Young hearts

Expectations were high for this film - and man, wow, not only did it deliver, but it delivered in style!

Beautiful cinematography, enjoyable music, adorable story that the viewer (especially ppl among the LMBTQ community) could identify with.

The struggles of the boy (Elias) were depicted masterfully, and the happy ending was excellent - good to see a movie that puts more emphasis on the positive side of the topic.

However, this is my only critics to the film (that's why it's 'only' 10/9) - that I found it overly optimistic. Real life, unfortunatelly, is not like this.

A little bit more screentime could have been devoted to some drama about bullying, or refusal, because let's face it, there are always haters in real life.

Yes, there were minor hints about this in the film here and there, but a few more scenes should have been put into it about the negative sides. This could have made Elias's fears more understandable. In the end, it created an almost dream-like scenario.

However, this is a minor issue. One that doesn't really snaps you out of the immersion at all.

(I just felt like I have to explain the 9 stars)

We have to also talk about how excellent the cast were! The actors played their role wonderfully - even the young ones, so hats off really.

Now stop wasting your time by reading my review, go and watch it instead!

I appreciate the way this story is told. It's also nice to see a good coming of age film that doesn't sexualize the characters. All their interactions are relatable. I love the confusion Elias has discovering who he is.

The thing I think I love the most about this film is how almost all of it is in the characters facial expressions. Great directing and acting there, especially by Goossens. Both the boys did a great job and all their interactions seem so genuine. It's refreshing to see people telling a realistic story that deals with actual things people go through. In that way, I can't help but compare this film with Close. Very glad I got the opportunity to watch it and I highly recommend it. I'll be keeping my eye on these young actors and I can't wait to see how they progress. I'll also be looking forward to what Schatteman does in the future.

First, I have to compliment the amazing acting performance of both Lou Goossens (Elias) & Marius Desaeger (Alexander). They definitely had the possibility to break my heart while watching. Thankfully, they spared me. Tears did fall though.

Another aspect that I appreciated was the film's length. It struck the perfect balance - not too long to drag, yet long enough to allow for rich character development and a satisfying conclusion. The pacing felt natural, with every scene contributing something meaningful to the overall (love-)story.

The beautifully crafted cinematography definitely added a great bit to this 10/10 film. I am writing this just after watching it for the first time, but it for sure won't be the last time I will have watched this Anthony Schatteman masterpiece.

Young Hearts now has a very special place in my heart.

This movie contains a very deep emotional weight, the story is very well argumented, the main characters act very well, at the point you don't even realize that you are watching a film, you think that all you are watching is perfectly real. The glances Lou and Marius or Elias and Alexander had were awesome, there was that touch of deep love. The emotions the characters had, those emotions are what probably a normal person would experience, that means it's all realistic, absolutely nothing looks acted or prepared, these makes a very special connection with the viewer and all the movie. Thanks Anthony, thanks Lou, thanks Marius you are bringing a big amount of happiness and feelings through people that experience this kind of thinks.

Usually, I do not do Movie Reviews - but this one I have to.

Usually, Queer Movies on Film Festivals are Dark, Sad, Drama. Young Heart changed everything!

Naturally, on Coming-Out Stories you have fear and sadness. Here as well, BUT: the positive Part overruled. Seeing the love growing, shy but there, see the fun (no sexual party, just romance (thank Gosh!) of the friendship, enjoying the time they had together.

Not only me had tears in the eyes, the whole audience was sniffing, cheering, crying.

The young Actors are fabulous! Well casted, well played!

When you have the chance: watch it!!