Customer Reviews

Adventures of Felix

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I saw this at an alternative cinema and am only now buying it in DVD to have. Felix decides to take a brief trip away from his boyfriend to search for his long-lost father in the south of France (Marseille). Along the way he comes across people that he fits into the category of relative: my sister, my little brother, etc. It is a simple story, but one that the French and, with few exceptions, only the French, do so well. You will like Felix the person, laugh at his adventures, recognize his virtues and his faults, and be astounded with the mystery of life by the end of the movie. Highly recommended if this is your thing. Even a straight person not into gay cinema (i.e., 99.99% of straight people) would find it an amusing French slice-of-life and not egregriously scandalous from a sexual nature.

I wish American Filmakers could make movies like this. A sweet, honest and often funny sweet slice of life with no pretensions. The cinematography is beautiful, the characters feel like real people and there is gentleness and a real love for life portrayed in each scene. And let's not forget the sexy causal way gay sex is dealt with. Vive Felix!

I can count on the fingers of one hand the gay-themed films I would watch more than once -- most of them are either catty sit-coms stretched out over two insufferable hours, or they're an excuse for badly acted soft-core porn. "The Adventures of Felix," bad title notwithstanding, is a pleasant surprise featuring normal, well-adjusted and attractive (in a real, non-Hollywood way) men. It's a picaresque saga of a young man hitchhiking from Normandy to Marseilles and the encounters he has along the way: some pleasant, some not, but all very real and surprising. There is one preposterous coincidence near the end of the film, but by then you're hooked on the characters' charm. My favorite gay film, with the possible exception of "Wild Reeds."

This is a film about an orphan man hitching his way through France to meet his father for the first time. In his journey he learns that families do not have to be biological to be of value. The film is broken up in seven pieces: the introduction of the main character, a plot thread (murder!) to weave the film together, then a meeting of 5 people that becomes his family. The "grandmother" and "sister" story lines are very well done. They clearly illustrate the needs of these characters to make deep connections with each other and the brief events that tie them together. Unfortunately, the other three encounters fail to do as well. It is hard to imagine that the lead would actually keep in touch with the men he meets along the way. The "little brother" story is cute and has many great monents, but the characters fail to connect in a lasting way. The "cousin" vignette is simply gratuitous and nothing more (like too many American gay films). The "father" section wraps up the film without really establishing any significant connection with the two men. I am giving this film four stars because it is a nice film about discovery and family. A welcome change from many of the other gay films out there. Still I am left wishing for a remake that could demonstrate some real male bonding. If you like films that are French, gay, or the theme of creating a family is one that has touched your life, then this film is worthy of your collection.

In my opinion this film is all about one man's journey across France in the 90s. It is a singular look at one man's experiences with being gay, Arab and HIV+ against the backdrop of a "family" made of up of people he meets along the way.
His character is interesting, annoying and charming in a way that most scripts would never dare to portray. And though the script is flawed, it is funny and shows France as it is at the moment, and that is not just about Paris! Each of his "family" are like archetypes of modern French people e.g. the spoiled student looking for thrills, the old women with memories of the old French Empire, the Parisian leftist professor boyfriend etc.
It is not a perfect story but very good and quite diverting.
However, if you're looking for cheap thrills, don't let the box cover fool you. That scene is good but not indicative of the whole movie.

The negative reviews about this quiet little gem were penned by those who didn't understand this film... and probably don't enjoy human interest tales. I discovered this delight on DVD - a simple story without any car chases or action sequences. The charismatic and talented Sami Bouajila is outstanding as the title character, adding depth and believability to an already intelligently written character (and script). It's refreshing to see a gay man in a loving relationship without any drama. His HIV is also dealt with intelligently and sensitively. Felix's interaction with the solid supporting cast is a delight to watch across the board. Treat yourself to Felix! Highly recommended!

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You have HIV and you just got laid off from your job. What do you do? You go on a trip and have fun, that is what! Felix, French-Arab gay man, hits the road to find his father in the heavely Arab populated southern France city of Marsaille. On the road, he meets people who each bring a missing part to his life.

The straight actor who plays Felix, Sami Bouajila, a French-Arab himself, is so good at acting that he has an oomph! Directors Olivier Ducastel and Jacques Martineau have dished in the DVD commentary that Bouajila even added an unscripted kiss to the movie. Now, that is what I call a straight man; a guy who is not confused about his sexuality.

Felix, who witnesses a murder, has to battle with his own racial fears. But, in a French soap opera, he finds a distraction from life's turbulous times. Truly, this 2000 French work is an adventureous movie, indeed. It is available from all large bookstores. Two thumps up, definitely.

Just an enjoyable romp through France, as seen through the eyes of a young, gay, HIV+ Arab. A relatively upbeat and cheerful movie, especially compared to other French films, which often try to be depressing on purpose. The gay protagonist does NOT die or have something else horrible happen to him (straight viewers may wonder why I am saying this, but just watch some of the older movies about gays, and you will know).

Lush countryside, leisurely camera and convivial music set the tone. This movie has the best soundtrack I have heard in a long time. Yes, this is a movie you will want to watch again. No, the plot is not the major strength of the film. No, there are not compelling issues that must be resolved. No, this is not a cliffhanger or hard-hitting drama. Don't expect to get your emotions worked up. Nor is this an exercise in erotica. This is exactly what I said, an enjoyable romp through the French countryside, where our intrepid traveler has a series of minor adventures in his quest to meet his Father (or was it Mother, I forget, I saw this movie a year ago).

I would consider placing this in the top twenty of all gay feature-length films. Give it a try and see what you think. But like I said, you need to have a relaxed attitude and approach this film for simple entertainment. Personally, I watched the movie out of curiosity to learn more about the French. In that, I was not disappointed.

I bought this dvd as a pig in a poke. I loved it. The main character is not only very handsome but has some depth. The movie relates his experiences in life in general and they all add up to making Felix a human being who is in touch with people and not just a homosexual limited to 'gay' circles.I highly recommend the movie

This is truly a wonderfully charming film. It is refreshing to see a movie deal with a character being HIV positive who is approaching his condition in such a positive way. This movie, much like Brokeback Mountain, is not only for a gay audience. Everyone could benefit from experiencing Felix and his journey. I recently saw Umbrellas of Cherbourg for the first time, and there is a certain charm that is unique to French films. Plus of course the language is so beautiful. It does present a lot of heavy issues in a very entertaining way. Sami Bouajila is a magnetic screen presence. I can see this actor has been quite busy so I will check out his other films. Also the jazz score is extremely appealing!! This is a GEM!!!