Plan B

Well my title may not seem to be the most enthusiastic ever, but it's true. Plan B is unlike anything I've seen before. When it comes to LGBT movies, they are not always that good since odds are they do not have the most creative plot since funds are very limited. You can say that this movie does not have the most clever script ever, but the magic of this movie is not in the dialogue but rather in the facial expressions. The actors do an excellent job at portraying emotions through their body language, and their facial expressions are no exception. I'm a visual person, and to be able to see what the actors are feeling makes it a lot easier for me to connect with the characters. That being said, if people are looking for a thrilling movie with edgy scenes and hot models, this is not it. This is more about the emotional connections that develop between two people. It's nice taking a change from mainstream movies that focus on nudity, profane language, and less than decent behavior. This movie is a great movie to sit down on the couch and watch when you're in the mood for a great, feel good movie.

With all the hoopla surrounding the Mexican director stars, you should perhaps check out a really talented Argentinean director who is, we hope, headed in their direction of fortune and fame. Marco Berger's work with actors is phenomenal - the performances in this film are so complex and honest it takes your breath away. He's a master at sexual tension (he even titles his last set of short films that) --the silent spaces where people don't understand or can't define the feelings they have (but know they have them). Also his subject matter, or themes as you might have it are controversial in both a gay and straight context. He's interested in the gray area, where gay desires are often unlocked in straight men - which lead to mental torture because they conflict with all the values these men have taken for granted. So here we have a gay film about straight guys. How realistic can that be? Well, as it turns out, very. It's also a love story that shows how difficult it is to recognize what you feel, and the marvelous vibes that can naturally exist between two kindred souls --in other words, the real thing. Seldom do we see films that exhibit such affection and tenderness for their characters--oh yes, you can hear the nay-sayers--From straights: " Talk about gay fantasy. Oh brother" From gays: " Where's the nudity and sex?". But for those of you who want to enjoy a real love story, you won't object, you'll be thrilled. Berger has a more somber version of the same themes in his prize winning, Absent. And his last has been a series of short films, which excel in fine performances and well...sexual tension. This one will surprise,delight, and believe it or not, just may move you!

Before purchasing this movie I had read the existing reviews by other purchasers and this sold me on buying the DVD. I loved, loved this movie! A look at relationships from a different angle and the suprises in store for the 2 main stars was funny and touching to view. It was a bit slow in parts but nothing that distracts from the overall story telling, some camera shots of nothing in particular was a bit of a mystery they could have cut these as I didn't feel they added to the flow of the movie but again minor distractions on what I thought was an interesting and enjoyable telling of a love story. I thought the 2 main male actors were very good in their roles and portrayed their characters very well, a lot of emotion on their faces but with not a lot of words needed to express their feelings. It was delightful, I've watched it a half dozen times since I purchased it, I enjoy an ending that is just so perfect. I hoped for some extra's in the DVD such as deleted scene's but there was nothing extra which is a pity I would have enjoyed hearing from the actors and Director with a comentary on the story and ending.

