José

Jose is the only child who is still living at home with his mother, with both having to start a commute before dawn to their respective jobs. Jose's sexual release is with men in a hotel that rents rooms by the hour. When offered chances for a long-term relationship, Jose has a battle between love and loyalty to his mother.

I saw this film at the Inside Out LGBT film festival, with a Q+A with the co-writer. The director and writers spent time in Central America interviewing subjects, and this is a composite of their research. Unfortunately, references to Guatemalan culture and history could be lost to foreigners. Rather crucial to the story is the frequency mothers may hang on to their youngest children to avoid being alone (there is a reference to Jose's sisters). Other references are to a civil war and an earthquake, both of which killer a great number of people, but may be extraneous to the main theme of choices in life.

The film is shot in a raw, gritty style, but that suits the environment the characters live in.

Once you start watching this film by Director: Li Cheng and Writers: Li Cheng, George F. Roberson, you cannot stop. I found myself wondering how Jose' would find a balance between his own personal identity, his needy but very caring mother, his demanding and dangerous job, and doing his best to live in a corrupt society poisoned by church doctrine.

Jose' and. Luis relationship is the greater part of this rather sad but at the same time joyful story. Luis wants to settle down with Jose' but Jose' is torn between his relationship needs and caring for his mother. You will come to care about Jose', he seems to be an honest person.

The sad fact is that Guatemala is a poor corrupt country strangled by 'the church' that demands obedience and cares nothing for hunger and want.

I watched this at home on a TV set. I sometimes wonder what time it is during a film or how much longer we have to go. Not this one though. It really held my attention.

The story follows the protagonist through work, his love life, his relationship with his mum and other family members. Things happen, such as a theft of equipment from the mother and a phone from the lover, that are not followed up in this film of fleeting episodes. It doesn't matter - there is no "plot" as such, just events that unfold linearly but not necessarily consequentially.

It's a sad film overall. We take things for granted in the west about openness and acceptance, but these are not options in Jose's world.

The actors and settings are totally realistic. The moments of physical love, despite the occasionally sordid nature of the locations are happy and joyful. The grind and monotony of daily life kicks back in though.

The way the film ended was unexpected, but when I thought about it, I realised that this, or a similar ending, was unavoidable.

I really liked this film and would recommend it.

In the middle of the movie, there is at least 15 minutes of romantic scenes of Jose and Luis - making love, covering each other, eating together, driving on a motorcycle, kissing, etc, are the single most romantic scenes I have ever seen in a movie, yep you are right, that is, including all heterosexual movies. The extra hot sexual scenes in the DVD version is such a big plus.

Come on guys, don't you feel it?

Form beginning to end, this film never fails to capture the true nature of relationships. It almost too brutally showcases the heart-wrenching struggles of relationships, and how truly incomprehensible the extra strife that gay people go through is. Anchored by a top notch performance and brilliant use of the Guatemalan landscape (physically and socially), this film delivers layers that will stick with you.