Beautiful Thing

The dynamics of life in the government housing unit (called council housing there) is interesting, as all people have hopes but lowered expectations about what life can bring them; this is very much a teenager angst movie, and even the adults seem to be into it.

Jamie's mother should be a member of PFLAG, being at first shocked, but then very supportive. Ste's father and brother fall into line with the typical homophobic types. The rest of the world seems blissfully unaware of the major life events taking place, which in reality makes this film very realistic.

This is not a deep film, but it isn't really superficial either. It is honest and sincere in expressing the emotions and situations of the characters without making them cartoon cut-outs or political objects. But in the end, the message is political of a sort, and that is that we all have the freedom to run our own lives, including who we love.

This is beautiful.


In any form, a really NICE film...   November 27, 2001
R. Gawlitta (Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA)
15 out of 16 found this review helpful

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.


Official U.S. DVD Version Arriving May 20, 2003   March 4, 2003
15 out of 20 found this review helpful

"Beautiful Thing" truly is one of the best gay feature films made. It's one of the best films made, period.

Just wanted everyone to know that it's finally coming to DVD. The official version is being released May 20, 2003 from Columbia TriStar. So if any of you have been waiting for it and have been leary of getting the above-mentioned poor quality knock-off, your wait is finally over!


Great Story - DVD is POS   November 12, 2002
13 out of 17 found this review helpful

This is a great movie and I have the VHS which I will be keeping because the DVD is a POS. (Its the main reason I've given it a rating of one.) The quality of the DVD is ... and the color (especially on red) is so over driven it bleeds and is almost unwatchable. I've seen better quality on VHS! Then there is the issue of Chinese subtitles **BURNED** into the picture. How bush league!!

Unfortuately, I bought this some time ago and just decided to watch it again. Needless to say I went balistic when I saw the burned in subtitles. This little "feature" was NOT noted in any of the details. Amazon.com should offer to buy all thiese back.


Truly Beautiful - Touching - For Anyone Ever in Love   May 5, 2000
C. Clay (St Paul Minnesota)
12 out of 15 found this review helpful

A "beautifully done" movie! Set in London, this wonderful film is done in English with a marvelous accent. This one is from the UK. Based on the story line, it would never be done in America, we're too uptight. The movie centers around 2 high school age boys (Glen Barry as "Jamie" and Scott Neal as "Ste") coming to terms with their sexuality. Very tastefully done, this is not a sexual romp by any means. The movie emphasizes the pain of coming out as youth, the struggles and the successes. Slow moving at the start, the story follows the two boys living in broken dysfuntional families to their coming to terms of their desire for one another. Strong performances by most in the film, including the mother and several others. The music is also fun with much of it in memory of the great Mama Cass. I particularly enjoyed the scene featuring the song "Make Your Own Kind of Music". I think you will too. The ending is especially touching.