Romeos [DVD]

Romeos is a very fresh, appealing film from Germany with a lively camera style, full of saturated colours and changes of camera angle, with expressive close-ups, to convey the immediacy and changeable nature of young friendships. Here this tendency is even more pronounced because of the transgender nature of the main character, and the actor does an amazing job of taking us into his insecurities and feelings, their aching urgency and ups and downs. For all that, it remains a bright film, with quite a lot of ensemble scenes, yet it keeps a sense of shape, unlike some films of this type. Above all, director Sabine Bernardi makes it an uplifting experience, ultimately, without overlooking any of the insensitivity and cruelty that can be a part of the experience of this age group too - and others, for that matter. Rick Odon is really extraordinary, looking a bit like a young Kevin Bacon, with all the sensitivity in his expression of a young faun. The boy he likes is also appealing in the right sort of way - sexy, but with a feeling that he really might turn out to be a bit of a let-down; he looks a little like the young Romain Duris! The best female friend is also a stalwart presence, if one whose friendship does not always run smoothly either. I recommend this film strongly as a very enjoyable drama that covers a number of issues with a light touch, even as it takes you into the suffering of the character. I wish it had had a few extras - it would have been interesting to hear the director talk about the background to the project - but it is well worth buying in any case.

I am still pretty new to the foreign/gay/trans-sexuality type films and am buying what Amazon is recommending for me at the moment till I can work out what I like and what I don't.The first half of this film was a little slow for me tbh. But 50mins into the film when it all came out i did start to really feel sorry for him & the 2nd half of the film was really amazing and I really did enjoy it.I will be watching this film again and if you want to give up half way thought please don't, trust me on that. You will really love it by the end.

Firstly - Don't be put off this film is in German! There are English subtitles and as you become engrossed into the film, you forget they are there!Secondly - Wow.. What an amazing film. The film captures the essence of transitioning from a woman and into a man beautifully and although I am sure every story is different, this was just fascinating to watch. The acting is superb and Rick Okon and Maximilian Befort have an strong chemistry which kept me wondering will they, wont they get together or will he or wont he find out the truth.Thoroughly enjoyed this film and I highly recommend this to anyone.

Lukas is transgender: he behaves like a man, but still has breasts, which he keeps hidden. He likes men, & falls for another man (who seems very interested in him), but the fact that Lukas is transgender can cause difficulties. Very interesting, but a bit drawn-out.

Other reviews have said almost all there is to be said about this film, which tackles the subject of transexuality among young people with sensitivity and insight. This is the sort of film which should be shown in all schools. Rick Okon is excellent as Lukas, the transgender role, and because of his features is totally believable as a woman becoming a man.

This is a film which conveys what it must be like, not just to undergo a transformation of sexual identity, but the terror of exposure that goes with it. It is difficult enough to come out as gay but to present yourself as one person and then to be found, or thought, to be another must be exceptionally hard. That emotional journey is brilliantly conveyed in this film which obviously romantices the subject but without pulling its punches on the way.

It is not easy to talk about complex issues such as transsexuality without falling into stereotypes, but this film fails to address the crudity of the injury and the pain it generates, and the gentleness and delicacy of love. Yet the film is a perfect balance, showing how painful is the path that leads us to accept ourselves for who we are and above all to break the wall of prejudice and fear that tends to isolate those who are different. A movie not to be missed!

In Cologne two strikingly different young men meet. It is obvious at a very early stage that there is an attraction between them. The question is, how will the super hunk Fabio be able to handle the fact that the object of his attraction, Lukas, is not a complete man?This is an extremely compelling story and the topic is dealt with in an admirable way. A really great film you will not forget.