Frimmin'

Hauntingly beautiful, in the tradition of "Why Has Bodhidharma Left for the East?", and "Gattaca" this is a small work of art with an excellent, though slow-moving plot, exploring the themes of loneliness, sexual repression, jealousy, tenderness, and violence. It's surreal, in a completely inconspicuous and beguiling way; no adults are ever seen, the kids constantly wear ties, the school and dormitory is unbelievably stark, parts of the story (but which?)are dreams, and the older boys are played by girls!

It works to excellent effect. It may be the best film on gay themes besides the Canadian gem "Lilies."

It's apparent that this is one of those movies which people either love or hate.

To me it seems that people who don't like it simply don't get it, either being hung up on detecting whose directorial influences are where, or they are unwilling to meet the movie on its own terms--no explosions, slow pacing, and little humor. (Another barrier to some is misunderstanding what the creatures at the and of the film are--they are not aliens, but robots; robotic technology has continued to develop by robots for centuries. This is a common theme in the literature of science-fiction, but is probably unfamiliar to viewers who have read little sf.)

For those who are able to see it without expectations of what a film should be, this movie is as profound as it is entertaining. I felt almost dumb-struck as the credits rolled, and am still in a state of high wonder as I write these words.

This film brought home to me, as no other has done, the deeper questions behind the stories of automatons, gholems, robots, and puppets wanting to become human: What is the soul? Can we become like our Creator? Can love truly conquer all?

Don't look for ET-ish innocence or Blade Runneresque drama here, although there are elements of both. Look for fuel for exploring the meaning of life, be prepared to find an incredibly beautiful and provoking treatment of the biggest questions of all.