The Man Who Loved Yngve (Mannen som elsket Yngve)

Directed by Stian Kristiansen, based on the novel by Tore Renberg. Won Best Film at the main national film award in Norway, the Amanda Awards. A Norwegian production.

The year was 1989. Young Jarle Klepp seemed to have everything, a kick-ass girlfriend, a cool buddy and a new punk band that seemed promising. Then came Yngve, the new student, who was as conservative as it got. Jarle was helplessly drawn to Yngve and without control, his life seemed to be crumbling down because of it.

First things first, homophobics should stay out. Okay, this is a good film, I really liked it. It's a film about youth, coming out, relationships, growing up.. It actually was kinda different from the usual coming out storylines because it mainly focuses on how Jarle's life and his relationships with the people around him changed as he, unwillingly and unconsciously, came out. The homosexual theme was brought up and handled very carefully and elegantly, it was far from cheap. Although the whole theme of youth spirit, music and coming out reminded me of C.R.A.Z.Y and I gotta say that I love the latter more, this one is still a keeper. The performances were wonderful, the shots were great and all in all, it's a wonderful piece of work. This is how you should handle the theme of homosexuality, with subtlety and elegance. The ending (which actually still confuses me) was bittersweet and heartbreaking. So yeah, quite a wonderful piece of work. I really wish I hadn't watched it with a homophobic audience who laughed and made shameful comments during pivotal scenes.

8 / 10.