Young Hearts
- 2024
- 1h 39m
Elias develops feelings for his new neighbor Alexander. He soon realizes he's falling in love for the first time.Elias develops feelings for his new neighbor Alexander. He soon realizes he's falling in love for the first time.Elias develops feelings for his new neighbor Alexander. He soon realizes he's falling in love for the first time.
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- Stars
- Awards
- 9 wins & 8 nominations total
- Director
- Writer
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Featured reviews
Young Hearts is a beautiful and emotional film about first love. The film follows the journey of Elias, a 14-year-old boy who lives in a quiet village in Belgium, his self-discovery, confusion, and love. What makes the Series special is how real and gentle everything feels. The story has no big drama or shocking twists, but focuses on small, honest moments-looks, touches, and conversations. The emotions feel true and familiar and there is neither sexualisation of minors nor robust entering into the adult world.
Lou Goossens, who plays Elias, gives an amazing performance. He shows so much emotion just through his eyes and face. His acting feels completely natural, and it is easy to understand what Elias is feeling. Marius De Saeger as Alexander is his more experienced partner who is a deserved mate to him - through different ups and downs. The music and the soft, warm camera work also help create a peaceful and loving mood throughout the film.
True, one might say the film is a bit too hopeful or doesn't show enough of the hard parts of coming out, but Belgium is one of the countries where being gay has been more or less tolerated for decades. It is refreshing to see a story that focuses on the beauty of young love without making it too dramatic or tragic.
In short, Young Hearts is a sweet, sensitive, and important film. It shows that love-especially first love-can be something magical. 9 points from me as I am not in the target audience - but I liked it a lot.
Lou Goossens, who plays Elias, gives an amazing performance. He shows so much emotion just through his eyes and face. His acting feels completely natural, and it is easy to understand what Elias is feeling. Marius De Saeger as Alexander is his more experienced partner who is a deserved mate to him - through different ups and downs. The music and the soft, warm camera work also help create a peaceful and loving mood throughout the film.
True, one might say the film is a bit too hopeful or doesn't show enough of the hard parts of coming out, but Belgium is one of the countries where being gay has been more or less tolerated for decades. It is refreshing to see a story that focuses on the beauty of young love without making it too dramatic or tragic.
In short, Young Hearts is a sweet, sensitive, and important film. It shows that love-especially first love-can be something magical. 9 points from me as I am not in the target audience - but I liked it a lot.
What I loved most about the film is its gentle and honest approach to love and identity. It doesn't try to give simple answers to Elias' questions or rush him to a clear conclusion. Instead, it embraces the messiness and uncertainty of growing up. Watching Elias navigate his emotions and relationships felt deeply relatable, even if the specifics of his experience are unique. His connection with Alexander, in particular, was portrayed with care-neither romanticized nor judged, but shown as a natural and complex part of adolescence.
The film also explores how our environment shapes us. The small Belgian village is both comforting and confining for Elias. On one hand, it provides a close-knit community and a sense of stability. On the other, it creates expectations that can feel suffocating, especially when it comes to fitting in. This tension adds depth to the story, making Elias' journey not just about his personal feelings but also about how he sees himself in the world around him.
For me, Young Hearts is more than just a coming-of-age film-it's a reminder of how important it is to embrace who we are, even when it's not easy or clear. It captures the beauty and vulnerability of first experiences, from love to self-discovery. I was left feeling nostalgic for those moments in my own life when everything felt new and full of possibilities. If you appreciate heartfelt and nuanced storytelling, this film is definitely worth watching. It's a quiet but powerful story that stays with you long after it ends.
The film also explores how our environment shapes us. The small Belgian village is both comforting and confining for Elias. On one hand, it provides a close-knit community and a sense of stability. On the other, it creates expectations that can feel suffocating, especially when it comes to fitting in. This tension adds depth to the story, making Elias' journey not just about his personal feelings but also about how he sees himself in the world around him.
For me, Young Hearts is more than just a coming-of-age film-it's a reminder of how important it is to embrace who we are, even when it's not easy or clear. It captures the beauty and vulnerability of first experiences, from love to self-discovery. I was left feeling nostalgic for those moments in my own life when everything felt new and full of possibilities. If you appreciate heartfelt and nuanced storytelling, this film is definitely worth watching. It's a quiet but powerful story that stays with you long after it ends.
