derrickluciano Reviews

Hello, Stranger: The Movie (2021)

Love the dramatic exhilarating scene!

[9/10 · 10 March 2021]

There were various gay Filipino gay films, but Hello Strangers The Movie, takes on the BL genre craze which focuses on love attraction between two seemingly straight-looking guys. HS is one of the early BL films, taking from the popular quarantine series and follows the love relationship between the two lead guys during a non-pandemic setting.

Many mediocre Pinoy BL films have sprouted during the pandemic but the storytelling of HS is above these.

The movie continues the Hello story (Stranger? Boyfriend?) with a new, although a familiar conflict between the two male leads. The lapsed years flashbacks clearly explain why they acted this way and how they were motivated to do such actions. JC is his usual self, quite emotive as an actor with expressive, sometimes, tearful eyes. Tony L. outdid himself this time, giving new nuance on his character. The Padawans are still here and quite supportive. The new supporting cast are spiced-up characters and add color to the film.

There's a dramatic scene after the tug-o-war which actually shows the great performance of the two actors! And the ending scene was sweet and charming and the pan-out shoot with the start of the song made it a classic!

Let's support this one so more of this kind can be produced! A must -see so watch it thru the paid streaming system and not from anywhere else! Other Filipino BL series worth watching are Gameboys (love the chat graphics) , Ben X Jim (good actors), My Extraordinary (love the DeJesus soundtrack), Gaya Sa Pelikula ( love the movie trivias), and Oh Mando (love the production quality). But I must say Hello Strangers The Series and the Movie started it all! Now, I can say we have a Pinoy BL film to be proud of!

Eastern Boys (2013)

Discomforting and Unpredictable and I love It!

[10/10 · 3 June 2017]

It's difficult to predict what's gonna happen next, till the very end. The characters are non - stereotypes if you take a closer look, and you might question why a gay guy would make such crazy decisions. The plot is not something you would get from a gay May-December affair story.

It started and ended like a thriller but at the heart of the film is a love story of a different kind. This is the relationship of Daniel, a 50's something French career guy and a young Ukrainian hustler. From a sexual relationship, it evolved into something more profound. At first, it may seem implausible. But people start to show their natural selves. One gets to know the histories of a person, or why he acts that way, like using sex to interact with people or gain trust, or learn to understand that he might need something else, like guidance and paternal love.

It would be easy to miss out symbolism on what led to this change - the airplanes, fireworks, how they dress up and their antics, etc. The night scene after the fireworks is crucial as the couple showed acceptance of a new kind of bonding.

The movie dealt with other realities like the dangers of prostitution, gang behavior and undocumented illegal migrants. These actually made the film more interesting and realistic.

The acting of the two leads are top-notch. Their facial expressions convey so much emotions that words can't tell. Kudos also to The Boss who showed his weakness at one part. Very good actors and that includes the hotel manager.

This requires a second viewing...

My Husband's Lover (2013)

A Breakthrough in Philippine Television

[9/10 · 13 August 2016]

Although a number of TV shows have featured gay characters in the past, this is the first teleserye show which has a gay central theme in Philippine television. Never before was a gay themed TV show seen and discussed by passionate netizens in social media where episodes where trending most of the time. You can always hear Camp Lally and Camp Eric arguing and pointing their own sides.

The conflict of the story is centered on the husband Vincent's internal homophobia, his closeted and repressed homosexuality and how it affected his relationships with his wife Lally and true love Eric and their families. Eric and Vincent are boyfriends since school days. When Eric left for abroad a long time to study, Vincent was left alone with a doting mother and a homophobic father, and decided to marry a college sweetheart Lally. When Eric came back home, the love between the two guys was revived and thus the start of a long and difficult process of reconciling marital duties, fidelity and being true to oneself.

The series are peppered with other side stories, after all, this has 94 episodes of 45 mins each. There was the story of Lally with her sister and mom and dad; the other gay friends love stories; the homophobic father story; the story of the transgendered cousin of Vincent, among others. The timeline would be a long one but all of these seem to fall into place using a narration style by the housewife Lally.

