Mixamus Reviews

Moneyboys (2021)

Looking for Love in the Modern World

[8/10 · 20 June 2022]

If you're wanting for a film that avoids the tired cliches of so much current gay-themed content, I highly recommend Moneyboys. It is a very assured debut from director CB Yi, who displays incredible restraint in telling the story of a young Chinese sex worker dealing with the trials of work, love, family and displacement.

The cinematography is absolutely stunning with each scene beautifully composed. The camera perspective is often at a distance, which adds to a feeling of remoteness and detachment. This is the same feeling projected by the main character, played with restraint and empathy by Kai Ko.

There are many scenes where few words are spoken but much is said in the pauses and silence. Some may find the tone of Moneyboys too formal and the pacing too measured, but with patience you'll be treated to a moving story of compassion and acceptance.

Body Electric (2017)

Meanders Like Life

[5/10 · 14 June 2021]

Body Electric is hypnotic to the point of somnolence. It gazes at the life of a young gay man, seemingly aimless as he floats through the working day, which then blends into late nights of sex and parties. Many of the scenes feel improvised, which give the film an edgy and authentic feel. However, overall it's very repetitive with little plot or character development. You'll need to care about the protagonist to keep engaged. And if you don't, the whole thing may put you to sleep.

Promising Young Woman (2020)

Promising Yet Disappointing

[4/10 · 23 March 2021]

Oh, I had such high hopes for this film. A topical theme, Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, a fresh new director. There was so much potential yet it felt horribly flat. There were a few flashes of brilliance and Mulligan did her best to bring some depth to her role. Still, the film lurched wildly in tone and genre, from a dark comedy to a sinister thriller to a... I don't know what. We learned little of what really motivated the protagonist to go to such extremes and there wasn't one likeable character in the film. An overbearing soundtrack, stilted dialogue, weak supporting players. And an ending that was just as much a mess as the rest of the film. Viewer beware.

I Dream in Another Language (2017)

Transcendental

[9/10 · 31 August 2020]

This film is a special gem, a thing of beauty, a story that will stay with you for some time. It's about the power of language to see the world in a different way, and what we lose when a language is lost. And it's about the power of love, and even at the end of life, we can still be redeemed if we choose to love. The cinematography is absolutely stunning and the lead performances are engaging. Eligio Melendez as Evaristo is a stand-out. His portrayal of a bitter, resolute old man who finally lets the love in his heart overcome decades of anger is a beauty to behold. The final scene is unforgettable as the two lead characters come to terms in their native tongue. They speak in Zikril, and in the film their dialogue is translated only into Spanish. For the benefit of English speakers, this is their exchange: Isauro: What the hell do you want? Evaristo: Still angry? Isauro: Yes, you wanted to burn me, you b.....d! Evaristo: You burned my photos. Isauro: And you hit me. Get out of here! Evaristo: No. I've come looking for you. Isauro: What do you have to say? Evaristo: Maria died repentant. I don't want that to happen to me. Isauro: But then do you love me? Evaristo: You shut up! They will hear you. Isauro: Oh Evaristo! Here nobody cares! Evaristo: Yes, I love you. Isauro: Come already. By then, too much nonsense. Leave the chair. You won't need it.