Customer Reviews

Cut Sleeve Boys

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm trying to put my finger on why I found this movie so engaging. Was it because it gave me, an old man, insight into young gay life? Was it because the characters are fully fleshed out so you feel as though watching real people; as outrageous as they behave? Was it the easy to follow storyline and clever dialogue? Maybe a bit of all those things. This film has no nudity (plenty of sexuality, though) and does not have a self serious pretense, but it is full of drama (the gay kind) and provides fresh perspective to young gay angst. I found it sensitive and fun to watch as a bittersweet portrayal of the lives and loves of young Chinese gay friends living and working in London. The title "Cut sleeve" refers to a Chinese story of a mandarin having a boy concubine that became so precious to his being that when the boy fell asleep on his arm, he cut off the sleeve rather than wake the boy; and that thereafter, in Chinese language, gays were called in Chinese slang "cut sleeve". This sounds like an antipodal variation on the "Coyote ugly" joke.

This was an entertaining movie. The characters were funny, strong, successful, and confident. The movie portrays gay Asians in a positive light, instead of the typical stereotype of submissive and shy, or as servants and gangsters. I think you all should see it! I hope there is a sequel.

This slick and interesting film chronicles the lives of two relatively affluent Chinese gay guys living in London as they search for love, or at least a good time, while they struggle with their perceptions that they are aging and therefore becoming less attractive.

Let's say, first of all, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that really nobody in this film is particularly unattractive. The story line about them worrying about their looks and hair patch/ bo tox, etc., really doesn't amount to much.

By far the more interesting story lines surround one guy's interest in another man who likes cross-dressing men. And the other guy inexplicably lands a drop-in roommate who wants desperately to be his lover, but there seems to always be something or someone in the way.

There are great moments of truth and humanity in this film and I found myself rewinding to see some of the moments again. Truly there is some real talent here. The story, however, for me at least, is the basis and foundation for any good film, and here, unfortunately, it meanders all over the place and goes from nowhere to unresolved and illogical. All ends with a dull thud. It's really a shame.

I wasn't thrilled with the casual way drug use was treated and didn't think it was necessary to further the plot or "develop" the characters.

So I would suggest you rent this as there is enough talent here to merit your time, but be warned that the story is kind of lacking. Kudos to those involved for this worthy effort; maybe next time the quality of the story will match the rest of the talent.

This film has its sweet and sour parts, like the delicious Chinese dish. The story centers around 3 Gay Chinese men, age 40, who used to be close friends during their college years. The pivotal character, Gavin, dies early in the film, leaving his two friends to re-examine their own lives. Mel, the Club Stud has a fear of growing old and losing his looks and thus his ability to attract sex partners for casual encounters. He feels as long as he carries on his hedonistic lifestyle of a young man in his 20s, dyed and buff and botoxed, he will not grow old. I found his character to be totally unlikeable; he is a jerk to Todd, a young man who wants nothing more than a monogamous relationship with Mel. Mel treats him like dirt, to be tossed aside when somebody hotter comes along. Perhaps settling down with one person reminds Mel too much of getting older.

What I really disliked was the outcome of Todd's character. Initially he is successful in the fashion world and he does get his digs into Mel at the end (deserving, I might add), but then winds up a male prostitute. I suppose that's was meant for comedy, but to me it was a disservice to a young man who only wanted to be loved and settle into a serious relationship. This character deserved better.

The funniest and sweetest scenes were with Ash, a soft-spoken, demure swish who is looking for "Mr. Right." His attempts to find a partner is both touching and hilarious. He tries cross-dressing to attract a more butch, straight-acting partner and ends up with Ross, the ex-boyfriend of a cross-dressing friend. Their relationship has its ups and downs, and interestingly, Ash re-enacts the "cut sleeve" poem with Ross, though for different reasons. He too, is going through the difficulty of growing old, though he is able to come to terms with it. Poor Mel never does.

Hilarious too, were the scenes of Gavin's funeral, where Mel tries to flirt with the priest delivering the eulogy, and Gavin's fiancee, giving an impassioned speech about Gavin's talent in dress design, going so far as to model one of his creations, "a complete original", only to see a drag queen friend of Gavin's wearing the same dress. Another funny scene is the reading of Gavin's will.

Ash does find happiness, which is quite satisfying. I won't give anything more away, but I do recommend this film, because there's a charm about it.

"Cut Sleeve Boys" is a bittersweet comedy about Chinese British gays coming to terms with age and growing up. Mel and Ash are mourning the sudden death of their closeted friend, Gavin. They both discuss "coming out" as well as settling down. Mel is the handsome, muscular, tattooed, promiscuous, masculine one. Ash is campy, effeminate, lounging in pink silken sheets, listening to tacky Chinese pop music. They're an exercise in contrasts. They use food as a metaphor for their lives,sort of Like Water for Chocolate: A Novel in Monthly Installments with Recipes, Romances, and Home Remedies and Babette's Feast. They'll eat cheap Chinese take-out, or more upscale Asian fusion food. Mel struggles between his promiscuity and his need for a longtime boyfriend. His shallowness drives a potential lover out of his bed. He tries to make himself youthful while he watches "Miss Pacific Rim" pageants. Ash longs for a husband, dreaming about being a blushing bride. He takes up cross-dressing to keep his Green Beret boyfriend.

In the end, "Cut Sleeve Boys" is about the power of friendship and being true to yourself. Unfortunately, it trivializes things like promiscuity and drug addiction. Still, it's a fun diversion.

i was very impressed by this film.
it showed a view from another's view.
it is a charming independent film.
light comedy. some very handsome men in the movie.
this is a film that you can view with your friends during a get together.

The "boys" in Cut Sleeve Boys have some trouble hiding their warm hearts, but seek out entertaining and diverting personas in the attempts. Sure the characters are cliched, but they are heart warming and fun, and fundamentally honest. The London scene makes a fitting background, although at times I wonder if the leads are morphing into Patsy and Edina of Ab Fab. Diverse, witty characters, and a funny watch.

I totally love this movie. It's funny, entertaining, and somehow deep at the same time. The acting is much better than most other typical gay movies. The story is realistic and very touching. I highly recommend it!

I Love this film cause It's absolutely Hilarious! Totally well written, character are totally interesting, & you'll chuckle or laugh thru out the entire movie - as long as you're not uptight!
Rice is Sooo Nice!

Gareth Rhys Davies is seriously beautiful. If the entire movie featured just him, even reading the telephone directory, provided he was naked,and wearing this season's watch,it would be well worth it. One of the characters, with whom Gareth is in love, rejects him because......um, he doesn't believe in love. Grab Gareth and bleieve in lust, mate. No wonder the character ends up lonely. Sorry, did I just give away the plot? Most of the other characters are likeable but far too effeminate. A reasonably enjoyable film, but "butch it up" just a little next time. I know the film is supposed to reflect life for Chinese men in London, but are they all either ersatz women or brittle thugstuds? The absurdity of fashion slaves is amusing though.