User reviews

DU ER IKKE ALENE (You Are Not Alone) is a 1978 Danish landmark film written by Lasse Nielsen and Bent Petersen and directed by Nielsen and Ernst Johansen. When the period during which this film was made, a time when gay theme movies were all but verboten, this little film is a brave, delicate, tender, unpretentious tale of the bonding, both emotional and physical, that occurs between two young boys in a boarding school in Denmark. The story develops slowly and insidiously, a fact that makes some viewers find it boring or slow. But for this viewer the pacing of the story is intricately involved in this tale of the fragile first attractions that occur in young boys: everything is new, and nothing is rushed - it just happens and evolves.

Kim (Peter Bjerg) is a young prepuberal youth living with his parents: his father (Ove Sprogøe) is headmaster of a boys' school and his mother (Elin Reimer) is in line with the father's hard-line standards. Though not a student in the school, Kim does associate with the young high school age boys and finds one lad in particular, Bo (Anders Agensø), a role model who shows concern for Kim and with whom Kim bonds, emotionally and eventually physically. The manner in which this occurs is never acted out but merely suggested in the most discreet and beautiful way. But we watch as this bond develops more strongly, with each of the boys nascent to the situation in which they find themselves.

The classmates are a varied group - normal kids in a normal school situation - until one of the boys Ole (Ole Meyer), who is somewhat of a trouble-maker, posts magazine pictures of nude women in his dorm room. Reprimanded by the headmaster he is put on probation and when he ultimately posts the contraband pictures in the dorm restroom, he is threatened with expulsion. His classmates band together to protect him and Ole is maintained in the school.

Other sidebar stories that pepper the screen are swimming hole escapades where the injury of one of the boys calls forth the empathy of the entire class; there is a vignette where an older woman tries to teach one of the boys the beauties of physical love; there is a shower scene that finds Bo and Kim gently observing each other; and there is a class project for graduation that is supposed to be an enactment of the 10 Commandments, one episode of which is assigned to a student filmmaker.

It is this finished class project film, shown before the faculty and the parents, that is based on the commandment 'Love thy neighbor' and it is a beautifully wrought scene of Bo and Kim embracing and kissing in one of the more honest and sensitive moments on film. The 'non-story' film ends without an audience response: it simply fades away to a tune that speaks of 'You are not alone - there is someone like you ahead.' No, this is not a film about nudity or raw sex. Instead this film is a brave exploration of the normal period in growth when boys search for role models and find their first sensations of love emerging. It is delicate, beautifully filmed and acted, and is one of the early forays into same sex love that works on every level. Grady Harp

I finally got a chance to watch a movie last week...it had been over a month! This movie tells the story of two young boys that fall in love, one a post-pubescent student at a boarding school, the other the pre-pubescent son of the school's headmaster.

First, the movie is beautiful. The interaction between the two main characters is touching, and handled with tender care. The two young men (who are the actual ages they are portraying) are excellent and convincing in their roles...as are the other young actors who make up the rest of the students at the school. The interactions between all the characters in the movie are incredibly realistic...not sugar coated, or worse, over dramatized.

There are issues, however, with this movie that make it less than excellent. For one, the script is terribly fragmented. For a while, you forget that there is supposed to be a relationship developing between the two main characters. The main storyline gets lost amongst a jumble of other side stories going on inside and outside of the schools walls. While these side stories don't dull down the movie (on the contrary, they are often humorous and charming), they strip any semblance of order and purpose from the narrative.

The other issue is that all the other characters are either completely oblivious to the affection that Bo and Kim share (which is nearly impossible), or they don't care (which seems equally odd). While I've nothing against a story that is simple, innocent, and charming...you'd think that these two boys would suffer some of the hardships that come along with being young and gay. :giveup Overall, I applaud the movie for approaching it's subject material so openly, in a way that would NEVER be seen in an American film. The characters are engaging and a joy to watch. Too bad the story wasn't more cohesive. Still, worthy of a 7/10.