Eric was competently portrayed by veteran actor Dennis Trillo who had previously done gay roles. Carla Abelllana was perfect and very sympathetic in her role as Lally. But a revelation is the newcomer Tom Rodriguez who played Vincent. He excels in moments of repressed emotions and internal anguish. The other supporting actors acted very well and made the whole TV viewing entertaining and moving.

I do have my own wishlist of 'course on how the series could be made better: A. Why oh why, didn't the two boyfriends interact thru emails, YM or Facebook, etc. when they were apart? This would have prevented some future problems... B. How I wish they could lessen the countless playback of the two theme songs? They were being played on almost every episode. Not that I don't like the songs but I think playing them only on the right moments can make the scenes more effective and emotional. C. Never liked the slow motion and pausing right before a commercial. Is this the standard for a teleserye?

It is an almost perfect show if we keep these aside. Thank you Suzette Doctolero for creating this and making the audience rethink about the dilemma of married gays. Thank you Dominic Zapata for the direction of non-stereotype gay characters and plots. And thank you GMA Network for taking a risk producing this. We all know it paid off!

And how did the series end? Guess...

Fair Haven (2016)

Quiet but engaging film!

[10/10 · 10 August 2016]

I have seen a lot of films on sexual repression and confusion but this one is a bit different since it involves a lead character who had ex-gay conversion therapy.

Coming from the treatment center, James has returned home to his dad in his traditional family apple farm business named "Fair Haven". The story unfolds from here, showing how he dreams to study in Berkeley to be a concert pianist. This is against the wishes of his dad who wants him to help him continue managing the farm. The business has problems of its own, and is slowly losing out to organic apple farms.

We see some sessions of the conversion therapy that James experienced during flashbacks (I myself is curious about the whole thing). The therapy only made him more confused and miserable as we see during his pensive moments. In one of his delivery jobs, he sees his old boyfriend Charlie who is still in love with him, rekindling his true love and desires. We can predict what happens next but the film still managed to engage us due to its beautiful theme of following one's love amidst difficulties.

I love the subtle performances especially of James' dad as he tries to make sense of his relationship with his son. I love the classical piano playing, the musical scoring and the beautiful photography. And we can understand why James and Charlie should be together with their believable chemistry and natural affection for each other.

This is one of those films you wouldn't regret watching...

Night Flight (2014)

The Light Breeze of the Wind

[10/10 · 29 July 2016]

How can two broken guys take comfort in the light breeze of the wind? How can 2 lonely individuals cope up with a community of social class oppression, school pressures and politics, homophobia and extreme bullying?

The story revolves on the love-hate relationship of two senior high school students who were friends since middle school. Gi-Wong, a leader of a school gang has family problems with his absent dad and a bit confused about his sexuality. Yong-ju, is more accepting of himself, and has a long-time deep affection for Gi-Wong. There will be developments that will happen that may deepen (or not, I will not tell) the relationship as both struggle and try to fit in the world they live in.

The title Night Flight is actually the name of an old empty gay club about to be torn down, serving them as their only refuge, as they continue to dream and seek answers.

I must say all the actors in the movie shined very well. The unmarried mother who tries her best to bring up her kid; the once- best friend, who felt betrayed and took revenge; the openly gay friend from the other school who had to transfer; the class president and gang member who cruelly makes sure everything is in order and "proper". Even Gi- Wong's dad in his short scene, gave a memorable performance. Last but not the least, I will like to congratulate the two leads, who even in their silent moments, spoke a thousand words thru their tender eyes...

Cinematography was great and editing was fast. There seems to be a pervading poetic style used throughout the film.

I highly recommend this intriguing movie. The story takes time to develop but when you get to the last suspenseful half, I promise you'll be glued to it like I was...

In the Grayscale (2015)

A Long Bridge to Cross

[9/10 · 9 January 2016]

Usually, an individual will find his sexuality black and white, but for some people like Bruno, it's "in the grayscale".

Bruno, a successful married architect with one kid, is struggling internally and opted to separate temporarily from wife to stay at his grandpa's house, while doing design work (a monument building project) for his client. He meets Fer, his tour guide who showed him some building concept ideas around the city. Then, he starts to explore his hidden sexuality. Throughout the film, we become a voyeur and see his loneliness, confusion and his indecision, consequently affecting the people around him.

