Although the themes in Land of Storms are well worn and familiar, this incarnation of the ills of homophobic society is particularly effective at alerting us to the madness of it. It is beautifully made both artistically and dramatically - in many ways it might even be a masterpiece of emotion.
Szboliks hails from a small village in Hungary. He is a young professional footballer in a small German league team where he finds himself the subject of unsolicited attention from a fellow player, Bernard. There is a scuffle but the German team mates support Bernard over him and the young Hungarian is beaten to the extent that he returns to his home village. There he meets a young builder, Aaron, and eventually a sexual bond forms between them. But their parents and local community are vehemently opposed to any alternative lifestyle and their relationship appears doomed from the start. Eventually Bernard arrives for a visit and the stage is set for a compelling drama of refuted love and jealous passion.
The performances from all characters are solid and entirely convincing. The script is perhaps a little labored but the tension created through the story is so strong that all other considerations are cast aside. The ending is both shocking and poetic - and the story is essentially true. A must see for all eclectic film lovers.
Szboliks hails from a small village in Hungary. He is a young professional footballer in a small German league team where he finds himself the subject of unsolicited attention from a fellow player, Bernard. There is a scuffle but the German team mates support Bernard over him and the young Hungarian is beaten to the extent that he returns to his home village. There he meets a young builder, Aaron, and eventually a sexual bond forms between them. But their parents and local community are vehemently opposed to any alternative lifestyle and their relationship appears doomed from the start. Eventually Bernard arrives for a visit and the stage is set for a compelling drama of refuted love and jealous passion.
The performances from all characters are solid and entirely convincing. The script is perhaps a little labored but the tension created through the story is so strong that all other considerations are cast aside. The ending is both shocking and poetic - and the story is essentially true. A must see for all eclectic film lovers.