swingers for several years now I watched this film with high expectations and with some skepticism, because seldom is "our" way of life portrayed in a realistic way. Usually it is turned into a cheap thriller where the so called swinger is someone with a problem, killing their dates in a bloody manner. With this film it is clear that the drama comes from the lifestyle. Something true swingers might sigh about. Usually real swingers live a positive life with hardly any problems concerning their way of life. In this case trouble is obligatory. No trouble, no drama.

So the first hour or so is exciting. Very recognizable moments are played very convincing by the actors. When the plot moves into the second half, the film has some slow moments, but never to a degree that it gets boring. All in all it is a very believable film and it sets a very good tone and atmosphere of how it is really like to have a swingers-date.

Technical flaws of this film where other viewers spoke of, I didn't see. It looked all fine to me, the sound, the image and the music were in good balance. I enjoyed it very much and so did my wife.

Compliments!