Rating: 
Summary: Beach buddies become something more one special summer
Review: I won't go into details which may spoil the movie- and are covered very well in other reviews preceeding. My opinion is that this is a easy hit out of the park for the director. Great setting, two teens alone with no adult supervision: I would be surprised if they didn't play around together.Yet the tension between the two charactors is real enough when it becomes clear Nico has other interests beyond his friend's attention- and his distractions are two very sweet girls- who can blame him! If you have ever had a crush on another, but learned that they had other ideas, you may relate to this story. If you have ever went further sexually with a friend than you thought and regretted it afterward, you may also relate to the story. Yet it isn't a story about regrets or unrealized love, but ultimately of a deep friendship developing dispite those themes. I enjoy foreign movies- this one is subtitled in English only and so loses some impact, yet the two actors are appealing and Dani is particularly a challenging part to play but he does this well. I also enjoyed the European tolerance of a gay lifestyle- even a Let Boys Be Boys kind of life from observing adults. Yet when the local "gay guy" connects to Dani, he is threatened to get turned in to the boy's dad by his good friend rather than corrupt the young man. That left me scratching my head in wonder- we are not talking 12 year olds but sixteen. Where is the line drawn? Overall a fine sensitive movie without all the pro-gay preaching that distracts from the few films I have seen on the subject.
Rating: 
Summary: A beautiful, subtle, positive story of friendship
Review: I'm not even certain where I first heard of this film, but I'm sure glad I did. I've watched it several times and after each viewing I've come to appreciate the story, the actors and the message very deeply. I think it's the finest movie I've ever seen on the subject of friendship and "coming of age", bar none. Remember back to your youth when times were simpler and all you had to do was think about what you'd do with your friends that day? Nico and Dani recalls that time in such a believable, carefree, almost naive way that all I could do was smile and enjoy the feeling. They do the normal things guys do like go fishing, hunt rabbits, hang out and party with friends. The actors portraying the characters (Fernando Ramallo as Dani and Jordi Vilches as Nico) even look like two average guys at 16--kind of gangly and skinny, just like I remember being back then. In short, I believed it all from the get-go. The friendship we see is one that obviously has been built up over many, many past summers and each time I watch the film again, the more I realize just how deep that friendship is and how subtly and naturally it's portrayed. I mean, it would have to be pretty deep given that the two boys frequently have a "Krampack" (mutual masturbation session) to help each other out. The twist in the film comes when Dani begins to realize at this time of adolescent change that he's falling in love with his best friend Nico, just as Nico is finding out how much he's into girls and anxious to go through his own rites of passage. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, doesn't it? The beauty of this Spanish summertime story, though, is that it doesn't turn into an "Afterschool Special", a platform for gay community propaganda, or a ridiculous "American Pie"-like farce. It just continues its dreamy, easygoing pace as we watch the two boys' friendship bend--but not break. There is a wonderful balance of humorous vs. "heavy" scenes (I could watch the scene where they're talking through the bathroom door a thousand times and never tire of it) that allows for changes of mood and pauses for reflection. By the end, nobody dies, gets put in therapy, beats someone up to prove how "macho" he is, catches a disease, has a huge, dramatic, cry-his-eyes-out scene or other predictable cliché. I was left with nothing but a peaceful, happy feeling that everything would be OK, Nico and Dani would always remain friends and that this film was worth every minute of my life's time I gave up watching it. For what it's worth, I also dredged up my high school Spanish from the recesses of my memory and--along with my pause control and a Spanish dictionary--went the extra mile to learn what was actually being said and how (English subtitles can only get you so far...). That made a HUGE difference to my understanding (and my own education). I would wholeheartedly recommend you add this to your collection, watch the wonderful interviews with cast and director and give it a few repeat viewings just to glean all the magnificent subtlety from the story. While not the "Perfect Film" (I'm personally a bit bothered by the boys' habit of answering nearly every important question with "let's smoke a joint", and the soundtrack does strike one as a bit goofy a couple of times), it's nearly there in my book. I think that it will strike a chord in many who have lived through similar circumstances. I would also highly suggest it for STRAIGHT boys who might be in the position of finding out that their best friend is turning out to be gay. Fantastic acting by the main characters, gorgeous Costa Brava scenery and a compelling story of enduring friendship mean this'll be a film I'll continue to watch over and over again. Other "Friendship/Growing Up/Coming Out" films I highly suggest: Beautiful Thing, Get Real, Edge of Seventeen (in that order...).