This is one of those films that would be impossible to make today and that also shows how different the northern European countries have been with their openness around young kids' sexuality. The film tells a beautiful story of first love between two boys in a boarding school with the actors being the right age for a change, and even when the subject is filmed with the most delicacy and naturalism, it's also not shy in showing full fontal nudity that screams 70s and would be impossible to show today. The film is a landmark in Danish cinema and touches on all kind of important teen and preteen subjects. The only real problem that I see with it is that the structure is very lose and sometimes the main story gets lost between the multiple secondary ones.

Excellent movie, if you have an open mind. The two boy's relationship grows in a very innocent manner. Even if you are heterosexual, you can probably identify with the feeling of your first infatuation for another person and all the little moments together that seemed special. This movie deals with first love, of another kind, in an extremely tasteful manner. My only regret is that, in America, people will not tolerate movies like this one. It makes it very hard to hear of, and also see movies with such an explosive subject. I would recommend it, if you can find it.

A film that can't be viewed from a cinematographic point. Just because it's not in technique where this film achieves something. As in any film, what gives it a strong value is the story it tells.

Due Er Ikke Alene is a wonderful escape to a time lost forever. A film about life. About misery. About love and happiness. About senslessness and about achievement. About systems and counter-systems. About people who can be under extraordinary

circumstances, and be as extraordinary as they come. About challenges and victories. About sex and about understanding.

About imagination, creation and clashes. About authority and reason.

Maybe not all these things are seen at first. They are the background. The solid background that gives credibility to the characters and power to the story.

A dreamer like Aske, puts the educational system in the limelight and leads the rest to discover why young people can think and do. Why there are reasons in life more important than just "living my life". Why the others are seldom regarded as the very motivation to do anything, and, when they become part of our lives, our view of our own can change entirely.

A naïve and deeply enchanting Bo, who only will do good. The one who makes this story so moving and so deep. His emotions, his beliefs, his feelings are rooted in a wonderful soul that cares about his friends. Someone always available to give a hand. With firm convictions and reassuring when anyone needs him. The peacemaker.

A beautiful and amazing Kim. His honesty, his absolute confidence in love and his smile make of him Bo's natural friend. What really makes this character glow is his smile. He is happy with life, even when he finds the normal bumps that lead others to despair or level things out with anger. He enjoys the small things. The ones that count. From a bit of fresh air to a bottle of wine (which, he discovers, should not be abused).

Most interesting is Ole's role. His character turns the balance of the whole story into something worth studying for any teacher, school system, etc. Ole is alone. And he needs the care provided by his peers. And, eventually, even with his bully ways, he mends his life and comes to terms with the world.

The seventies were times of amazing richness, and this is shown openly here. Maybe one of the issues that make your eyes shine is the open difference between what led to some modern educational ideas and how they clashed with the old ones. This was Denmark, and it was the seventies. The final act is freakin' awesome.

Watch this film. You won't be disappointed. Watch it thinking about the story, and this time (oh, it's me saying this... I can't believe it), just this time, forget about cinematography.

I watched just few hours ago as I'm dead curious to some of the reviews here called as how two young boy fell in love with each other at the very early stage indeed.

I don't think the cinematography is the problem, nor did the acting. It was great for everything, the idea, actors, and the setting - except that its just hardly convincing in my point of view. The movie focused too much on the school, pupils that I lost grip / at one point forgotten about the love happening between Kim and Bo.

It's perfectly understandable and romantic of the low between these twos, but really - its rather a disappointment that we don't see enough how their love develop in more realistic way. Although they're still kids - perhaps, it would be much better if we see some sadness, tears, rejection, and so on (Problems that encapsulate of being gay realistically). This movie explores the love of two young boy in a very vague and unrealistic manner.

This movie is rather satisfactory in my point of view for those who seeks to understand the definition of love in different angles.

