Search - Sebastian on DVD

Sweet

Rolando A. Perez | Los Angeles, CA USA | 03/07/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I guess I am the second person to review this movie, I have not read the other review, but I will rate this movie just bit higher than the other person.

This is a picture in the series of foreign films that deals with coming out of age as a gay teenager. Whether the movie is French, German, British, Irish, etc. it basically presents the pain and struggle of being gay. I have never seen a Norwegian movie before, but I find these types of films fascinating as not only does the movie shows the gay theme, but a tidbit of the society or culture. Being someone interested in different societies and having a degree in that field, I learned a lot about Norway by just watching this picture.

Sebastian is the main character, a member of among 5 kids living in a small town somewhere in Norway. Sebastian is beginning to realize that something is different. He is in love with his best friend, Ulf, a straight boy who dates one of the girls in that group of 5. There is one more girl, Lisbeth, Sebastian's ex-girl friend. There is one more boy, Janne.

Sebastian is a spunky kid, beautiful boy, with a saintly smile. He has long hair, neck length. He is very athletic, beefed up, just like Ulf. Ulf, the more masculine, shows that Viking look, the rough exterior. Both boys horse around a lot.

The parents of Sebastian are educated and well to do. Ulf comes from an impoverished home, with two sisters. He helps his mom with the chores and babysitting. There is an enormous contrast between both boys socially.

One very important point to bring out is the relationship between Sebastian and his mother. It is feisty and intelligent, the conversations are in a very authoritarian tone by both, but not disrespectful. The father takes a back role, but not totally gone. They both find out about Sebastian, but their reactions are mixed, pain and laughter. One of these parents must be a psychiatrist.

One night, Ulf comes over to Sebastian's home. They both have fun, making waffles and a total mess in the kitchen, they drink champagne getting drunk, listen to music and dancing, they both tried mascara to look feminine (which I found interesting), and they both have a bath together in a jacuzzi looking tub (again interesting but nothing happening) literally flooding the bathroom, and finally the night is over, Ulf is ready to go, Sebastian pleads with Ulf to stay over, Ulf declines, and Sebastian impulsively kisses Ulf.

The rest of the movie is pretty much Sebastian coming out, and his friends accepting him, including Ulf.

Sebastian is a sweet movie. Hampus Bjork as Sebastian is an extremely cute boy, with that radiant smile, and cute long hair. Nicolai Cleve Broch as Ulf is also handsome in a more rougher exterior. Because I am the second person to review this movie, it shows that there is not a whole a lot of interest. But if you are reading this, it is a nice movie."

Gay in 1995

Amos Lassen | Little Rock, Arkansas | 07/19/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

""Sebastian"

Gay in 1995

Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride

"Sebastian" (WaterBearer Films) dates back to 1995 but just now sees its release on DVD. It is the story of a sixteen year old, Sebastian, who behaves strangely He sits alone in his room thinking and not talking. He refuses to tell his parents what the problem is. We see his problem and it is that he suddenly discovers that he has strange feelings for his friend, Ulf. We watch as he accepts himself--that he is gay and that he is in love with his best friend.
Looking at his movie today, we see how far gay cinema has come. As a coming-out story this movie is sweet but it hardly holds its own to what we see now. Nevertheless, it is important in that the movie reflects the way things once were.
The movie is Scandinavian and shows Scandinavia in al of its glory. The important family structure is intact. Sebastian has a younger sister and friends who love him. He leads a regular life. He is on the verge of manhood and therefore locks himself in his room and contemplates the meaning of life. When he discovers that he is gay, he proudly announces it to everyone.
It is hard to be a teenager and it is even harder being a gay teenager. Sebastian is lucky that his parents have no problem with his sexuality. The film makes coming-out look so easy when we know it s not. The actors are believable and when they tell us that it is ok to be gay, we find ourselves not quite agreeing with them. It does show homosexuality as a natural choice or option (when we know it is not quite that easy).
The plot is realistic but it is carried out superficially and full of clichés. The acting is fine but not special. The cinematography is beautiful but there are many scenes that are unnecessary and do not further the plot. The movie may be weak but it does entertain and it does handle the entire issue of sexuality well.
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