Romeos

"Romeos" is a game-changing film. It shines a light on a world not often explored in film, the female-to-male transgendered experience. It also offers a heartwarming gay love story that is to be rivaled. So often LGBT films tend to focus more on the fact that they are an LGBT film rather than the emotion. Instead, "Romeos" not only explores the trials and tribulations of transitioning but explores the issues that we face when falling in love.

Lukas (Rick Okon) is a pre-op transsexual that is enjoying the benefits of his new male appearance while struggling with the prison of his gender. Placed in the female dorm and struggling to keep his secret, Lukas is having trouble with his identity. His best friend Ine (Liv Lisa Fries) drags him into the Cologne gay scene and he meets the man of his dream. Fabio (Maximilian Befort) is the definition of masculinity - bold, brazen, competitive and an Adonis. The only thing he can't do is be honest about his sexuality. Their relationship tests their very identities and leaves the audience wondering if they will ever be together.

The female to male experience is not often discussed let alone explored in film. Lukas makes online journal entries, in English, to members of an online trans-community. These personal moments offer insight into the transitioning experience and some of the turmoil that comes with hating a part of yourself. The film also peppers in little details about the FTM experience including intrusive questions, hormonal changes and mastectomies.

Albeit rich with valuable insight into the transgender experience, "Romeos" is a love story. There is tragedy, longing and plenty of sexual tension. These two vastly different characters offer a couple for whom you spend the whole film cheering.

Okon's portrayal of Lukas is insanely authentic. You question at times if he really is transgendered and the breasts he is given are shockingly authentic. Also, he manages to convey and introspective innocence that lets you emphasize with his experience. Befort is sex on legs and his cockiness runs that fine line of insanely sexy and total douche bag. Despite his bad qualities, you still can't help but fall in love with him. The long camera gazes at his body don't hurt either.

Writer/Director Sabine Bernardi has created a true work of art. The film is both tender love story and trailblazing exploration into the transgender experience. It also manages to not spoon-feed the audience with heavy exposition and politics. Instead, it simply opens a window into the life of a man that was born a woman coming to terms with his new identity. It is touching, tragic at times, and truly inspirational.

"Romeos" is a straightforward and authentic love story. It captures an innocence of the first love between two men. It also offers some education on the experience of transmen. It is both insightful and inspiring and definitely worth seeing.

"Romeos"
DVD
$24.99
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