The leisurely paced tale explores the relationship between 14 year-old Bo and Kim, 11, the younger son of the stern boarding school headmaster. Mounting school tensions over the expulsion of a troubled student threaten to sabotage the tranquility of the school.

The film stills holds up in 2017 as being somewhat controversial, particularly in the United States, not only for its subject matter of an adolescent same-sex romance, but also for its scene that shows both young lead actors; Agensø (age 15 at the time) and Bjerg (who was 12) in full frontal nudity, taking a shower together.

Indeed, there are probably two things people will take away from this: one, the child nudity which strikes me as shocking that it passes the censors when it could be seen as pornography. And two, just how very "1970s" the film is with the hair and styles. I do not know much about Denmark, but it does not seem all that different from America culturally at the time.

This is not merely an enjoyable film, but it is a very unique and important movie too. This is the case because it approaches with taste and dignity a sensitive subject matter which is often regarded as taboo. The subject is that of homosexuality between teens and preteens. Bo is a 15 year-old boy who finds himself smitten with Kim, who is younger and extremely handsome. Kim more than reciprocates Bo's interest and passion. The result is a beautiful and loving relationship between two nice and decent boys. The movie contains incidental nudity and fabricated intimacy, however it is in no way vulgar or dirty. A previous viewer remarked that the musical score is unremarkable, but I found it to be both beautiful and catchy. Any youth who has experienced feelings similar to Bo's and Kim's may have found it difficult or damaging to attempt to discuss these matters with influential people, such as parents, teachers or peers. This may tend to cause such youngsters to feel isolated and defective. This movie offers vindication and progressiveness, even if the level of acceptance which Bo and Kim enjoyed is unfortunately somewhat fantastic. Maybe it's true, as this movie suggests, that characters like Bo and Kim (and people like me) really are not all alone in this world.

Anyone who finds this film shocking, exploitive or revolting doesn't have a closed mind; they have a problem. This film is very reminiscent of a French film version of the novel Les amitiers particulaires shot in about 1958 I think. For anyone boy or girl who has had a crush on a member of their own gender, these films tell it all. The boys in You Are Not Alone were luckier than me:-) I was absolutely nuts about some of my friends at that age and extremely attracted to them physically. Unfortunately they weren't as smitten with me as I with them. A difficult time ensued for several years, confusion and hormones raged and reigned and certain scars remain. So, it's nice to see a film where boy meets boy, and boy gets boy. Maybe it would just be a passing thing. Who knows? I think sometimes that people who rail all wholier than thou against the type of relationships depicted in these films should be subjected to unjust accusations and then come up against a gang of gay bashers. Hopefully no harm but a lesson learned and eyes opened would come of it.

Hugh

You Are Not Alone is an extraordinary film and one would not be surprised if it became a classic. The characters although not fully developed, much like the script, are nonetheless exceptional in that it sets the foundation for other similar works. Two young gay boys searching for understanding and acceptance, find love in a Danish private school. The film itself is sketchy with undeveloped nude scenes and hampered with an equally fragmented plot. Still rising above the script are the young actors Anders Agenso and Peter Bjerg who add a certain innocent vitality to an otherwise humdrum story. You'll enjoy the final sensual scene. It's the stuff dreams are made of. *****

Being my absolute favorite movie, I could watch "You Are Not Alone" if it were set on repeat. Few movies, and most certainly none of them American, set out to thrash the rules of moviemaking. Bo and Kim are beautiful young lovers and the film taints their love with equally beautiful moments shared on screen. The other boys both support the main story of Bo and Kim as well as expand into their own stories which also include the headmaster of the school all of them attend.

I would like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed watching this film, although the subtitling on my copy lagged a little nearer the end.

It was a charming view of life at a Danish boarding school where two boys meet for the first time, and their friendship slowly evolves into something more. I wish that more films were like this and, having just finished watching it, I want nothing more than to start it again and watch it over, however I have to go out in 5 minutes, so I shall have to wait for tomorrow.