Expectations were high for this film - and man, wow, not only did it deliver, but it delivered in style!
Beautiful cinematography, enjoyable music, adorable story that the viewer (especially ppl among the LMBTQ community) could identify with.
The struggles of the boy (Elias) were depicted masterfully, and the happy ending was excellent - good to see a movie that puts more emphasis on the positive side of the topic.
However, this is my only critics to the film (that's why it's 'only' 10/9) - that I found it overly optimistic. Real life, unfortunatelly, is not like this.
A little bit more screentime could have been devoted to some drama about bullying, or refusal, because let's face it, there are always haters in real life.
Yes, there were minor hints about this in the film here and there, but a few more scenes should have been put into it about the negative sides. This could have made Elias's fears more understandable. In the end, it created an almost dream-like scenario.
However, this is a minor issue. One that doesn't really snaps you out of the immersion at all.
(I just felt like I have to explain the 9 stars)
We have to also talk about how excellent the cast were! The actors played their role wonderfully - even the young ones, so hats off really.
Now stop wasting your time by reading my review, go and watch it instead!
Beautiful cinematography, enjoyable music, adorable story that the viewer (especially ppl among the LMBTQ community) could identify with.
The struggles of the boy (Elias) were depicted masterfully, and the happy ending was excellent - good to see a movie that puts more emphasis on the positive side of the topic.
However, this is my only critics to the film (that's why it's 'only' 10/9) - that I found it overly optimistic. Real life, unfortunatelly, is not like this.
A little bit more screentime could have been devoted to some drama about bullying, or refusal, because let's face it, there are always haters in real life.
Yes, there were minor hints about this in the film here and there, but a few more scenes should have been put into it about the negative sides. This could have made Elias's fears more understandable. In the end, it created an almost dream-like scenario.
However, this is a minor issue. One that doesn't really snaps you out of the immersion at all.
(I just felt like I have to explain the 9 stars)
We have to also talk about how excellent the cast were! The actors played their role wonderfully - even the young ones, so hats off really.
Now stop wasting your time by reading my review, go and watch it instead!
"Young Hearts" (2024) is not just a coming-of-age story; it is a cinematic revolution that transcends generational divides, offering profound healing and understanding to audiences worldwide. Directed with exceptional care and featuring a cast of talented actors who bring raw authenticity to the screen, this 2024 masterpiece addresses the often-overlooked struggles of emotional suppression, identity, and love-issues that resonate deeply with Generation Alpha, older Gen Z, Millennials, and beyond.
At its core, the film chronicles the tender journey of two adolescent boys navigating their emotions, identities, and the world around them. But it is so much more than a tale of self-discovery. It gently dismantles societal norms that have long stifled genuine expression, creating a safe space for viewers of all ages to confront their truths and embrace their authentic selves. The narrative weaves a tapestry of support, love, and understanding, offering a blueprint for what a nurturing, inclusive environment can look like for anyone struggling with suppressed emotions or questions of identity.
What sets Young Hearts apart is its universal accessibility. The film is age-appropriate for anyone-from teens grappling with their first crushes to adults unpacking childhood traumas or rediscovering the courage to love freely. It highlights the importance of empathy and connection, creating a sense of hope that is desperately needed in today's world.
The film's global impact is nothing short of remarkable. Within weeks of its release, Young Hearts has sparked conversations across continents, becoming a cultural touchstone for individuals and communities yearning for representation and acceptance. It is not simply a "cute movie" about two boys-it is a bold statement that love is love, and that everyone deserves the freedom to express it.
The direction is a masterclass in storytelling, capturing the quiet moments of vulnerability and the transformative power of compassion. The performances are nothing short of extraordinary, with the young leads delivering nuanced portrayals that leave a lasting impression. Together, the cast and crew have created a film that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
This is undoubtedly a 10/10 film that deserves to sweep every major category at the Academy Awards. From its screenplay to its cinematography, acting, and cultural significance, Young Hearts is a triumph in every sense of the word. Bravo to the creators for crafting a film that not only entertains but also heals and empowers.
