Search - Friends Forever on DVD

"Innocence is no excuse"

D. Elliot | UK | 10/29/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"'Friends Forever' (Danish, with English subtitles) is a 1980s coming-of-age film concerned with growing up and friendships. The principal character is Kristian (about 15 years old) who arrives at a new school and is initially drawn to an outsider, Henrik, who is - as always - taunted for his difference. Fearing that this friendship will be a liability, Kristian falls in with the 'in group', led by Patrick (14/15 years old), who quickly becomes his best friend. The film then follows the inevitable ups and downs of this friendship, applying the full gamut of coming-of-age experiences: first crush, homosexuality, alcohol, first sexual experience with an older woman, student rebellion, and so on.



While this probably sounds a tired theme, it is actually one of the better films of its genre. Absent the puritanical values that usually stem from mainstream US-made films, 'Friends Forever' has a relaxed, non-judgemental feel. In particular, it avoids gay/straight stereotypes, and certainly does not shy from male nudity (although the full frontal shots are the preserve of a couple of 20-something characters). The acting is well-done, and the characters come across as highly plausible; the soundtrack and production values are unmistakably mid-80s, which adds a additional ambiance. There is a great deal of humour in the film (not least the 1980s hairstyles and roll-up jacket sleeves / shiny short-shorts apparel ! - which, admittedly, only comes to us from our retrospective vantage point) and it ends with a hilarious French-farce-style song-and-dance number, involving the entire cast.



Whilst not emotionally challenging, or dark in any way, 'Friends Forever' is a thoroughly enjoyable, feel-good film which easily bears more than one viewing. It's great to see it finally brought to DVD, along with some of its peers (see, for example, 'Lakki'). Definitely one for the collection."

Cute

Rolando A. Perez | Los Angeles, CA USA | 02/02/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a Danish movie with English subtitles. And it is mostly about teenage kids in the local school. The situations in this environment are very standard around the world with little differences. There is the bullies, the in-crowd or popular groups, outsiders, drugs or pot, alcohol, and unpopular teachers or administrators. The movie is set in the 80's with the flashy clothes and hair styles.



The movie is mostly about 3 kids, Henrick, a short lived character in the movie, who is a "weird" outsider, practices meditation and oriental philosophy. He is lured by the new kid Kristian, a homophobic straight kid. Henrick comes on strong to him, perhaps sexually, and Kristian like for him comes to an end. Henrick moves away to practice a model job. Afterwards, Kristian seeks the popular cute boy, Patrick. He lives a double life, being gay, and fooling everybody. This friendship flourishes.



There is self-discovery by both boys. There are sexual encounters with the local girls and an older woman by Kristian. Meantime, Patrick becomes involved with an older, athletic guy (Mads) after moving into his own place. Kristian becomes shocked and angry with Patrick when he discovered that his best friend wasn't what he thought he was, straight. Kristian humiliates Patrick in front of a class discussing the job market. He tells everybody that Patrick is gay, but by now Patrick was comfortable with his sexuality. Kristian becomes very upset when he realizes what he has done and turns his back on his buddy (there are scene flashes of all the special moments between them.) He shows up at Patrick's place and walks in while Patrick and Mads are making love. Kristian is babbling about some flier he made to protest the school administration. Kristian make sup with Patrick and accepts him as gay.



There is some kind of a strange musical piece at the end. The movie has its moments. But it is set in another culture with different customs and beliefs. Gay issues are pretty much standard."