Lola et Bilidikid

Does anyone really need to see movies with gratuitous violence (a gay pimp cutting off a straight boy's genitals) or incest? The writer combined too many story threads trying to create a real shocker. This movie is terrble and truly a waste of money.

Love, death, hatred, romance, fierce drag queens, coming out stories, underground club scenes... You'll smile, laugh and cry during this beautiful movie set in the Turkish Ghetto in Berlin.

I'm not one for plot summaries; so I will get right to the point. Find this movie. Whatever you do...just find it! Beautifully photographed, excellently acted, brilliantly directed, "Lola and Billy the Kid" (U.S. video release title) is a deeply affecting movie that gives us a rare glimpse into the gay-Turkish subculture of modern Berlin and introduces us to characters who -- though they may be far removed from ourselves -- are heartbreakingly real, utterly dynamic, and upliftingly human. The Suddendeutche Zeitung said this movie "has a touch of West Side Story and a pinch of Rebel Without a Cause." It is a very accurate statement. As one who tries to see every gay-themed film out there, I can honestly say that Lola jumps to the top of the list... a well-crafted, brilliant piece of filmmaking that is not only one of the best gay-themed films I've see, but also one of the best films of any genre I've come across. Like "My Beautiful Laundrette," Lola made me laugh, made me cry, and made me want to know more about the subculture and racial dynamics it represents.

As a German-American, this movie smashed me between the eyes on several different levels. First of all, the acting, casting, directing, cinematography, editing, all superb.

This amazing film takes on huge cultural issues and taboos that neither the Germans or their Turkish "guests" really want to face. Culture clash is brutally and honestly portrayed, not only between the two nationalities, but within the cultures as well. The beautiful gay Turk who cannot accept himself, the questioning, sensitive (and beautiful) gay boy trying to find himself and the truth of his family, the wonderfully portrayed German Aristocrat and his oh so proper mother, the gay Aryan boy struggling to prove himself to his thug friends, all combine to make a complex and enthralling film. The script is intriguing and contains many surprises. The strength of character that most of the gay players (the drag queens and Murat especially) exhibit is inspiring. The style of the film is dark and disturbing, showing an aspect of the new Germany that you won't see in any travel brochures.

Raw emotion has rarely been portrayed so effectively on screen.

I am puzzled that this movie has not made a bigger splash worldwide. Rent this film! Go to the Theatre now!

Lola Und Bilidikid is a great success in terms of cinematography and storytelling; and dealing a little more with the friendship/relationship of Murat and the German boy, it could have very well been a masterpiece.

There's enough trouble between the Turks, at least the ultra-traditional Turks, and Germans in Germany. And watching this movie, you see how it gets a million times worse when one or more of the parties involved belong to an extraordinary walk of life in addition to being sided.

In fact this movie features quite a few stories at once, but doesn't lose the viewer since they're all related in some way, or the director has successfully managed to make them somehow related without losing out the plot. All the relationships, especially the one between Murat and his revolting brother Osman, and the one between the German gay guy and Iskender, are really well put. And the tiniest detail on the movie isn't missed. Even the little scene with the hooker is well done.

If you're a Hollywood enthusiast, leave this movie aside. You'll think it's sick and boring. But if you like good movies made with some feelings and culture rather than expensive effects, and those dealing with tender social issues, then you'll absolutely love it! It's only for those who can take heavy stuff, and have a good taste on cinema.

9/10 for Lola Und Bilidikid.