Forbidden love and the angst of dealing with one’s own sexual awakening is a common theme in gay cinema but it’s not often the quality of such tales reach similar heights as the US drama Brokeback Mountain.
From Gemany, Free Fall does just that and has, in fact, been hailed as the German Brokeback Mountain. The similarities are obvious – two guys in a macho, heterosexual world, discover each other and conduct a secret love affair, knowing it can never go further.
Director Stephan Lacant makes his feature film debut with this touching and beautifully told tale of police officer Marc (Hanno Koffler) who offers to assist cadet Kay (Max Riemelt) in his training when the latter struggles to keep up. On their regular runs through the woods, they connect on a deep, personal level leading to the inevitable moment when Kay reveals his true feelings.
The resulting affair leaves Marc torn between his own desires and his duty to his expectant wife. He struggles with his sexuality and with the guilt of his actions.
Lacant makes the most of his two handsome leads, with a healthy dose of eroticism without taking matters too far. While the plot comes to a relatively predictable conclusion, his screenplay with fellow scribe Karsten Dahlem is nicely paced and offers an even does of drama, romance and tension. The characters are engaging, although not always likeable, but it’s their journey and situations that make the film work.
The Adelaide premiere of Free Fall will screen at 8pm on Saturday 5 July 2014 at the Mercury Cinema. Tickets are available from the Feast office, through FeastTix online or phone 8463 0684, or at the door if not sold out.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet
Rating out of 10: 8
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