A number of gay themed films have tackled sexual confusion/ambiguity. This one works quite well as a moderately-paced film, just allowing characters to develop. Music is minimal, you can hear only some ambient bar music. Natural acting among the main leads: we love Bruno's talking eyes and restrained acting and we celebrate Fer's openly gay persona. Most of the characters here are imperfect but understanding people we see everyday.

It's the director's debut feature film, and award-winning at that. Highly recommended.

I can sympathize with Bruno since he was brought up dreaming of only "romantic tales between a man and a woman." His bridge is a long one to cross. And when he gets there, we hope that it would be a more meaningful and happier place than where he is now.

Love Is Strange (2014)

"...After 39 years it's hard to fall asleep without you"

[10/10 · 7 February 2015]

And that's very true. I experienced that during my numerous out of town work without my partner of 30 years and it takes me a bit of time to sleep. Moreso with newly married couple Ben and George who are pushed to separately live with their friends and relatives due to financial difficulties. George was fired from work because the "bishop wasn't happy".

So what do I like about the film:

a. It's subtle yet so powerful. There are quiet scenes that evoke so much complex emotions. Like when George pauses to think while tutoring a student. Or when George missing Ben, goes at his place one night and hugs him while sobbing. Or when Joey breaks down at the stairway near the end. These are moments that kinda grip you and make you feel what they are feeling.

b. I'd like the director showing us slices on stages of life rather than highlights. Like not showing the actual accident or death scene. Making it less melodramatic but still powerful.

c. Love the Chopin music which goes with the flow of the scenes. And you can't go wrong with Chopin.

d. The complex interplay on living with relatives and friends.

e. And most of all, the natural acting between the leads. Looks like they are a real couple who lived together for many years.

No political agenda here. Just a memento of real love between two individuals.

Love or Whatever (2012)

Light and Bubbly and I Love It!

[9/10 · 1 December 2014]

This is one film you'll enjoy on a popcorn weekend night with your friends. Just go with the tide and enjoy Corey's affairs with two hunky guys.

The plot: Psychoanalyst Corey proposes to boyfriend Jon. Jon who thinks he's "flexi-sexual" got scared and runs off with an older woman who later became one of Corey's patients. Corey meets and dates hunky pizza boy Pete. Then it's Corey's turn to get scared of the potential perfect boyfriend. Who is he gonna end up with?

The film is peppered with hilarious characters: the crazy lesbian sister, the "animal lover" patient, the schizo puppeteer, the cookie old woman. Editing is fast and not a scene is wasted. What can you say when two guys go "catch me if you can" in the woods. Very funny indeed.

Tyler Poelle who played Corey is a natural comedian. Joel Rush who played pizza boy Pete is more than just eye candy. The other actors look very professional and have natural comic timing. Over-all, a likable film...

Plan B (I) (2009)

Patience, my Friend

[9/10 · 27 October 2014]

Much has been said about the brooding, slow pacing of the film. And then you have the long building facade shots and sometimes unfocused images. You may suggest trimming the scenes a bit but some of them actually do work, primarily because of the actors' natural acting. Just looking at their facial expressions while pondering and you can somehow feel their complex emotions.

You need patience to go thru the whole film. The gist is : Man A plans to get ex-girlfriend from Man B by seducing Man B knowing that he might be gay. Then Man A and Man B begin to like each other as they start to explore their hidden feelings. And the conflict starts when the male leads are not able to express their true feelings.

Bruno and Pablo have good vibes together and how the attraction is shown without words is one big asset of the movie. The internal subtle acting of the actors is superb! I also have my favorite scenes: When Bruno professed his love for Pablo at the corridor and gave him a gift - such natural acting from Bruno's side; When Pablo learned about Bruno' portrait from a girl friend - look at the tears falling from his eyes...

I am not gonna tell the ending but will give you a hint. A photo tells it all...

