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Just Friends

Original title: Gewoon vrienden
  • TV Movie
  • 2018
  • 1h 20m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
5.6K
YOUR RATING
Majd Mardo and Josha Stradowski in Just Friends (2018)
This charming romantic comedy follows Yad, as he returns from a life of study and partying in Amsterdam to his hometown, and that's when he meets the handsome Joris. The spark is instant. But with Yad's parents nagging him about his career choices, and Joris's mother struggling in the aftermath of her divorce, will true love have a chance to blossom?
www.peccapics.com
Play trailer1:37
1 Video
99+ Photos
ComedyDramaRomance

Joris meets Yad at his grandmother's place, where Yad works as a domestic help. They fall in love with each other but they have to fix things between them and their mothers.Joris meets Yad at his grandmother's place, where Yad works as a domestic help. They fall in love with each other but they have to fix things between them and their mothers.Joris meets Yad at his grandmother's place, where Yad works as a domestic help. They fall in love with each other but they have to fix things between them and their mothers.

  • Director
    • Annemarie van de Mond
  • Writer
    • Henk Burger
  • Stars
    • Majd Mardo
    • Josha Stradowski
    • Jenny Arean
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.2/10
    5.6K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Annemarie van de Mond
    • Writer
      • Henk Burger
    • Stars
      • Majd Mardo
      • Josha Stradowski
      • Jenny Arean
    • 39User reviews
    • 16Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 7 wins & 2 nominations total

    Videos1

    JUST FRIENDS - Trailer - Peccadillo Pictures
    Trailer 1:37
    JUST FRIENDS - Trailer - Peccadillo Pictures

    Photos107

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 103
    View Poster

    Top cast29

    Edit
    Majd Mardo
    Majd Mardo
    • Yad
    Josha Stradowski
    Josha Stradowski
    • Joris
    Jenny Arean
    • Ans
    Tanja Jess
    Tanja Jess
    • Simone
    Nazmiye Oral
    Nazmiye Oral
    • Maryam
    Melody Klaver
    Melody Klaver
    • Moon
    Sonia Eijken
    Sonia Eijken
    • Lely
    Mohamad Alahmad
    • Elias
    Anne Prakke
    • Bart
    Elène Zuidmeer
    • Fientje
    Roscoe Leijen
    • Gerlof
    Frits Lambrechts
    • Organist
    Myranda Jongeling
    • Veterinarian
    Tessa du Mee
    • Crematory clerk
    Sjoerd Dragtsma
    • Mitch
    Belinda van der Stoep
    • Employee
    Justin Mooijer
    Justin Mooijer
    • Friend Yad
    Malcolm Hugo Glenn
    Malcolm Hugo Glenn
    • Erwin
    • Director
      • Annemarie van de Mond
    • Writer
      • Henk Burger
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews39

    7.25.6K
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    10

    Featured reviews

    7devilbitez

    Super Cute!

    This film was very adorable. It is honestly a super refreshing watch compared to the rest of the depressing cinema that clogs the lgbtq+ genre. The lack of homophobia and tragedy is something that I am very appreciative of, this was a much needed change of pace. It is definitely a comedy, but its nowhere near campy or overbearing, just a very lighthearted and enjoyable gay-themed movie! I totally recommend if you're looking for something to lift your spirits or even just give you the giddies. Its a relatively short watch and the sweet message that comes along with this film absolutely makes it all the better; "Love can't be controlled. It controls you." So true!
    10blast_only

    Sweet and Innocent

    I truly enjoyed this cute movie. The performance of the actors is awesome. It's really a cute story. We have a modern, very well produced gay-love story without stereotypes, and the best part is that it has a happy ending FINALLY! That's a big change from the usually amateurish movies where someone HAS TO die!
    him090296

    Gewoon Vrienden is so underrated

    Gewoon Vrienden is so underrated and under the radar, only 32 reviews (including me) proves it.

    There are 4 salty reviews here I can't stand them, because this didn't deserves rating below than 6 of out 10. This is in my top 6 gay movie all of time (so far and I can watch it over and over again), with Brokeback Mountain, Four moons, God's own country, Longtime companion, and The way he looks.

    P. S. Did you know that: 1. This is a Telefilm: Telefilms are Dutch feature films specially made for television (such as Jongens also from Netherlands or Hidden Kisses from France).

    2. Director Annemarie van de Mond has resigned due to a disagreement with the creative team about the course of the film, the director's name has disappeared from the credits, the name 'Ellen Smit' is mentioned as a replacement. This is a pseudonym and is more commonly used when a director distances himself from a production.

    3. If y'all find it difficult to find the soundtrack, it's from Jeffrey van Rossum (I'll Follow You & My Home)
    7thewwwatson

    Well Done Film

    This was a very well done film, with top notch production values, beautiful outdoor settings, a good amount of comedy to offset some of the very serious issues taking place. Two young males, from different backgrounds, fall in love. There is some fall-out because neither mother accepts the other son based on race/religious and economic status. With the help of one of the boys' Oma, they find a way to eventually master some of these hurdles. The grandmother character is one of the main highlights, with her sense of humor and outlook. The two main characters were standouts in their performances.
    Kirpianuscus

    surprising

    It is a surprising film. for the choice to not be a manifesto, a pledge, a drama in the well known frame. but a simple, honest lovely story of a relation. nothing great but impressive for each detail. because it is not only the film of lead actors. because the performances of ladies are more than beautiful. because it is a film with roots in social reality. and a love story who could convince each viewer. a beautiful film. and this "verdict" , for me, is enough for invite to see it.

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    Related interests

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    Comedy
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
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    Romance

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Actor Majd Mardo (Yad) was really born in Syria and came to the Netherlands as a refugee in 1998, at the age of 9, together with his parents and sisters.

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • May 25, 2019 (Australia)
    • Country of origin
      • Netherlands
    • Official site
      • official site
    • Language
      • Dutch
    • Also known as
      • Gewoon Vrienden
    • Filming locations
      • Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands
    • Production company
      • CTM Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • €800,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 20m(80 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.78 : 1

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