I won't go into the sociological merits and cultural achievements of this film as I think they have been covered articulately and well by other reviewers.
Instead I would like to focus on the performances of the cast. Every actor in the cast plays their part very well but especially refreshing, moving and heart-tugging is the chemistry between Nina & Lisa. I congratulate the director for concentrating too on the love rather than sexual orientation, if that makes sense.
Of course the film is about a gay couple (Bobby and his guy) and the coming together of Nina and Lisa, but where the film really triumphs is simply showing the beauty of what's going on in the characters' hearts, without it being important at all which gender they are or which orientation. I think this is achieved by the absence of any overtly sexual scenes... I am, by the way, the LAST person anyone could call a prude, but a sex scene in this film would in fact have detracted from its quality and so was wisely omitted.
Instead, we simply see 2 human beings falling in love. The scene in the kitchen after the night club where Nina and Lisa have their first kiss is so utterly gorgeous it brought a tear to my eye which movies almost universally never achieve for me! I'm at risk of straying from what I set out to do, namely to praise the performances of the cast so back to the track! Shelly Con and Laura Fraser are totally convincing in their roles here. The looks they give each other, the smiles which reach deep into their eyes (and not just the mouth) are as magical as they are beautiful. This was not a story about sexuality or sexual attraction, but about love first and foremost. That is exactly what Shelly & Laura portrayed with outstanding warmth and sincerity.
It would also be a crime not to mention the warmth and humour of Ronny Jhuti who plays Bobbi. He manages to convey a comical, humorous yet humane, sensitive, intelligent and caring character with first rate ability. Bobbi's character could easily have become simply an object of fun with his camp antics. But Jhuti expertly brings ALL his character's personal qualities into view.
If gender IS to be focused on, then the film is a testament to Female love. I have long said that female and male love differ in their inherent nature (which is NOT to judge one over the other). There are 2 scenes where Priya & Nina comfort each other.... the tenderness of their sisterly love once again is wonderfully portrayed. It shows a tenderness and protection that is a sign of strength, not weakness and a message I have been trying to deliver to the world in my own work! Congratulations to all who were involved in this beautiful, funny, charming film. I'm saddened that so few people I mention it to have heard of it. I will do my best to increase the audience figures! :)
Instead I would like to focus on the performances of the cast. Every actor in the cast plays their part very well but especially refreshing, moving and heart-tugging is the chemistry between Nina & Lisa. I congratulate the director for concentrating too on the love rather than sexual orientation, if that makes sense.
Of course the film is about a gay couple (Bobby and his guy) and the coming together of Nina and Lisa, but where the film really triumphs is simply showing the beauty of what's going on in the characters' hearts, without it being important at all which gender they are or which orientation. I think this is achieved by the absence of any overtly sexual scenes... I am, by the way, the LAST person anyone could call a prude, but a sex scene in this film would in fact have detracted from its quality and so was wisely omitted.
Instead, we simply see 2 human beings falling in love. The scene in the kitchen after the night club where Nina and Lisa have their first kiss is so utterly gorgeous it brought a tear to my eye which movies almost universally never achieve for me! I'm at risk of straying from what I set out to do, namely to praise the performances of the cast so back to the track! Shelly Con and Laura Fraser are totally convincing in their roles here. The looks they give each other, the smiles which reach deep into their eyes (and not just the mouth) are as magical as they are beautiful. This was not a story about sexuality or sexual attraction, but about love first and foremost. That is exactly what Shelly & Laura portrayed with outstanding warmth and sincerity.
It would also be a crime not to mention the warmth and humour of Ronny Jhuti who plays Bobbi. He manages to convey a comical, humorous yet humane, sensitive, intelligent and caring character with first rate ability. Bobbi's character could easily have become simply an object of fun with his camp antics. But Jhuti expertly brings ALL his character's personal qualities into view.
If gender IS to be focused on, then the film is a testament to Female love. I have long said that female and male love differ in their inherent nature (which is NOT to judge one over the other). There are 2 scenes where Priya & Nina comfort each other.... the tenderness of their sisterly love once again is wonderfully portrayed. It shows a tenderness and protection that is a sign of strength, not weakness and a message I have been trying to deliver to the world in my own work! Congratulations to all who were involved in this beautiful, funny, charming film. I'm saddened that so few people I mention it to have heard of it. I will do my best to increase the audience figures! :)