Out in the Dark (2012)

Love Always Finds A Way

[9/10 · 26 October 2014]

Nimer is a gay psychology Arab student who lives with his homophobic family a few kilometers from the Palestinian Israeli border. He has a brother who is a gunrunner for an extremist group. Roy who lives in Tel Aviv, is a successful Israeli lawyer who works for his father's firm. His family is more accepting as far as gay lifestyle is concerned but not too happy of "rainbow flags waving at them".

Nimer and Roy met at a Tel Aviv gay bar one night. And fell in love. Their romance is doomed from the start.

And then the Israeli Security Force revokes Nimer's free movement school pass to Tel Aviv and wants to use him to get information about his brother's activities. How much would you risk to save your love one and your relationship?

Film is suspenseful with a dose of drama and romance. There are scenes which are pretty outstanding: the dramatic scene where Nimer was driven out from his house by his family is heart-wrenching. Look at Nimer's eyes when confronted by his stern mom. All of the actors did well on this scene. I also like Michael Aloni who played Roy who looks like a real seasoned actor. He has real depth in acting as can be seen thru his facial expressions.

Some moments may seem implausible that's why I'm not giving it a full 10 stars. Now that Nimer's desperate, why would he not tell his lover the whole story so he could help him fully plan their course of action? Why is he not answering his phone during the crucial moments?

I am not fond of hanging endings but I guess it just mirrors the real lives of gay Arabs and Israeli couples. But I do believe one thing: love will always find a way...

Harvest (2011)

Farm Boys In Love

[10/10 · 26 October 2014]

What makes this different from other gay love stories is the setting: its natural depiction of rural life with scenes of farm school operations and the people behind it. Same sex love do exist even in these places.

Another example of cinema-verite technique in filmmaking, quite subtle in style. Yes, the film is slow paced, but it is never boring. The attraction between the two apprentices is naturally developed. The long glances and yearning were only shown halfway thru the film and when it happens, it makes their love story more believable and satisfying.

Great natural acting from by the two leads throughout. I especially like the piano interludes which play at the right moments.

If you have the patience and allow yourself time to understand their story, then you might find it fulfilling as I did..

David's Birthday (2009)

"Powerful Subconscious Forces Act Within Us ..."

[8/10 · 26 October 2014]

Life is an opera.. And so it seems..."the characters becoming prey to their own impulses..." This is the story of a married man named Matteo and his sexual longing for the young visiting hunk David. Would he give in to his desires? What consequences await them?

Massimo Poggio who plays Matteo is an eye-turner even for his age. He is also one brilliant actor though I must admit I find him over the top when he got drunk at that party night.

Film has some good sceneries spiced up with appropriate music. There are other subplots which may or may not move the story forward. Is there anything else going on between Uncle Leo and David.

Don't miss the last 15 minutes. If you love drama and sexual tension, this is for you...

Undertow (2009)

What it Takes To Be A Man

[10/10 · 22 October 2014]

I wouldn't miss reviewing this film because it's one of the most engaging gay themed films I've seen. Although a lot of films have depicted repressed characters, gay husbands and gossipy neighbors, this one takes the tragic ghost love story angle. And finally, this is the film which succeeds in showing what it is to be a real man.

Mico and Tiago are lovers but can never be a couple in a conservative seaside village where gossiping is a favorite pastime. Mico initially does not accept who he truly is nor who he truly loves but what follows is his journey to confront himself amidst a very homophobic community. And this he does without any disrespect for his family, religion and tradition.

Most are excellent actors. Feel Mico's anguish when he first realized what happened to Tiago. Sympathize with Mariela as she carries her baby hurriedly out of her house. Or look at Tiago's very expressive eyes...Cinematography is excellent, with beautiful seaside sceneries, sand amid gushing winds, and purple, orange or moonlight skies. Pacing is excellent. There's comedy, there's drama, a bit of suspense and most of all, a loving romance.

Watch this film. It is about true love and honor. The final scene at the boat is truly beautiful and uplifting!

Making Love (1982)

"I miss him... I miss his lousy piano playing..."

[10/10 · 10 October 2014]

This is the first gay-themed film I watched in the theater during my coming-out years, so you could see how memorable this is to me. And as soon as DVD came out, I just have to have a copy. It presented an unconventional theme during its time: the difficulty of Zach coming out late in his life, the inevitable acceptance by his wife Claire on his homosexuality, and his relationship with the wandering writer Bart.

