Handsome Devil (2016)

I have seen many gay films, but I never felt very satisfied as this one. It removed all the cliches. You don't get a product like that often. I mean, despite being a gay film, there's no romance in it. But everything was told from a different aspect, like whether it is in the eye of sport, music, et cetera. Maybe if one film that families should watch regarding gay theme, that could be this one. Of course the families should be open minded on LGBT for that. Because the film does not promote gayism, but in a normal tone to say, it's about harassment being whatever you are. And at the end gives a fine message.

Welcome to T18. I mean happy new year. This is my first review of the year. It is a good start for me being a cinephile. As I've said, it is a rare gem. An Irish film, but in English language. Remember, it is not even a British or Aussie, so the cast and crew are completely unknown. That means it is like watching some B movie. The initial setup reminded me 'Wild Child'. But that was an American film, from Americans perspective, how they see British boarding school. So if you are regular Hollywood teen film watcher, then you might feel slightly strange watching this. Because the students are obedient against their teacher, unlike American rebellious kids.

-xX] There will come a point in the future when you won't have to lie anymore. [Xx-

The film title might hint strongly that it is a gay romance, but as I said it was not. This is the story of two boys, but most of it was narrated from Ned's perspective. When his parents moved to Southwestern Asia for work, he was left behind at a boarding school. Among bullies, he's very popular for his sexual orientation. But it was never been confirmed, until a new roommate joins him. He's handsome and a rugby player, but they both put together for a talent show, where they have to prepare a song to sing. So the conflict of interest between sport and music surface and fuels further complication in what it is already out of control.

This film was made last year, before that year was when the same-sex marriage legalised in Ireland. But the timeline of the film is unknown. Mostly like it just before the legalisation. Because seeing how the story happened, it all makes sense. Still a mixed response from the people, the gays are hesitating to come out of the closet. So the harassers still targeting such people, that's what this film is about. In addition to that, the story was told from the teenager's perspective, but I loved that small part of aspect from a teacher. That kind of looked like a bonus advantage of the film.

Regarding Rugby, it was part of the storytelling, not the whole story. So whatever happen in the sporting event was a normal result than considered as a cliche. The same goes for the music part of the film too. It did delivered the message cleverly. The best of it was how these two themes were merged to get a wonderful awareness film. Not just one of the best gay film, but one of the best films of the year. Totally worth a watch!

7/10

Fmovies: provocative. and real simple. touching. and surprising. a coming of age film. and little more. because, not being extraordinary, it gives, after the final credits, a special state. first - its target is very large. because it is a film about youth and its challenges. in same measure, it is a film about difference. the second - it gives a coherent message. and it escapes from moralistic/pink cages. be yourself ! it is the axis. and that does the gay coming up almost a pretext. because it has the science to mix humor with bulling,social masks with deep honesty, teenager sensibility/cruelty with the portrait of the teacher well known from many other films, changing everything (Andrew Scott does an admirable job ). a film like a challenge. good actors, good script, an amazing Fion O Shea and the right director. and, sure, a so simple story.

The age-old story of an unlikely friendship between the athlete and the outsider with a large dose of Dead Poets Society thrown in.

Its not original but the film is heart-warming and full of charm. Well acted throughout with many well known names in cameo roles. The most well known is Andrew Scott who plays the unconventional English teacher who tries to encourage the outsider while helping the developing friendship with the schools star rugby player. The film is emotionally manipulative at times, pulling familiar tricks to get the viewers sympathy but its easy to forgive when the characters and dialogue are so charming. The use of voice-over and split screen are not always effective and detract from the film at times. And the lead characters could have been developed more. But overall Handsome Devil is a charm and an easy pleasure to watch.

Handsome Devil fmovies. Ned hates school his father has remarried and decided to send his only son off to a boarding school. It is one of those schools where sports rule and in particular – rugby. Yes the ultra macho contact sport where beef, brawn and attitude count. My school was very similar. Ned is not sport minded and as such is an outcast being sneered at for being 'gay'.

Then new boy Connor arrives under a cloud from his previous school. Only he is also a top rugger player and gets placed in the same room as Ned. The Jock and the 'gay' are not best suited and neither boy is happy. However, the two soon form a bond based on mutual interests but it soon becomes apparent that the natural order of things is only allowed to be in flux for so long before the forces, that be, must exert themselves and return everything to its proper place.

Now this is a film supported by The Irish Film Board and has a cast peppered with talent including Ardal O'Hanlon, Moe Dunford ('Vikings') and Amy Huberman ('Moone Boy') and everyone puts in good performances. It can be light hearted and lack in character development in places, but it is a well rounded drama which focuses on those that we chose to exclude and how that fear of revulsion changes a person – and not always for the better. It is a scenario that is familiar to many and not one that any of us ought to be proud of for taking part in. It is also a ruddy good watch with perfect timing and drama to keep you hooked till the credits roll – easily recommended.

This was a film that I could absolutely relate to. Like Ned I had to hide my true feelings.It was a very lovely film, but essentially just a film.It does not have the intensity of "Monster Pies" or the heartbreak that "Center of my World" evokes. Maybe "Fair Haven" would adequately describe the emotion that this film arouses in me. Having said that, I would watch it again, if only for the pleasure of seeing "Conor" running around the Rugby pitch. Watch and enjoy.It was a pleasure that will last.

I picked this off Netflix on a boring Saturday afternoon. Boy I wish I had seen it sooner.

I was totally shocked at how good it is - the story line is something we can all relate to - a world that often isolates those who don't "fit in".

Fionn (Ned) and Nicholas (Connor) are absolutely relatable in their roles, and I loved the cameo by the English Teacher. While some may critique the ending as "predictable", but IMO any other type ending would destroy this movie. After the emotional roller-coaster of the film, we NEEDED that ending.

Thoroughly recommend it for all - especially for those who think that anyone who is different is a lesser individual.