Beautiful Thing [IMPORT]

Rating:
Summary: In any form, a really NICE film...
Review: I have read the other reviews, and, YES it is disappointing that this "Import" DVD is from Hong Kong (with Chinese subtitles) and YES it is disturbing that there are absolutely NO extras, even "chapter selection". The very British, very urban language is often hard to understand. That said, this is one of the nicest, sweet-natured films I've seen in years. Though the coming-out gay theme is the centerpiece of this film, there are so many other life-styles being portrayed that are all somehow a part of that central theme. It's very clear that the basic idea is "Live and let live"...a mother's love is unconditional; misunderstood people (Leah) are often loud and brash and cruel, looking for attention; love can be anywhere, waiting to happen, even in the working-class urban jungle. I would've liked English subtitles to understand some of the wonderful but stylized dialogue. I liked the 1.85:1 LBX, and, I must admit, subtitles have never bothered me...though a previous reviewer mentioned that they are larger than life, which is correct. Mama Cass' music is SO appropriate, especially the scene of Jamie and Ste running thru the park to Cass' "Make Your Own Kind of Music". There is a beautiful story, sexual tension (somewhat non-explicit), humor and a bit of social justice in the end. It also, without trying, gives homophobia a black eye. A truly fine film.

Rating:
Summary: Enchanting Story!
Review: This is a wonderful love story that just happens to be about two lads! Scott Neal and Glen Berry are excellent, and convincing in their roles as blossoming lovers! The movie is bright and upbeat! If you're having trouble with the southeast London accent, there are several websites that offer good slang translations. Though I gave the movie 5 stars the DVD version is really pitiful! And I certainly give it two thumbs DOWN! There are large, intrusive Chinese subtitles with no way to turn them off! The night scenes on the DVD seem extremely dark, in fact, in some scenes you can barely see the actor's faces! Surely, with such a great movie there could have been a better DVD?

Rating:
Summary: Good Movie, But Beware This DVD
Review: The DVD Amazon sells is a Chinese -produced package that is an NTSC (US TV Broadcast standard) video with English dialog but that is subtitled in Chinese -- and unlike every other DVD I've ever seen, there is *NO WAY* to turn off subtitling on this DVD. The effect is distracting.

Rating:
Summary: Big White Chinese Subtitles That Can¿t Be Removed!
Review: I love this movie but the DVD version is not very well conceived. No menu...none of the features you would expect to find -even on the cheapest DVD. There are large white Chinese subtitles that cannot be turned off. This is a fine film and deserves a better DVD release.

Rating:
Summary: not a good DVD
Review: this is a fantastic film and its worth owning. But the movie advertised is more like a VCD.

There are no chapter selections or MENU
And there are huge subtitles in Chinease that cannot be removed while watching the film. The film can be very distracting with such HUGE subtittles taking up half the screen, and with no bonuses or extra features, its cheaper to just by the VHS copy.

Rating:
Summary: A movie like no other.
Review: Beautiful thing brings the audience to something which is genuine and real. Its about two teenage boys, neighbors , who find that love is more than just friendship. The film pace is just right for that feeling of realism. There is no jump on the bed and animal sex involves (which if it happens should be classified as pornography ) but simple, classic love chemistry. Just watch at how the story unfolds, the characters were given more depth and the more , YOU , the audience will be enthralled. Its a feel good movie. I couldn't classify this movie as a gay movie and only for gays because the multitude of characters in it protraying powerful characters just make it an excellent viewing for all. Just one last thing, when you saw Jamie and Steve cried , I ensure you it will make you cry as well......trust me, you will.
I give it 80 out of a hundred. ( If only the sceneries were better.... ) Still, its a must watch!

Rating:
Summary: A rare gem in cinema
Review: Most movies of this type either follow stereotypes or are just plain unbelieveable. Beautiful Thing does neither, and thus I give it 5 stars.

Shy Jamie and athletic Ste seem like two normal young lads in the beginning of the film. After Ste can't handle the abuse from his father and brother, he decides to sleep over at his next door neighbor Jamie's house. One thing leads to another and they fall in love...and best of all, there's a happy ending. :-)

The well-chosen Mama Cass/Mama's and The Papa's soundtrack gives this movie a nostalgic, innocent feeling. It is one of the very few movies that portrays a same-sex romance as a monagamous relationship. No promiscuity here...

Again, I see this as something of a rare movie. If only there were a few more movies like this...

Rating:
Summary: Miraculously wonderful film!
Review: This is one of those films that just sneaks up and grabs you and keeps you engaged for the entirity of its viewing! Great cast, characters, directing, scripting, setting....I could go on and on.
One boy who knows he's gay and isn't quite comfortable with it reveals to his best friend his secret (which includes that he is mad about his best friend, in a more than just friendly way). This isn't too far off from many other film's subject matter. However, this is a British film, so you can expect a much richer fabric than with any American film...

Living in what appears to my American eye, to be a middle low income apartment house, both boys are neighbors. One is abused by his father and brother, the other treated as an equal by his hip, but hapless mother and her boyfriend. Living down the hall is a too cool for words black girl who wants to be Mama Cass. Why all the subtext and character development? That's so that these people are real and not just "gay boy 1," "gay boy 2," and " hip black girl." Brits know how to create a character.

I've only touched the surface of this film. It doesn't end the way you would think it would, although maybe it does end a bit to upbeat than it should, but I'll make allowances since it holds its own for all but the last 5 minutes.

Try this one on. I think you'll agree that it is worth the watch.

Rating:
Summary: truly a beautiful thing
Review: This movie doesn't have beautiful production values or scenery or even many beautiful people, for that matter. You can tell that it was adapted from a play -- it has that sort of earthbound feel to it at first. But it is one of the loveliest stories I've seen in a while. It's heartfelt and loving and incredibly well-acted. I can't think of a single weak performance in it, or a single character who is less than three-dimensional. It's funny and sweet and touching and, well, beautiful.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Wonderful! A MUST-see!
Review: I bought this on a whim. I had heard great things about it from friends and decided I would get it and see for myself. My initial reaction was 'Um...okay! Pretty good.' The next day I started singing Mama Cass and laughing at memorable scenes that had somehow worked their way into the back of my mind. I watched it again the next night. I have to say - it gets better every time I watch it. It was well worth every penny I spent and thensome. Sandra adds the well placed angst, Leah adds the semi-psychotic comedy, and Jamie and Ste are amazingly lovable characters that I find myself cheering for every time.