Boys on Film 8: Cruel Britannia

Cruel Britannia lives up to its title. Some of these films hit hard, and are in the main suitable for both heterosexual and homosexual viewers, and any other category this wide flag of life offers us. I must state that I liked the concept of Cruel Britannia and that most of these short films rang true. Many are brutal and cruel in content, and a fair number of them are situated among the poorly educated ( endemic in the social system in the UK ) where a distinct amount of prejudice exists. A few films do deal with the so-called privileged and that is not very pretty either, but these people have less of an excuse and more hypocrisy. I am thinking of the posh chef in ' The Chef's Letter ' and in ' Spring ' where both intolerance and near to death Sadomasochism come into play ( specifically in ' Spring '. ) I could blame this on posh schools and their rituals, but then that is a fact that the British do not often admit to, or is it seen close-up by the under-privileged. Now for my favourites in order of preference. ' Downing ' a black comedy of revenge taken by a Gay young man on a dubiously Straight young man in a party from hell, followed by ' Diana ' which is both gruelling and hard edged with the politics of oppression, and the horrors of the world which surrounds individual oppression nakedly shown. It is both a short film and a bitter one. Third is ' Man and Boy ' one of the cruellest films I have ever seen, reeking of instinctive hatred born out of prejudice egged on by social media distortions and their consequences. Knowledge of ' Others ' is very sparse in this film, and in most of the rest in this collection. I also liked ' What are you looking at ? ' which was both revealing and enlightening, and comic in the best of ways. It takes place in a trapped lift where most of us should get caught from time to time so as to recognise the diversity of humanity. On the downside I found ' I Don't Care ' to be both badly acted and contrived and unconvincing. The same goes for ' Spring ' which went into areas of bodily abuse and possible destruction and despite recognising the truth of it I found it a dangerous film for the vulnerable to watch. Also there was little tenderness in the collection and the sexual scenes in the all too often British a way of being coy and unconvincing. A mixed bag, but one to reach into for each viewer to find their favourites. I have also avoided the saddest film which I found utterly believable and that was of the two lovers in ' We were one tide ', a truly beautiful short film that I sincerely wanted to be longer.

There's nowhere near enough nudity on this volume and there are so many lovely young sexy British men that are quite happy to get naked generally?

Also, I am still unclear whether the BOF series is supposed to be gay male films or not? They seem to have lumped us in with Perverts in at least one instance and trans people in others. I don't mind watching these, but they're not why I bought the DVD? I'd rather they didn't take up space that might show Gerrard Butler or Tom Holland in compromising positions instead.

All Over Brazil (2003) I don't think I've really had the opportunity to see how good an actor Iain De Caestecker is, based on his performance in 'Agents Of S. H. E. I. L. D.', but the little snapshot we got to see here was very good. It did seem like it might have been cut from a bigger film, almost as if it was a trailer, but I liked what was there. It resonates with Billy Elliot and the beginning of Velvet Goldmine.

477.55/1000.

Nightswimming (2009) I wonder if they hired Harry Eden for his good looks, his acting ability or his massive Shlong? That is truly made to make your mouth water! (And your eyes!) Tim Dantay isn't bad for an older guy either. I quite liked the story, but didn't think it really needed the girlfriend, mostly because I'm not in to girls and would rather see the fellas just getting straight down to it. I should probably just watch porn instead, but it's nice to have a bit of substance sometimes.

659.75/1000.

I Don't Care (From Channel 4's Coming Up) (2010) I have loved Iwan Rheon for years, even as 'Ramsay Bolton' in 'Game Of Thrones' he has a certain something about him. I also adore David Leon and they are both brilliant in this. I've never seen a performance like that from Mr Leon before.

You do have to feel sorry for the people that are carers, those that are tied down to someone and cannot get free. Although I appreciate that they do it out of love and might not want to be free. But who wouldn't go crazy if they got a free day?

I would definitely let David take me anywhere in his van.

What a great cameo by Paloma Faith too.

629.55/1000.

Spring (2011) I do not get the urge to be dominated or dominating. I like things equal. That doesn't mean that this wasn't a sexy film to watch. I just couldn't relate to the characters as such. I don't think that I could ever trust anyone enough for these kind of activities.

I suppose the message is to be careful, because you might get exactly what you want?

478.85/1000.

The Chef's Letter (2008) I don't think there's enough here to make any sense of really. A good cast that aren't really put to use properly. Who was he jealous of? Who did he fancy? What was in the letter? All the uncertainty made it a bit dull.

059.71/1000.

We Once Were Tide (2011) A quasi 'God's Own Country' (2017) with similarities to 'I Don't Care' (2010)(Also featured on Boys On Film 8 - Cruel Britannia).

Are they trying to say that if you love somebody set them free? But be prepared because it will hurt like hell. Or is it more an attempt to implement a rescue on Kyles part?

201.15/1000.

What You Looking At (2011) This one seems to be about general acceptance, rather than gay specific. An interesting look at things as they sadly are, but from a unique perspective. An intriguing comparison. It's not badly done, but not really for me.

114.55/1000.

Man And Boy (2010) Wow! It's quite explosive from the start. Again it's not about being gay, but about being a pervert or is he? Still, it is quite horrifying and you can feel the tension from the performance.

The stupid games boys play and the consequences that can befall everyone involved are explored very dramatically.

201.05/1000.

Diana (2009) Once again, I'm not sure why this is on a gay DVD as it is a trans film?

It's a bit something and nothing, where actually it really could have used the Diana thing to more effect.

I probably wouldn't bother with it again.

059.79/1000.

Downing (2011) Daniel is pretty fit! I must admit that I would probably do anything to get him. Unfortunately that's about as good as it gets. It's a bit like a clip from a episode of Hollyoaks or something.

How quickly lives can change from just a few moments of drunken stupidity.

189.11/1000.