Review of Beautiful Thing (1996) by James J — 19 Jun 2011

Despite not being able to understand half of what is said, this is a unique coming-of-age and coming-of-identity story that is ultra-realistic and touching. At its best, this can be intimate and beautiful, particularly in the quiet scenes with Jamie and Ste or Jamie and Sandra.

At its worst, this is grating and frustrating, particularly with the annoying neighbor Leah, a character who adds absolutely nothing to the story but instead makes it weaker. There's also a killer mullet in this film, so if that's your thing, don't miss it.