My only criticism is that the plot seemed to wander and be a little disordered at times. It had some, though fun, unnecessary sub-plots that could, to be honest, have been cut in order to have some more development of the two main characters, who were so well acted by the two boys.

I live every day with all the negativity that surrounds being openly homosexual in High School (I'm 14 and gay) and I can only say that I wish my own peers could be as accepting of me, and others like me as the other boys in this film, however, in our British (and even more in the US) society today, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding homosexuality and I feel that even today, thirty years after this film was originally released, most of the people I know would not be ready to see it, and that is a terrible shame as it is a fantastic film.

This is a great movie, and you will either walk away with a warm fuzzy feeling or you will simply start the move over and watch it again if, unlike me, you have the time.

You are not alone is a movie about love. It is easy to watch and I can guarantee that if you have an open mind you will enjoy every minute of it. The action takes place at a Danish boarding school. That is the place where Kim (12 y.o) and Bo (15 y.o) meet for the first time.

I like the romantic which flows from the screen. The whole atmosphere of the movie is very relaxing and the music contributes to that. Some time ago I read that this movie became an icon for generations of young people growing up and after seeing it I can understand why.

You are not alone is sentimental movie which you will enjoy on some quiet night – it can make you a better person.

This film really is touching and gives the viewer an understanding that I don't think exists in todays society. Society in the 70's permitted a film such as "Du er ikke alene" but today this film would never have been made. The story between Kim and Bo is so moving that it makes me cry almost every time I watch it. Although, the subplots were a little overpowering but it doesn't really take anything away from the main characters (Bo and Kim). I give this film 10 stars because I love the idea that sexual exploration begins at such a young age and it is a healthy part of growing up. Some people may find this film offensive, but it was handled so delicately that I don't believe there to be anything offensive about the topic of this film. Anyone who finds this film offensive really should try to understand that this is life, homosexuality is present among youth as well as heterosexuality, and it is healthy. This film does a fantastic job at displaying this idea.

I have no words to explain how much I loved this movie. I wasn't even that excited at first since I knew almost nothing about the plot, I found it by chance and its description was so vage that I thought I could just give it a watch to fall asleep, but once the movie started I just couldnt stop watching. Did I sleep? God no. I was almost in tears when the movie ended, it left me speechless and full of emotions.

The soundtrack is on point, the actors are brilliant and natural, the setting and the plot are excellent, nothing felt too much and I never lost interest, the director is a genius. I felt as if the 70's came back to life again and god I wasn't even born back then but I felt so nostalgic while watching this cuz I didn't want to leave this beautiful dream that this movie is to me.

For sure is a must watch! I know that this movie is labeled as lgbt content and sure the protagonists are both male and they develop an intimate friendship that leads to love, but honestly I don't feel like this movie is about homosexuality but about love, freedom and just seing the world in a brighter light.

Can't believe I just wrote this. Literally all the movies I watch are depressing, they show human nature at its worst, so much drama, hate, and stuff like that. I don't normally go for lighthearted movies cuz they don't feel real to me or I just don't enjoy them as much as the mentioned ones, but ''Du er ikke alene'' is worderful. Period. As another reviewer said: its a film about life. And it feels so rewarding. It gives so much hope. It's like a beautiful light and a safe place to go. This film made me believe in love, in happiness, and it made me remember that not everything is pain and sorrow.

Totally recommended.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE is an excellent handling of a situation which exists in every culture on the planet. Pre and Adolescent boys develop "crushes" on one another as naturally as they breathe. In the United States, a so-called "open" society, this subject is not only taboo but handled with the vigor and hatred that marked the Salem witch trials of the 1600's.

In this film, Bo and Kim, obviously care about one another in a loving way. The presentation of their affection is handled with sensitivity and taste. The only scene that might cause people to feel a bit uneasy is when one of the boys from the school is seduced by a female teacher in a secluded area of the school. Although the scene is heterosexual it brings to mind the case of teachers in the US who have had sexual relations with their adolescent charges.

