Living in a Muslim Arab country, I see this sort of relationship all the time. Local men claim that "Ana rajul" (I'm a man) and refuse penetration or affection despite their often desperate longings. The payment is a rationalisation - they couldn't really have wanted to do it.
So it is here. The film encapsulates this to a tee. In fact, it even shows the private reality of so many of these men in that they actually are prepared to take on a passive role on occasion. It's often a make or break moment for them as it is for the protagonist in (the very different film) 7ème CIEL.
I also was fascinated by the portrayal of life in refugee centres in Germany, the brutality, the violence, the sexual abuse.
Unlike other reviewers, I did not feel that the ending necessarily presaged a sad outcome. He came back to the flat, after being beaten by his compatriots, and I'd like to think that these guys got their ideas and lives together and on track. The final shot of the guys from above was, for me, more optimistic than otherwise.
At one hour's running time, the film was just right.
So it is here. The film encapsulates this to a tee. In fact, it even shows the private reality of so many of these men in that they actually are prepared to take on a passive role on occasion. It's often a make or break moment for them as it is for the protagonist in (the very different film) 7ème CIEL.
I also was fascinated by the portrayal of life in refugee centres in Germany, the brutality, the violence, the sexual abuse.
Unlike other reviewers, I did not feel that the ending necessarily presaged a sad outcome. He came back to the flat, after being beaten by his compatriots, and I'd like to think that these guys got their ideas and lives together and on track. The final shot of the guys from above was, for me, more optimistic than otherwise.
At one hour's running time, the film was just right.
