HOUSE OF BOYS

Not the best of starts, initially gave the impression of yet another poorly filmed release with mediocre acting and a weak & somewhat typical story line. However, stick with it as it improves greatly after a short while. Deals with the aids pandemic in an adult and sympathetic way. Overall very enjoyable and educational.

This film was made in 2009. It is set in a boys' dancing bar in Amsterdam in 1984. They year should tell you all you need to know about the medical and social story to come over the next two hours.The film was not a good start for this reviewer: too stereotypical, too patently contrived, too corny and melodramatic, too much like a cheap soap-opera (is there any other kind?), and all that that implies in terms of acting and storyline. But I guess that's the nature of the beast, where actors in their twenties try to play adolescents: it becomes a fine line between cheap ham and real beef.But stick with it. Frank is the nightclub's cocky new boy; Jake is the experienced pro (in more ways than one), but happens to be `straight'. They share a room above the club and a relationship of sorts develops. There is, however, an incongruity when events slip into romantic mode - with its too intrusive score - halfway through the movie, but if they did not, then we would not have the tragedy at the film's end. That ending isn't pretty, but it is surprisingly noble and moving.There are no extras.

This is a story of how vulnerable some of those who succumbed to AIDS in the early 80s were. On the surface, its heroes are good time boys: sexy (very sexy) and carefree. But they all have a story of emotional pain and the world of free sexual expression is also one of sexual exploitation.At the heart of the story is a love affair of tenderness and tear-jerking poignancy.Bits of the production seem occasionally clunky but the last part of the film is stunningly moving. There is no pulling of punches and I thought I got a glimpse of what it must have been like to lose a lover and loved one from the illness. Don't be lulled by the apparent inconsequence of some of the early scenes.

I really thought this was a good film...the actors bought the film to life and brought attention to the aids epidemic..with a touching end

This is a slow burn film that gets really involving as it progresses. I bought it having recently watched 120Bpm in the cinema. Love is Love folks.

i loved it hot men a great romance aout a lad following his dreams but also finding his potensionel and loving a possible stright /gay man that die in the end

Watched House Of Boys a few months ago on Netflix. Didn't really think I would like it but gave it a chance and wow, loved it. By the end I was pretty much in tears and as soon as the price went down on Amazon jumped at the chance to own it on DVD.Just goes to show, don't judge a book by it's cover....well DVD.

Good film. Commenting on the early days of HIV. The House Madam was rather wooden, and laughable in the wrong sense. A worthy but dull performance by Stephen Fry in a cameo role as the Doctor. Great performances from the essentially young and talented cast. Also a great selection of music - a trip down memory lane.