Sexual experimentation among peers is normal and, to my mind acceptable. Sex between adults and minors is not, simply because the "playing field" is not level. The adult can and usually does, lead the child to fulfill the adults sexual desire, leaving the child feeling cheap. dirty and defiled. As a cross reference of this point I suggest one views the excellent film entitled: RETURN TO INNOCENCE.

Not to belabor the point, this film, YOU ARE NOT ALONE is a landmark production and presents the subject tastefully and frankly.

Certainly there are a number of movies (and even TV programs) with gay characters, but this is one of the few movies produced which explores early-teen same-sex infatuation. The subject is dealt with non-exploitatively , and the cinematography is well done. Almost the only negative is that the music is not remarkable.

The images in the film are bright and clear for a foreign film in 1978. If you've ever watched Second City Review and seen their parody of foreign films you'll be disappointed here. This film keeps you on the edge in a very subtle way. Is it gay? The plot deals with a boys boarding school- go figure. It's not ashamed, apologetic, political, or anti-religious. It just is. You'll just have to watch it. But watch the uncensored version not the one on YouTube. I really do hate that kind of censorship regardless of who's doing it. Still, I wish I could've had a boyfriend like Kim when I was that age; that and everything else it would've taken to have such an ending. Peter Bjerg is just gorgeous. No, I mean gorgeous. I don't know about now but I imagine still cute in a masculine way. There is a kiss in this film which is comparable to the shot of Dominique Swain kissing Jeremy Irons in Adrien Lynes' "Lolita"; when she runs upstairs to kiss him goodbye. I just won't tell you which scene it compares to. Both scenes and soundtrack are very compelling- even though I don't understand Danish. Also the word 'androgynous' comes to the foreground. Something unheard of in my neck of the woods of that era. It took me a while to figure who was what gender. Such a story might even have come from Ireland (present day). I did some reading on Denmark after watching this film. Why would this movie and "Friends" (Paramount, 1971) cause such a stir in the 'Land of the Free"? And it don't sound so Brave to me. I just saw this film over the weekend and thought 'Too bad Peter would be about 42 now." This film is not homophobic; it definitely would have been if it were dealing with Americans- in any era. You should look up Denmark's history of gay rights. Denmark rocks! Oh! Peter Bjerg, you were so lovely. Kim is mature for his age group, growing past playing 'Indians' with his peers. I just found it odd about the age difference; the way I was segregated by age in my school, we never had contact with 12 year olds when I was 15. But then this takes place in a boarding school. The boys in school are really laid back; 'jocks' and grab ass aren't present, there's none of that sport team homophobia you'd get with an American screenplay. There are some stills of Peter Bjerg out there somewhere that are pretty decent resolution. God, he's cute! So anyway watch the film, I hope you enjoy it.

Good Movie For LGBT Youth To Watch!

Its a cozy, laid back movie from Denmark, and it gives a very calm vibe, and the LGBT Youth who are struggling with their identity will definitely love this movie as well.

This movie does not "sexualize" minors like many people are blaming, but rather it's just showing a love story between two boys of the same age, its a love a story of two people of same age!

Du er ikke alene has been too much advertised as a young gay film, but, in fact, we can see a warm and often funny depiction of life in a boarding school in the 1970ies, complemented with suitable music, realistic scenes and events (contrary to that the puritans think, for most people "adult" life begins before obtaining voting right), and pleasant, knowing approach. Child actors are credible and often in bold scenes, and Ove Sprogøe was one of the finest Danish actors anyway...

Although all this is ahead of my time, I am younger than those boys were in 1978, it is like a trip to history not long time ago, but seeming so far, prevailed by thick hairstyle, angular cars, and specific clothing which I have always found ugly :) Nevertheless, I am sure that open-minded people would appreciate the strengths of the film in question at present as well.