SOFT LAD

Arrived next day no issue

Relationships and sexual desire or exploration within broader familial circles is most likely a more common secret than people would be comfortable acknowledging in polite society due to the potential for destroying family bonds. Some of the script was a bit cheesy, or word heavy for film which should allow the visual to carry the message. The story line of the second relationship was not an evocation of the real lives of young gay men, too tidy and linear, lacking complexity. However, it was a reasonable story though the HIV component was ropey, needed fleshed out. LGBTQI relationships are often portrayed as doomed with some tragic event befalling at least one lover to erase the value of same sex romance and taint it with disapproval or abject failure in the shadow of the cultural template of approved heterosexuality. Its always gratifying that same sex love and affection is portrayed unapologetically positive and non controversial.

Soft Lad has a lot going for it, including a fantastic cast who give it their all.Daniel Brocklebank is a convincing villain, and Jonny Labey a cute romantic lead. But kudos to Craig Stein and Suzanne Collins, who dazzle in their supporting roles. Stein is mesmerising, as is Collins. I'd pay to watch either of them read aloud from a bus timetable.Writer and director Leon Lopez (sidebar: he's incredibly sexy. Google him) originally wrote this as a play, and at times it feels like one (hardly a bad thing, in my book). His film is surprising, charming, sometimes shocking, and overall a highly rewarding watch. This isn't a new story, but in his hands it feel like one. I can't wait to see what he does next.The DVD also contains a short film by Lopez - The Definition of Loneliness - a sweet, thoughtful piece which alone is worth the price of the disc, and a fascinating interview with the gorgeous Lopez and the equally yummy Stein.

A touching tale of love, hopes and betrayal. The family connections makes this a poignant and modern tale that explores relationships within the family. HIdden desires false identities - the characters are complex and move in choreographed moves avoiding the real issues, trying to maintain a facade that eventually falls to pieces, changing their lives forever. The exploration of sexuality, identity and fulfilling destiny make this a relevant touching story. I found the whole thing gripping, was fascinated by the characters and their journeys. The central character discovers that true love walks a different from what the one he is on, honesty and intimacy replacing lies and deception. The warning of the story is that betrayal has a price, destroying all who get swept along in its wake. A timely reminder that AIDS/HIV are still relevant topics.

You will realise this is going to be an awful film within the first 5 minutes. But stick around because the absurdity of it all ends up being the entertaining factor. The way the characters interact with each other, it feels as if there was no script and they are just rambling, because things don't make sense. The level of acting is cringeworthy. The way they deal with HIV is disgusting, I don't know where to start. It's as if it was written by a homophobe in the 1980s. Zero sensitivity. There is basically no story. The boys flip-flop between being "in love" and just "putting D in their A" from scene to scene - sometimes within the same scene. And in the end, after the tragedy, nothing. Two of them just smile and move on. Harrowing.

Leonardo is blind and the butt of bullying peers. For this he is angry and blames his parents, and in particular his mother, for being over protective of the vulnerable son she adores. Leo has the inevitable girl, Giovanna, as his best friend. She hopes for a relationship despite Leo clearly being bereft of any romantic intentions. Enter Gabriel the new boy who quickly replaces Giovanna in the best friend stakes. The mutual attraction of the boys is clear, but as a blind boy, Leo has no eye contact to inform him of Gabriel’s feelings. He remains reticent even after Gabriel applies sun-cream in full view of the school colleagues. However, all is finally well even for Giovanna as new boy William arrives on the scene. A positive, life affirming film.

**May contain plot spoilers**The term ‘soft lad’ is a term of affection in Liverpool meaning nice and harmless, and here this references David who is an aspiring dancer who is in love with an older man and that man is married to someone very close to him.The relationship though is stalling as it seems to be based on need and desire and so David has to make some changes – the problem is things have already been set in motion that are going to dictate how everyone behaves and will have lasting and damaging repercussions for all involved.This is a rather good film, Daniel Brocklebank is as ever very reliable in his role of the duplicitous husband, but show stealer for me is Suzanne Collins who is a joy to watch. Once again another example of a very well made and acted British Independent film.

Acting was appalling especially Brocklebank.Storyline all over the place and one could see the ending after 20minutes.No wonder nobody has seen it

great service I love ti thank uou so much

Interesting practicing safe sex is always a good idea.

What a powerful film beautifully acted and directed. A unique plot but totally believable. Very touched by the plight of David when he finds out that he is HIV positive, how he contracted it and how it affected the others in his life.I thought that the deleted scenes should have been included in the film because they give more character development.The music is awesome and underscores the drama of the story.The extras include a delightful and sensitive film by Leon Lopez “The Definition of Lonely” Be sure to watch the main feature and the featurette. Hats off to Mr. Lopez!

Story line is great, highly recommended.

Well written & acted film with 'surprise' endings