Rating:
Summary: Frank, honest, and realistic and a story to identify with
Review: If you had asked me what I had thought of the movie half way through, I would have said I was slightly uneasy with it as a whole. What I mean to say is that there are just a few parts that you might catch your mind rejecting as too frank. I found myself identifying completely with the characters on my screen, and yet at the same moment feeling uneasy for some reason... Luckily, I didn't stop half way through and the story worked itself out and developed into something to be remembered. As soon as the credits began to roll, I realized the reason I had an uneasy feeling was because the acting was so natural and real that I felt as if I was there, and since this is a coming of age story it brought back the same feelings I felt when I was going through the things I saw on screen. The story is well written as a whole and portrays every character as actual people, even those with a smaller role. Nothing is over dramatized, and nothing is boring. It's life, shown in a way you usually don't see on film and showing an important part of life. Another reviewer didn't see much in the cinematography, but I enjoyed it. Many times, the unique "set ups" and irony that you see when a play is performed on stage is lost when it is made for cinema, but the director did an excellent job of preserving it. Make sure and watch the "Special Features" after the film and you'll see what I mean. Not necessarily things you will consciously notice while watching the film, but they work to make the film what it is. Others have said it is homophobic, which is true to a point. But I -like most- don't look back on my experiences as an adolescent and think how reaffirming everyone was and how sure I was about everything that I did. Homophobia is a reality for many people in their life and this movie doesn't brush that under the carpet for atmosphere. If you've seen a lot of gay cinema, you will be pleased to know this is anything but the "same old thing" and I recommend it with 4 stars. If you're just exploring gay themed movies, you might should add this one to your wish list and check back after you've seen Beautiful Thing, The Priest, The Trip, etc.
Rating:
Summary: Let's play hide the sausage...
Review: If you're into smoked-meats, then you'll love this movie as Nico and Dani hide their meats in each other.
Rating: 
Summary: Okay....not spectacular
Review: My boyfriend and I rented this one night after hearing a good review of it in a magazine ("XY" I believe...) and we were quite disappointed. The plot is hazy and hard to follow; the acting is flat and listless. Overall, while the story is interesting, this movie hardly contains enough energy to keep it moving. Better actors, better director could perhaps have saved it. Alas, it was not to be. If you want something similar, I would recommend "A Beautiful Thing" far more readily; it is quite a better movie, all things considered.
Rating:
Summary: Delightful!
Review: Nico and Dani is a fresh and delightful story of two teenage boys spending several weeks together. The director (Cesc Gay) showed remarkable skill at bringing realistic and understated performances from his young actors. The camera feels invisible as we experience intimacies between the boys and the two girls they hang out with. One of the extras the dvd offers is a look behind the scenes, amazing to consider such natural performances occurred with such a busy set. An interview with the director reveals the original work on stage was with an older cast. Casting younger actors really adds to the poignancy of the story.
How different most European culture is regarding sex from the prevailing tone in the USA. Perhaps viewers will find solace knowing there are places people come of age without all the angst and homophobia of mainstream America.
Rating:
Summary: Great Friendship Story
Review: Nico and Dani was a great story for me, as Hollywood has long lost its appeal. This down to earth story of a couple of young guys doesn't wear the label "GAY." I perceived this movie as a peak into two young males exploring their sexuality as they grow into adult hood. Nico will most likely follow the path for women; Dani without a doubt, will follow the path of male intimacy and companionship. A fun movie with out all the Hollywood sensation and violence. Hope you watch and enjoy the story.
Rating:
Summary: Again, the best gay films seem to be made outside the U.S
Review: Probably the best coming of age movie I have seen. Gay and straight tensions within adolescent male friendship are explored in a realistic way, and there are humerous situations within the plot that many will recognize from their youth. All of the characters here are credible. I look forward to owning a copy on VHS.
Rating:
Summary: America: Take note, this is how it is to be done!
Review: Real rating: 4.5 stars Great movie! Nothing so amazing that you will walk away wanting to move to Spain, but still a must-see! Maybe the cinematography wasn't the most impressive in the history of the big screen: but who cares? How many of us really give a bother about the 'cinematography of a film' if we come out feeling happy? Nico and Dani (Krámpack) is a great "Coming to terms, yadda yadda yadda" movie that doesn't overdo it with anything. The angst, the sex, the resentment, etc is not overdone in any part. Had the director used gorgeous actors with rippling muscles, it too would have taken away from the film. The two characters portray with perfection: two young Spanish boys, not particularly attractive, quite awkward, and definitely not 'sexy' in the modaren-gay sense. Nico never falls for Dani, Dani doesn't try to kill himself or gets thrown out of home: sure many of us go through a lot of bother when we come out, but sometimes it IS this easy! It definitely gives a true portayal of the socially accepting attitude Spaniards have to gay men (All about my mother was a huge hit remember!). I got scared toward the end at the train station, I thought perhaps that the movie might take a Hollywood twist and Nico might grab Dani and kiss him! Thank goodness this is a European film, and he does not. Definitely get this movie. It is so worth the money to see it over and over again. Before I conclude I must mention the great supporting cast as I think noone has as yet: Marianne the Cook, Sonia the Teacher and of course Julian! (from My Mother Likes Women!). Every piece of this movie is tied together so well...can you tell I liked it?! :)
Rating:
Summary: Seem like real kids
Review: So many gay "coming of age" movies grind through the angst of the teenage world or demand that someone involved gets upset, hurt or worse. Here is a warm, cheerful movie that shows teenagers at their best - life is simple, days and nights are filled with fun, and you can't stay mad at your best friend for long. The characters are not overly deep, but remember back to when you were a teenager; emotions and hormones ruled and only in the strictest, harshest home did you have to hide your feelings - it all came out. The adults are cautious and wise, but not interfering. This movie may strike some as trite, simplistic or artificial, but only in the U.S. do we try to believe that our kids aren't thinking about sex all the time. Here is a movie that shows how well such topics could be addressed, without causing moral grief and helping everyone involved grow up just a little more. My partner and I smiled all the way through and finished the film with a warm feeling of satisfaction. What's wrong with that?
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