Just Friends

This is a sweet and romantic love story between two young men in the Netherlands, from very different backgrounds. In some ways, it's like a gay Romeo & Juliette, but with a happy ending. Their relationship faces some prejudices from their families--but refreshingly, family homophobia is never really an issue. Both boys are out to their respective families, and for Joris his sexuality is completely incidental; while for Yad you get the feeling that it's mostly incidental (there might still be some lingering feelings of disappointment from his mother, but they're only partly tied to Yad's sexuality). Meanwhile, Joris's grandmother provides some comedic moments, along with a fair bit of wisdom. Each is quite attractive in his own very different way, and the two leads look well together. There are a couple of hot scenes, and some good eye-candy, but all very tastefully done and serving the story. My only criticism might be that Joris's mother seemed to be a rather two-dimensional character for much of the film, but by the end it had plumbed some depths with her, and there is a satisfying resolution to her mother-son conflict with Joris. A good story, with a happy ending that fits and doesn't feel tacked on just for the sake of a happy ending.

This was an amazing film with beautiful characters, hilarious dialogues and scenes, great character development, and uplifting story. I love the fact that the film did not incorporate the usual depressing theme orbiting the LGBTQ+ Community. I think normalizing unconventional gender roles or sexual orientations with this kind of vibe is helpful to the community. Also, I love the fact that the trope "the parents do not like the boyfriend" is included here - it's cute! The storyline is not something new but the fact that it's used in this genre is very positive and refreshing! Finally, I love the characters and character development! I mean, how funny is this movie? even that final urn-scene the mother was absolutely hilarious to me. P.S. I love the Granny.

This film sat in my "To Watch" list for over a year before I finally got around to watching it and I found this film to be a real gem. I thought it was going to be your typical gay romance film but it was so much more. The film cast a wide net drawing in themes and characters outside of the main couple that has made this film so endearing. Yes, there were subtitles but I don't mind reading if the film is worth it and this was easily worth stopping to pay attention. I think everyone wants to find a love like this that is pure, affirming, and beautiful whether straight, gay, bi, or whatever. And that it touched on other parts of life in both character's lives outside and in spite of the love story makes the film even better. There are no big or bombastic events, just the small stuff of life as people try to find and love the people in their life. I highly recommend this film. It's simply beautiful.

It's a really sweet and endearing romantic movie, where the characters are well etched. Not to mention they are gorgeous as well! The romance is portrayed beautifully, making you smile and want to fall in love all over again. Joris' story is certainly developed a bit more, and is given some sort of closure towards the end. Yad's character seemed a bit underdeveloped. The main gripe for me was the conflict between Joris and Yad, which came suddenly, and seemed contrived and forced. They did not even address the issues clearly (Joris and Yad to each other, and the filmmaker to the viewers), let alone trying to resolve it. One could argue they are young and impulsive, but it seemed Yad have had relationships before, so he wasn't really novice in this department. I am also curious about something that I couldn't understand fully. Did Joris' mother fancy him? Perhaps she saw reflection of her (late) husband in her son. But it certainly felt like that. Also, it could a culturally different thing for me, but is it okay to be almost naked in front of your mother as a grown up man? I get that he went fully naked at the end in frustration, sensing the feeling, but it was still weird for me to see that. I guess nudity is looked at differently in Europe, which I think is actually a good thing. Okay, enough said. All in all, it is a really enjoyable, well shot, and well acted film. And it is such a breath of fresh air in the world of "gay cinema" where we are served mostly crap.

I have over 200 DVDs all within the gay male theme. This goes back 25 plus years. I have to say, it’s nice to see the quality of our movies are getting better year over year. You can readily even get foreign films. Two main characters work very well together. Humor, mixed with sexiness and first love goes along ways with this movie. What makes it better is that for the most part, the two men’s families support their kids on being gay, refreshing to see it’s not the normal drama about (not excepting) the sexuality. Movie works very well more me and it’s well within my top 20 films in my collection. I’ve watched no less than 10 times already, I like foreign films a subtitles to fall asleep to.

I generally do not watch foreign language films, not because I hate them, but because oftentimes I am doing something while also "watching" movies. So I might be working or cleaning while a movie plays in the background. I can't exactly stop to read subtitles. haha. But Dutch movies are so rare and gay Dutch movies seem rarer. This movie was delightful. It was light and airy with just enough seriousness to give an emotional edge and make the characters more rounded. I loved listening to the characters speaking Dutch. I loved seeing Yad and the black girl at the work agency speaking Dutch because they not the typical Dutch person. It makes the culture seems have more depth and meaning to an outsider, but also speaks to the power of acculturation (vs. assimilation). The process isn't complete because I believe The Netherlands is just now really seeing an influx of non-white immigrants like Arabs. Yad's family seems to retain their Syrian identity and adds Dutch identity. But Joris' family still seems Dutch without influence from other cultures. Though there were moments that might challenge that. Towards the end, Joris' mother seems to not only accept Yad, but also accepts him as a full human being. Though the movie only deals with Islam tangentially, which was a little sad. I wanted to see some perspective on how the Dutch imagines this religion, even though Yad is seemingly Christian. I want more like this! NOW! LOL

First and foremost, this is a satisfying story with well-defined characters that all have a place. It's not just some shallow BL that's about the 2 men falling for each other. The story is substantive enough to keep your interest and explores realistic emotions that are believably portrayed. Refreshing from the formula Kdrama BL that is SOOOO AFRAID to show any physical intimacy as part of a romantic relationship. I love watching international film. Cheapest way to travel and learn about other countries. I've recently watched a couple films out of the Netherlands [ "BOYS" is the film] and the tone of the film is so different from what I've been viewing lately. And Soo different from American movies that beat you over the head with dialogue, action and plot. Here, emotions are conveyed and clear, but not spelled out. There is a subtle rhythm, ease and calm to the storytelling that gives the sense of gliding. Lots of wide shots where you feel like your flying overhead. And symbollism that carries that theme with the drone Joris (main character) has with him everywhere. The last scene is the two MLs flying kite with the camera looking down from above. It's a beautifully shot movie and tender story that leaves you with a warm feeling. Worthwhile if you're in the mood to watch a character-driven story.

This movie was so touching and strong emotional drama of first young love and the power of family. The actors were so great in having chemistry and growth throughout the movie. It kept me wanting more of them. The actors played there roles so good and with passion that you felt you were with them for the ride. Felt like there was still more to tell but it gave me what I wanted most to laugh, cry and see a happy ending. Just friends turns Friends into lovers in to family.