MovieChat Forums > Strapped (2011) Discussion > Exceptional! Hard Core Reality, Way Too ...

Exceptional! Hard Core Reality, Way Too Good!

posted 13 years ago by AnotherCineFan
10 replies | jump to latest

No comments on this movie? I'll admit I'm a bit short for a review of such an outstanding script, genuine performances and emotion. And the lead wasn't even gay? Fantastic! It's like what a kid on the street selling his body might encounter over a year or two, all packed into a 90 minute movie.

I am happy to see an honest story like this given a reasonable production budget. It was well-lit! Yay for the lighting fans, you're right, it makes all the difference, and can cost several thousand more. Sexy scenes were breathtaking in their candid representations of the many ways a gay prostitute can sell himself. A man is never more beautiful than when he is young.

And FOREVER, forever I will believe that a hot young male prostitute can and will choose a homosexual LOVER, eventually. Sweet, sweet story. LOVED IT!

[–] samuelloveshuppert 13 years ago

This movie really suprised me. I thought it was really well done. It took a very over done topic, but it added new life to it. The acting was great, and the cinematic aspects were beautiful.
It was very well done. I am looking forward to seeing more of this diector's work.

[–] Boot_Boi 13 years ago

the music alone made me wish i was one of his "johns"

Saffy: oww she burnt me with her cigarette!

Patsy:(coldly) ACCIDENT!

[–] Silitonga 13 years ago

Honestly, I little bit surprise and I love this film.
Love the act, love the scene and story.
One lesson from this film: not only sex, love is the most important...

[–] totallybreee 13 years ago

OMG I'm so excited to talk to someone articulate about this movie! I've watched it several times in just the last few days and I can't get it out of my mind. Great script, brilliant acting, fabulous ending, everything I want in a movie, really.

I think that in addition to the amazing performance by Ben Bonenfant, which many reviewers rightfully rave about (and of course I totally agree), for me it's also so much about the transformation that the character of Gary goes through. Mostly what we see of him in his early appearance in the film he's so sad and pathetic, but part of the way through the scene in his apartment, he becomes sad and kind of wonderful. It's really touching, and I have to give serious props to that.

There are so many unanswered questions, which is partially frustrating, but also partially exciting, because in a way then we get to decide for ourselves what happened. What do you think? I have my thoughts, but I want to make sure someone's reading this first!

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] moiestatz 13 years ago

The sudden tonal shifts are skillfully and smoothly executed. Kudos to the director and actors. Ben Bonenfant is tremendously good in this movie, but I also want to praise the other actors. I thought everyone did splendidly well.

I actually love that this movie does not give us everything. Just enough hints and teases to wonder who the characters really are, how will they progress in life, will they ever be happy. The writing, direction, and acting mold together beautifully to flesh out these characters whom I want to know more about, whom I want to root for, whom I can identify with. The stereotypes do not feel totally stereotypical because I felt they are grounded enough in reality and multidimensionality.

I love this movie.

[–] KingDor 12 years ago

I was not expecting much from this movie and I was very surprised at how thoughtful and interesting it was.

I loved the different facets the main character portrayed and thought about when he encountered someone new, as it reflected thoughts I've had in my own life.

I loved the ending. It was just so right. This movie is right up there as one of the best in gay cinema, like Weekend and Beautiful Thing and Shelter. It was so damn good.

The main actor was very talented. Just overall great flick. I loved it.

[–] 12 years ago

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[–] shred-com 10 years ago

Count me in as another one who was totally surprised how great this film was. Fantastic performance by the lead, spot on directing, and a great score. Sexy, moving, honest, and dreamlike. Deserves to be known way more than it is.

[–] KatrinaW 10 years ago

I really liked this movie. God bless the internet, for all the ways available to me, to see beautiful films like this, because there's no way in hell I'd get to see them otherwise!

I just recently read about this movie on The Backlot; it was on one of their "best sex scenes" lists, and as a fan of gay movies, I'm trying to seek out as many as I can. I was a bit wary, since I've seen mixed review, but a lot of them were positive. So I gave it a try.

This reminded me of "Shortbus" in a way, because of the amazingly real performances, the grittiness, and the overall look and feel of the film. It's one of those movies that stays with you for a while.

The lead, Ben Bonenfant (?), was amazing; the way he was able to morph into whatever his John desired. And truthfully, it drove me crazy for most of the movie, but I finally realized he looks like a mix between Diego Luna, Adam Driver and Orlando Bloom! Gorgeous! But truthfully, he gave a wonderful, very nuanced performance.