User reviews

This is a light young love story. Yad and his family are refugees from Middle East and come to Netherlands, where he is lucky to come into acquaintance of Joris. There is very little made of their sexuality, with is refreshing. They just are 2 people that happen to have some fun, and more.

It's not deep drama by any means. There is little context or history to explain the characters' behaviors. This is a feel good, look good movie. Especially the drop dead Joris, who the camera lingers on in various stages of undress. (i did not have a problem with this.)

I am pleased that this film was made by a female director and she achieved a miracle; I laughed with and not at the poor way the Dutch treat homosexuality ( when they occasionally do ) and after just seeing ' Akron ' I was yet again involved with mothers and one dead father as much as I was involved with the two very young gay protagonists. The running joke of the urn with ashes in it wore thin after a while, but it managed to resolve itself with a few shedding of tears. The humour I did laugh at was mainly to do with dialogue, which I kind of understand ( badly all the same ) as after many years living there I could not and still do not quite get it!!! Shame on me. The story itself is basically the usual and rather tiresome I have just got out of my nappies film, which is a trope in Gay/Queer cinema I wish we could drift away from for a while. Two ( teenage ? ) guys meet cute by one of the dreariest landscapes in the world, and after a few bumpy rides in the relationship all's well that meets well. Mothers dominate yet again, and so do grandmothers as well as anyone else you want to mention in families. Their stories were sometimes moving, and sometimes full of cliches but the acting was overall good and the film is very watchable. I give it a 7 for being entertaining and at times manipulatively moving, but did Josha Stradowski as the tall youthful hunk from homosexual land really have to dominate quite so much with his skimpy shorts and teasing overtures of masturbation ? I am fond of male beauty but I am sick and tired of Gay cinema being overwhelmed by mainly young men of say under 22. There is a whole wide world out there of other gay male imagery to be explored, and some films do, and believe it or not, the male Lolita syndrome wears thin. I have said probably the unsayable, and perhaps the ' other ' portrayals ' of men are less popular with those who buy these films. Gay/Queer film still has many battles to fight to win over audiences, and that is sad but it does not have to remain in a world of sea bathing, shower scenes and titillation to gain attention. I like real sexuality in Gay cinema and have often applauded it, but the domination of youthful angst can become boring. That said I think this is the best gay themed film to come out of the Netherlands and that is to be celebrated.

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.

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.

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!

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!

This is a lovely feelgood movie, with excellent acting by the two young male protagonists. They are very realistic and comfortable in their ways. Dynamic, believable (and handsome) in a strong storyline about a mixed-race relationship.

An even more epic performance is given by grandma Jenny Arean in her typical Amsterdam nonchalant style, and mother Tanja Jess, who perfectly embodies the rich widow, who is never satisfied.

This movie makes you long for more. Gewoon Vrienden 2 - The Next Generation?

This an amazing movie. The acting, editing, sound design, costumes...everything is on point. An amazing exploration of two young men lost in the world finding where they belong.

Once you get past the sheer beauty of Josha Stradowski this film really delivers. It's about love and family. How parents impact your daily lives.Funny at times, definitely sexy, beautifully shot. Not serious, but not fluff. Young, new love and expectations. Loved it, loved the silliness, loved the emotional impact - a feel good film!

This whole movie was so confused.

It had so many plates in the air and so many times that it all just ended up in mess.

I'll say first that it was pretty cute at parts and it had these ease about it that everyone was just open and accepting and it just made the movie run so much smoother. The grandmother character was really great and really refreshing.

The tone of this movie was honestly a rollercoaster ride. I burst out laughing when the two characters meet and it starts playing music and is in slow motion. I couldn't tell if that was meant to be serious and then when someone was looking at a photograph and it smiled. What was that about because then at other times it is very serious while also trying to build a romance.

Speaking of the romance that kinda falls a bit flat for me. It is cute at times but it is so rushed and like empty. I just didn't feel it from them at all. I think that is both the script and the actors fault.

One of the leads was just not great. It just didn't work for me.

You could watch it and support it but I think there are much better films to watch.

Reminds (very positively) to Beaatiful Thing. Thought it is Almere, in full glory. And 2018! Great movie! Make you want to be gay or have gay children

The world needs more gay love stories like that, a simple romantic comedy to make you believe in love again and again.

Great acting, stunning actors and great music.

There is no need to repeat the well expressed comments written in reviews. I agree with them all. I just want to add how impressive the acting was as well as the connection between the actors. The chemistry between the two young men was totally believable. The chemistry between each boy with their families was excellent. Both the mother and grandmother characters were amazing. Besides the fine acting, it wouldn't have worked without the incredible writing and direction in this film. Treat yourself.

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)

Like other reviewers, I appreciate that this film tried to be something other than a coming out/coming of age film, instead focusing more on romance and family drama, none of it relating to the characters' orientation. That said, the story is uneventful - cute, but very lightweight. Worth recognizing for what it did differently, but not worth the watch.

I love this movie, I have seen it 4 times now. An amazing love story between two brilliant actors. A definitely must see!! One of my favorite movies ever!

Loved the movie, as another reviewer wrote "feel good feel better" As a Dutch Canadian it was great to see a nicely acted movie in my native language... (with subtitles to aid me).

I think it was a well thought out and acted and filmed movie.

I especially loved "Oma"

Justin.

What I especially liked that it was not a Gay movie, but a movie where two guys loved each other. And I loved the role of Jenny Arean.

Great film all around- touched me with its sweetness-story, acting, visuals. Loved oma, the grandmother. Worth the price of admission alone.

Cute but just really boring and lacked character development

Firstly... So impressed by the acting of all the main characters, but especially Majd Mardo and Josha Stradowski as the two young men who met, and, well, sparks do fly. Don't be fooled by their physical beauty - these guys are both excellent actors. The chemistry between Joris and Yad was so palpable, it literally danced off my screen. Special mention must be made of Jenny Arean and her gorgeous portrayal of Ans - Joris' grandmother. Delightful. But the underlying current of this film for me was the importance of family. I cannot fault anything here - the writing, the directing, the cinematography, the editing; all superb. This heartfelt film deserves a much wider audience.

"Just Friends" really made me feel good, and touched me. It's plot is simple and set in a quiet and peaceful countryside.

The two young male protagonists had an excellet acting performance, and they really made me feel the connection between them. As far as we dont know the actors original orientations, this is just a plus as they were really believable. No stereotypes, no clichés, just real gay love storyline.

This moving is worth is in a way I can not express in words.