The movie starts with a slow close to 2 minute slide show of solo pictures of the three characters and the movie title. No words are spoken, just the beautiful music of Leonard Rosenman is heard which actually prepares us for the emotional ride we are going to make.

The acting of the three leads are commendable. I personally love the narrative style of the two leads Claire and Bart as they talk to the audience about their feelings about Zach. Kate Jackson shows her dramatic side quite different from her Charlie's Angels' role. You can feel Michael Ontkean's loneliness thru his eyes. And Harry Hamlin delivered his non- committal gay persona convincingly.

A lot of similar themed movies have come out since then. But this is one of the firsts. And I assure you that if you just allow yourself to feel the characters, it will have an impact on you.

Making Love the theme song was composed by Burt Bacharach, Carol Bayer Sager and Bruce Roberts and sung by soulful Roberta Flack at the film's end.

Thank you Arthur Hiller for this wonderful film.

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? (2013)

Love Re-awakening

[9/10 · 27 July 2014]

So you know the story. Wei-chung is a middle-aged closeted gay optometrist, married with one kid. His passion is re-awakened when he meets a flight steward one day in his store. And so his inner conflict starts as he is faced in choosing to continue his closeted life with his family or show his true self.

What makes this different from other gay romantic comedies is the use of fantasy scenes and characters in its treatment.You will see a Mary Poppins-like flying character or the TV handsome male lead popping out of the screen. Score the film with something like Pixar's "UP" music, then you have a near magical tale.

But the story is not fantasy at all. Because it is happening and a lot of gay people get married with the opposite sex for the wrong reasons. At least in this part of the world.

Most characters acted well. Aside from Wei-chung, Stephen, Thomas, Feng and even Mandy and San-san with their "thinking twice about the wedding" subplot acted very naturally and convincingly. Feng's mother brings comic relief. What a great ensemble!

After Feng's decision in the end, we don't know what will happen next, but it's a good start to fully accept one's self and rediscover love.

The Way He Looks (2014)

Looking Through Blind Gay's Eyes

[10/10 · 25 July 2014]

Mesmerizingly Beautiful!

This film helped us feel how it is to be gay and blind and trying to live a normal adolescent life. You can see how gay Leonardo yearns for the first kiss in the solo shower scene with glass side doors. You can feel his longing as he caresses Gabriel's hoodie at night. You can feel his anger when his protective parents have to scold him for not taking the calls.

Leonardo is a normal growing kid who happens to be blind and gay. Leonardo and Giovana are best friends and Gabriel is the new student who captured Leo's heart. What follows is a journey to the characters' self-discovery and acceptance, to true friendship and love.

The film was artistically shot. I like the scene where the camera followed blind Leo's footsteps on the road, the bicycle rides of the two boys on the street at night and the Gabriel's bicycle run after the party kiss. The use of piano and violin music helped us feel the quiet moods of Leonardo when he is alone. Ghilherme is an excellent actor and through his eyes he was able to convey a thousand words. Other characters performed admirably: Gabriel with the embarrassing shower scene; dad's moment with his son at the shaving scene and the many moments that Giovana and Leo are together.

The room scene of the two boys at the end is simply breathtaking but I will not tell. This film is definitely for keeps!

Geography Club (2013)

A Bicycle Ride To Self-Acceptance

[9/10 · 23 July 2014]

This one plays like a straight teenage comedy film. But it is no way an ordinary film.

It centers on gay Russell's acceptance of who he is and in the process, experiences heartbreaks, peer pressure and homophobia. And it doesn't help when his romantic interest Kevin is a scared, more closeted guy than he is. Along the way, you'll meet the funny best friend and buddy Gunnar and the desperate "trying to be girlfriend" Trish. You have the fearless Asian student Min who's the moderator of the Geography Club, a pseudonym for a lesbian and gay support group for the school. And you'll sympathize with the bullied but musically gifted Brian.

Good performances especially by Cameron and the supporting actors. I haven't read the book which according to other reviewers say that the relationship between Russell and Kevin is more threshed out. Here, you see the romantic moments between the two guys, but I would like to see more development on Kevin's character.

