Warning: contains small SPOILERS.
While other countries have produced excellent coming-out movies such as 'Beautiful Thing', 'Krámpack' or 'Get Real', Germany always lacked a gay film that wasn't either totally hilarious or utterly problem-ridden. Then came director Marco Kreuzpaintner and he 'got real': The plot, the language the characters use, the way they behave are just very realistic and natural (for the most part anyway).
Kreuzpaintner is able to capture the feelings of the protagonists in a very subtle and convincing way. Apart from some minor flaws - like the catholic girls-group from Saxony, which is a little overdone - the dialogues could very well have been taken out of today's Germany. It really makes you feel you're right there in the tent camp. This is no wonder, since the director, who is also co-author of the script, is himself only 27 and wove many of his personal experience into the story.
As for the actors, I was equally impressed, especially by Robert Stadlober who plays the part of Tobi (the main role). Much more than in his previous roles ('Sonnenallee', 'Crazy') he is able to convincingly portray the insecurities that come with growing up. The 'sex-scene' for example, where Tobi loses his virginity with Leo (Marlon Kittel), is played in a very straightforward way. Unlike what you see in many other movies, it is not corny but quite down-to-earth with its suddenness and banality. The rest of the cast also did a great job and apparently put their hearts into the film.
But it's not just about a boy coming to terms with his being gay. It's a movie about youth, about growing up, about respect, and about broadening your horizon. And it's dead funny, too!
I have seen the movie twice in two separate preview screenings in southern Germany. The first time, the audience was almost exclusively gay, the second time almost completely straight. And the thing is: both times the crowd was equally thrilled, and the movie as well as the director got long ovations. So I guess 'Sommersturm' has the makings of an all-audiences film that is not only very entertaining but also heart warming and touching. It can help straight kids to better understand what it's like to grow up gay. And it can help gay kids to develop self-confidence and pride.
Personally, I think teachers should take their classes to see this movie. And for everyone who doesn't go to school anymore, go see it anyway and enjoy!
10 out of 10
While other countries have produced excellent coming-out movies such as 'Beautiful Thing', 'Krámpack' or 'Get Real', Germany always lacked a gay film that wasn't either totally hilarious or utterly problem-ridden. Then came director Marco Kreuzpaintner and he 'got real': The plot, the language the characters use, the way they behave are just very realistic and natural (for the most part anyway).
Kreuzpaintner is able to capture the feelings of the protagonists in a very subtle and convincing way. Apart from some minor flaws - like the catholic girls-group from Saxony, which is a little overdone - the dialogues could very well have been taken out of today's Germany. It really makes you feel you're right there in the tent camp. This is no wonder, since the director, who is also co-author of the script, is himself only 27 and wove many of his personal experience into the story.
As for the actors, I was equally impressed, especially by Robert Stadlober who plays the part of Tobi (the main role). Much more than in his previous roles ('Sonnenallee', 'Crazy') he is able to convincingly portray the insecurities that come with growing up. The 'sex-scene' for example, where Tobi loses his virginity with Leo (Marlon Kittel), is played in a very straightforward way. Unlike what you see in many other movies, it is not corny but quite down-to-earth with its suddenness and banality. The rest of the cast also did a great job and apparently put their hearts into the film.
But it's not just about a boy coming to terms with his being gay. It's a movie about youth, about growing up, about respect, and about broadening your horizon. And it's dead funny, too!
I have seen the movie twice in two separate preview screenings in southern Germany. The first time, the audience was almost exclusively gay, the second time almost completely straight. And the thing is: both times the crowd was equally thrilled, and the movie as well as the director got long ovations. So I guess 'Sommersturm' has the makings of an all-audiences film that is not only very entertaining but also heart warming and touching. It can help straight kids to better understand what it's like to grow up gay. And it can help gay kids to develop self-confidence and pride.
Personally, I think teachers should take their classes to see this movie. And for everyone who doesn't go to school anymore, go see it anyway and enjoy!
10 out of 10