Beautiful Thing
|
List Price: Our Price: $14.42 You Save: $10.54 (42%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Beautiful Thing
Movie Review: A very beautiful thing
Summary: 5 Stars
I wish they had had this film and play when I was younger. The story of Jamie, his family, his love and his difference is very powerful. The central character Jamie is in the process of coming out, and has an infatuation that deepens into love with his nextdoor neighbor and friend Ste. Jamie's life is a bit of a shambles given his mother (a single mother) who has a flighty but sincere boyfriend. Jamie's mother only wants the best for him, which is a far cry from Ste's family, headed by a single father, which also includes an abusive brother.The dynamics of life in the government housing unit (called council housing there) is interesting, as all people have hopes but lowered expectations about what life can bring them; this is very much a teenager angst movie, and even the adults seem to be into it.
Jamie's mother should be a member of PFLAG, being at first shocked, but then very supportive. Ste's father and brother fall into line with the typical homophobic types. The rest of the world seems blissfully unaware of the major life events taking place, which in reality makes this film very realistic.
This is not a deep film, but it isn't really superficial either. It is honest and sincere in expressing the emotions and situations of the characters without making them cartoon cut-outs or political objects. But in the end, the message is political of a sort, and that is that we all have the freedom to run our own lives, including who we love.
This is beautiful.
Movie Review: This film IS a "beautiful thing!"
Summary: 5 Stars
This tender & thoughtful movie is a revelation. It simply states that love takes all kinds of forms, even in the most turbulent conditions. As the film progresses, we see one (Jamie) embrace that love while the other (Ste) tries it, then rejects it for a "normal life", then clings to it in light of a violent & disturbing home life at the hands of an uncaring father & angry older brother. For any gay teen, Jamie & Ste are idyllic role models. Jamie's Mum, Sandra, is a tough-looking woman, hardened by everyday survival---but there's no question she loves her son more than life. There's also much-needed amusing supporting turns from Tony (Sandra's well-intended but stumbling boyfriend) and Leah, the trouble-making girl who has nothing more to do in her life but idolize Mama Cass (whose songs give the film its distinct flavor).
The boys' secret flight to the Gloucester (gay bar) and subsequent kiss in the woods are wonderful moments. Sandra's "coming out" talks with both Jamie & Ste give her character depth, and are extremely touching & real. And that climactic slow dance between Jamie & Ste before stunned neighbors & strangers is the ultimate declaration of love & pride: We're in love, and we don't care who accepts or rejects it---it just IS.
This is an uplifting & hopeful film. It proves that even in the harshest moments of adversity, love--even between two boys--can triumph.
Movie Review: A Truly Beautiful Film
Summary: 5 Stars
"Beautiful Thing", starring Linda Henry (Jamie's mom) and Glen Berry (Jamie), is a great gay themed drama for many to enjoy. It was released in 1996 and filmed in the UK. Its theme of two teenage next door neighbors who fall in love takes a further creative turn. The various plot details give this film further viewing depth, especially the numerous Mama Cass references, the mother struggling day by day, and Jamie's lover Ste's (Scott Neal) daily struggles. Therefore, this film is more than just a gay film. The expressed issues to its level offer the realistic education of everyday living, especially as a gay teen. Though, it also explores self-destruction, alcoholism, domestic abuse, and others.
Beyond this brilliant plot is potential acting from the cast, especially Henry. Her character's everyday living and emotional pain is wonderfully expressed. Her performance offers the highest emotional value of the film. Berry and Neal prove in their powerful performances that they have great potential for acting growth in the future. Both have various scenes that prove their true acting talents.
"Beautiful Thing" is a great film recommended for more than just gay teens. A variety of audiences will surely enjoy this. Those wanting more gay teen themed issues should also watch "Get Real" (1999). Such combination makes great entertainment pleasure.
Movie Review: A fine little film with few peers for the genre
Summary: 5 Stars
BEAUTIFUL THING may be almost ten years old but the simplicity and honesty of the approach of a gay coming-out film is still hard to match. Director Hettie MacDonald has gathered a group of actors so fresh and real that the story seems more like eavesdropping than a movie.
Jamie (Glen Barrie) lives with his mum Sandra (Linda Henry), a blowsy, tacky, loud but heart of gold waitress, in a housing project. Jamie plays soccer and does all the right things - except he is a closeted gay lad who is forced to come to grips with that fact. He falls in love with Ste (Scott Neal) who lives next door to Jamie's flat and is regularly beaten by his father and brother. How these two come together and eventually move into the world more acquainted with their sexuality and its complexities forms the storyline.
The actors are all superb, including Sandra's boyfriend du jour Tony (Ben Daniels) and the hilarious Leah (Tameka Empson). But the performance by Linda Henry is a stand out: she finds the love in this brazen woman and allows it to surface. Likewise Glen Barrie's Jamie is wholly and palpably believeable.
If there is a fault with this film it is in the dialect of this London suburb: turn on the English subtitles so that you can understand what is being said! Grady Harp, January 2005
Movie Review: Not just a gay film....it's just a terrific love story
Summary: 5 Stars
I won't bore the reader here with yet another re-hashing of the story of Beautiful Thing. It's already a classic, and the story of how Jamie and Ste fall in love is well known. What is so remarkable is being able to watch (and FEEL) the love that grows between these two young men as the movie progresses. At the beginning of the movie, Jamie has an outward appearance of a "tough guy" who routinely has mild run-ins with his mother over things like skipping school. Pay particular attention to the way he interrogates Tony...there's no question that he's learned from his mother to take control of most situations. However, from the moment Ste starts sleeping over, Jamie just seems to "melt" in Ste's presence. All of a sudden, we see a young man mellowed by his love of Ste. Ste takes a bit longer to fall into the same pattern, but nonetheless, by the time the movie ends, we see two young men who, in spite of tough circumstances at home, at school, and in general, find that true love overcomes any and all hurdles placed in the way. Beautiful Thing is easily the best love story put on the screen in a long time. It's honest without being overly "syrupy". Add to it the incredible soundtrack, featuring the music of Cass Elliot, and you have a movie that's easy to watch over and over...and never gets old!