You will enjoy the film like I did. I especially liked the funny two daddy and baby homemade video at the end.

Burning Blue (2013)

Repressed Individuals in the Military

[10/10 · 14 July 2014]

One of the fine films I've seen about gays in the military when discrimination and homophobia existed. This is based on director's DMW Greer's play of the same title which received critical acclaim.

The story focuses on two relationships. First is the "bromance" of Daniel and William who are F- 18 pilots working for the US Navy. Buddies from the start, this friendship was disrupted when a third guy Matthew entered the picture and became Daniel's love interest. This film is set during the period of Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy when the situation made the characters "internally" homophobic and sexually repressed, heartbroken and fearing for their career future. A gay witch hunt follows, investigating Daniel and Matthew relations and also that of William's and other pilots'.

The last half hour is engrossing and will reveal secrets. But the message is clear: the old "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and the discriminatory policies before that did not work. It had only detrimentally affected the lives, loves and families of gays who really just want to serve their country.

The film has very good production values, like a mainstream film, and very well paced. The acting is excellent especially by Trent Ford and Morgan Spector (fine acting at the last part). Rob Mayes is great as handsome Matthew.

Over-all a film worth watching.

Looking (2014–2015)

Looking Natural

[10/10 · 10 July 2014]

One of the best gay themed TV series I've seen. A splice of gay life of 30's-40's men in SF, showing their loves and insecurities.

The story focuses on three gay friends: Patrick an efficient game designer who has issues with his Mexican boyfriend Richie, and later develops some tension with his British boss Patrick; Agustin, an artist testing the boundaries with his bf Frank; Dom a 40's guy who is eager to start his restaurant business and then maybe finding something more than just a business relationship with partner, the older guy Lynn.

I am not sure why the other commentators find the series boring or slow. Probably they only watched the first episodes. I suggest watch it in full. It is moderately paced. It takes time to get to know the characters but you will get involved in the end. That's how I experienced it.

The acting is quite natural and their conversations feel like ad-libs. Kudos to Jonathan Groff as Patrick, who seems not to be acting at all. Get perked with Kevin with his British sways and accent. Sympathize with romantic Richie or feel the nervousness of Dom as he prepares for the pop-up. You can feel Agustin's loneliness at the train scene. And I wouldn't mind having Doris as a friend.

Now I'm looking forward to Looking Season 2!

The Last Match (2013)

Love and Poverty

[8/10 · 29 June 2014]

A tragic love story between two soccer mates Reinier and Yosvani amidst the neighborhood slums of Havana and prostitution. What makes me love the movie is that you get to root for these seemingly real characters until the very end. We see Reinier's hand-to-mouth existence to survive for his wife and child. We see Yosvani's dependency on his girlfriend and her shark father. We see the male prostitution in the streets and how Reinier's family approves of this work to live. And then we see how the love blossom between two macho individuals living in poverty and ask themselves in the process where would this lead to. Although both are dreamy characters, Reinier is more practical in views on love and money.

It is not a feel-good film but will certainly have an impact on you after watching the film.

Natural acting from the main leads who are both good-looking. Fast-paced and never boring. Good slum photography.

A film worth watching.

Boys (2014 TV Movie)

Beautiful Love Story Between Young Runners

[10/10 · 24 June 2014]

The story focused mainly on Sieger's internal struggles of being gay as he gets attracted to one of his teammates, the more open-minded Marc. His fear is shown when he tries to have a girlfriend and be like one of his straight peers. The movie was able to capture the special friendship between the two boys quite naturally. Love that backward run smiles of Marc at the start. The scenes where the two boys exchange glances, kiss, train and play together are easy to understand by anyone who has experienced young love. No graphic sex scenes are shown in the film so even teenagers can safely watch it. The film also shows Sieg's relationship with his dad, his best friend Stef and his brother Ed.

Movie is well-paced unlike some of the slow moving gay-themed films I have watched. Photography is excellent and music is just right and not too overwhelming. I like the usage of blurred images turning to focus. It doesn't feel at all like a TV movie. It's worth watching all over again...