Overcoming prejudice and tradition for love.
Bram is a young man in Belgium whose life is pulled in several different directions. Raised Muslin in a Turkish family, he is taught to honor tradition and religious rules, although his own family rarely follows them completely. He is gay, but closeted and engaged to marry a cousin who will emigrate from Turkey. Has a good job, but deals drugs on the side, and has a rocky relationship with his younger brother, who joins a radical Muslim mosque. His life becomes even more complicated when he meets Kevin, a blonde young man who identifies as heterosexual but with whom he has a definite mutual chemistry. They take a trip together to Turkey, so Bram can make arrangements with his fiancé, and events occur there that eventually force him to make some tough decisions.
This is, first and foremost, a love story between two people, having to overcome homophobia as well as their own insecurities. Nicely photographed, directed and well-acted, although (in my opinion) it drags in...
enjoyable film
I have enjoyed repeated viewings of this film, which is maybe a little heavy on plot elements and a little light on character development. Here the gay son is headed for an arranged marriage similar to some other gay themed movies, but there are enough differences to keep things interesting. I felt fewer "issues" and more character interaction whould have made the film even better.
Cultures clash
This is a well written and acted film. All of the characters are extremely well drawn. Their cultural backgrounds are so well given that even the most unlikeable are understandable. Most viewers, I think, will find this film enjoyable and educational. Only the ending leaves one somewhat up in the air - perhaps a sequel?
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