A sequel is not just desired-it is necessary. This monumental work has only scratched the surface of the stories that need to be told. The world is ready for more.
At its core, the film chronicles the tender journey of two adolescent boys navigating their emotions, identities, and the world around them. But it is so much more than a tale of self-discovery. It gently dismantles societal norms that have long stifled genuine expression, creating a safe space for viewers of all ages to confront their truths and embrace their authentic selves. The narrative weaves a tapestry of support, love, and understanding, offering a blueprint for what a nurturing, inclusive environment can look like for anyone struggling with suppressed emotions or questions of identity.
What sets Young Hearts apart is its universal accessibility. The film is age-appropriate for anyone-from teens grappling with their first crushes to adults unpacking childhood traumas or rediscovering the courage to love freely. It highlights the importance of empathy and connection, creating a sense of hope that is desperately needed in today's world.
The film's global impact is nothing short of remarkable. Within weeks of its release, Young Hearts has sparked conversations across continents, becoming a cultural touchstone for individuals and communities yearning for representation and acceptance. It is not simply a "cute movie" about two boys-it is a bold statement that love is love, and that everyone deserves the freedom to express it.
The direction is a masterclass in storytelling, capturing the quiet moments of vulnerability and the transformative power of compassion. The performances are nothing short of extraordinary, with the young leads delivering nuanced portrayals that leave a lasting impression. Together, the cast and crew have created a film that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
This is undoubtedly a 10/10 film that deserves to sweep every major category at the Academy Awards. From its screenplay to its cinematography, acting, and cultural significance, Young Hearts is a triumph in every sense of the word. Bravo to the creators for crafting a film that not only entertains but also heals and empowers.
A sequel is not just desired-it is necessary. This monumental work has only scratched the surface of the stories that need to be told. The world is ready for more.
10larsroth
Honestly, i don't know where to begin.
I never did a review, but i truely cant get over this masterpiece. It left me speechless. I did go through so much emotions, while watching this movie and now i don't know how i should feel - Happy? Sad? Empty? In a strange kind of way all of that at the same time, i guess.
But let me tell you - everything about that movie is just stunning.
To begin with the young actors, especially Lou Goossens - absolutely amazing how he expresses feelings without saying a word. But also the relationship and synergy between the characters fits just perfect.
The music by Ruben de Gheselle hits me so hard - im sure he will get awarded for his amazing work here.
The cinematography is just beautiful with all the landscape scenery and the strong colours.
And of course the message of the movie from regisseur anthony Schatteman will be so important for many young people and influence them in such a good way.
I truthfully believe we will hear so much good things about these guys and this movie in the future. For me it is just a masterpiece and deserves everything and more. 10/10.
I never did a review, but i truely cant get over this masterpiece. It left me speechless. I did go through so much emotions, while watching this movie and now i don't know how i should feel - Happy? Sad? Empty? In a strange kind of way all of that at the same time, i guess.
But let me tell you - everything about that movie is just stunning.
To begin with the young actors, especially Lou Goossens - absolutely amazing how he expresses feelings without saying a word. But also the relationship and synergy between the characters fits just perfect.
The music by Ruben de Gheselle hits me so hard - im sure he will get awarded for his amazing work here.
The cinematography is just beautiful with all the landscape scenery and the strong colours.
And of course the message of the movie from regisseur anthony Schatteman will be so important for many young people and influence them in such a good way.
I truthfully believe we will hear so much good things about these guys and this movie in the future. For me it is just a masterpiece and deserves everything and more. 10/10.
Did you know
- TriviaElias's (Lou Goosens) older brother in the film is his real brother and Alexander's (Marius De Saeger) younger sister in the film is Marius's actual sister.
- GoofsAfter the pool party and drinking beer with his friends, Elias and his girlfriend settle in to sleep for the night and Elias is wearing a light green T-shirt. In the next shot he awakens unsettled, and the shirt is gone. The shot after that has him on his bicycle at night, wearing the shirt again.
- ConnectionsReferences Romeo + Juliet (1996)
- SoundtracksBloete Voeten
Performed by Maksim
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- 盛夏心動
- Filming locations
- Grand Place / Grote Markt, 1000 Brussel, Belgium(Brussel Square)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $2,416
- Runtime1 hour 39 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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