253. Come As You Are; movie review
Cert 15
107 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language and sex references
Seven years ago, I wrote: "Come As You Are is another example of excellent European film-making (it's Belgian) and addresses the sort of issue which Hollywood should have on its agenda.
"It is bold and brilliant."
It has taken a while but, thanks to the hard work of a group of people including actor Grant Rosenmeyer there is an American version.
Rosenmeyer stars as a person with paraplegia who wants to satisfy his sexual urges and alights upon the idea of a journey to a brothel catering specifically for disabled people, over the border in Canada,
However, he cannot make the trip alone because of his very complex needs so he tries to enlist like-minded souls.
His problem is his aggressive attitude which brasses off others such as a bright young wheelchair-user (Hayden Szeto) - a fellow virgin who he sees as a possible companion.
Nevertheless, he talks him around as he does his best friend, a nervous, sight-impaired fellow (Ravi Patel) who is also keen to lose his virginity.
There is humour as the trio hatch a plan to evade their parents to go out on the road independently with a nurse/driver (Gabourey Sidibe) but there is also sadness over their desperate need for the physical act of love.
I think I would have enjoyed Richard Wong's film much more if I hadn't have seen the original which was one of my favourite films of 2013.
This Americanised version's script doesn't have the same edge and, consequently, it didn't strike me as either as funny or poignant.
Nevertheless, if you can't dig out the Belgian film, it is certainly well worth watching.
I would add, however, that it sends out a mixed message that disabled actors were not hired for the lead parts.
Sure, the trio took their parts well but the casting net should have been thrown wider.
However, he cannot make the trip alone because of his very complex needs so he tries to enlist like-minded souls.
His problem is his aggressive attitude which brasses off others such as a bright young wheelchair-user (Hayden Szeto) - a fellow virgin who he sees as a possible companion.
Nevertheless, he talks him around as he does his best friend, a nervous, sight-impaired fellow (Ravi Patel) who is also keen to lose his virginity.
There is humour as the trio hatch a plan to evade their parents to go out on the road independently with a nurse/driver (Gabourey Sidibe) but there is also sadness over their desperate need for the physical act of love.
I think I would have enjoyed Richard Wong's film much more if I hadn't have seen the original which was one of my favourite films of 2013.
This Americanised version's script doesn't have the same edge and, consequently, it didn't strike me as either as funny or poignant.
Nevertheless, if you can't dig out the Belgian film, it is certainly well worth watching.
I would add, however, that it sends out a mixed message that disabled actors were not hired for the lead parts.
Sure, the trio took their parts well but the casting net should have been thrown wider.
Reasons to watch: Unusual, funny and poignant
Reasons to avoid: Stretches a point
Laughs: Three
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: Yes
Overall rating: 7/10
Did you know? In the Netherlands people with disabilities receive payments up to 12 times per year for sexual services from prostitutes. It is claimed that this has dramatically reduced levels of depression among disabled people.
The final word. Grant Rosenmeyer: "I think for people with disabilities, I hope they can see this movie and say “I see myself up there. This is true. I feel that.” And for everybody else to see people with disabilities in a different light. " From The Intercom
0 Response to "253. Come As You Are; movie review"
Posting Komentar