I love this movie. I had to watch it several times to really understand the subtle nuances of the plot and the characters. The actors are phenomenal. Lucas Ferraro is particularly touching in his role as Pablo. The subtitles miss the depth of the conversation, however, so if one doesn't speak fluent Spanish, I think there is some important context that's not being imparted. Every once in a while, the translation is just flat out wrong, or missing half of what was said. Warning: past this point, there will be spoilers. One of the things it took many viewings to really understand is the heart & soul of Pablo. When I watch Lucas Ferraro take Pablo through the process of understanding the betrayal of Bruno, I am amazed by his ability to reach inside and make you feel his pain. The one tear sliding down his cheek, which he wipes away furiously as though he were trying to wipe away what he felt for Bruno, gets me every time. Later, he doesn't break up with Laura because he's vindictive; he does it for Bruno because Pablo doesn't yet understand that Bruno is really in love with him. Post-break up with Laura, Pablo tries to sleep with Bruno. Or so I originally thought. But that's not what he's doing. He's letting Bruno go so that Bruno can go back to the now-free Laura and be happy. When you watch the movie after you understand the selflessness of Pablo, it adds a layer to his interactions with Bruno earlier in the movie. Pablo is a genuine person. And even after understanding that Bruno was not being genuine with him, Pablo can only be himself and let him go without hurting him. Bruno's evolution comes in fits and starts, whereas Pablo's acceptance of how he feels about Bruno is more consistent. Early in the movie, Bruno is forced and focused on the seduction of Pablo as part of his game. Around the time the 2 meet Ana, Bruno has moved past the game and genuinely starts to care about Pablo. When Bruno has moments of self-reflection where he knows he's feeling something different, he looks uncomfortable and shakes it off. He struggles while Pablo accepts. I thought Manuel Vignau's portrayal of a heterosexual man who had never desired - or thought about desiring - another man was very well acted. As part of his original game, he focused only on sex. As viewers, we get to watch him forget his game and really come to like, and then love, Pablo for who he is. When he says "No puedo explicar lo que me está pasando" (I cannot explain what is happening to me), he really can't. And that's the basis for moving forward with new possibilities. The last 2 minutes of the film are powerful. Bruno reveals that he's in love with Pablo. He says "Estoy completamente enfermo". The subtitle says "I'm completely insane"... but that's not really what that line is trying to impart... Bruno is telling Pablo that he's love sick; the implication is that Bruno can't eat, can't sleep - he's literally sick from the emotions he's feeling. This last scene is perfectly acted by both principles, in my humble opinion. Lucas Ferraro does an incredible job of reacting to Bruno's confession of love. You can see the exact moment on his face when he decides to forgive Bruno for his treachery and pursue the love he feels for him. The only thing I would have liked to have seen done differently in this film is the very ending of it. I love when Pablo pushes Bruno into his room so they can be together. I would have loved the last shot to have been the 2 of them in bed, after being together, spooning and holding hands like Ana and her boyfriend had done in the scene where all 4 people were sleeping. This movie wasn't about the sex - it was about the love - and I think having the closeness & the love in the last scene would have been stupendous. Regardless, I can at least imagine this in my head whenever I watch this film! I recommend this film with my heart. My head can find some things I'd change, but my heart tells me it's perfect every time I watch it. Whatever you do, don't miss it!

A pulchritudinous story with virtuoso performances by the whole cast of which especially breathtaking is that of Manuel Vignau (as Bruno). It is a paced film with very little action yet , adnittedaby all we need to know is masterfully communicated through dialogue. Is the film inundated with "talking-heads," which always comes at the expense of forgone action in "film-making!r" Ultimately, the script, the directing and the acting, contributed to a gradual unfolding of a story with no particular agendas except for how people are altered as the conditions surrounding them change and as they realize that we have very little control over the majority of the events surrounding their/our lives. It is obviously a low-budget movie which was crafted in such a way (through controllable use of minimal locations); that audiences do not ever become aware of that aspect (and that is always a great feat which ought to be credited to the screenwriter). This is a story about cause and effect in situations where we might think we could predict the outcome in each situation whereas we obviously cannot. The only 2 reasons I am giving it 4 instead of 5 stars is the fact that the director/writer of the film has included a number of still (action void) shots which are projected for way too long on screen - they set an atmosphere but overdo it without really advancing the story (my belief is that he could have achieved the exact same result with an array of shorter still shots). The second reason for my rating has to do with the limited action - and a perfect way. To recognize such things, it would be wise to watch the film on "MUTE." If one understands the whole film by jut watching actio an do dialogue, that means that the right amount was dedicated to action... Make no mistake, however, this is a "must see" film that sways across genres and unfolds within the pastures of both human life and basic humanity - let alone it's strong elements of intense passion and bewitchment.... PLAN B is included in my list of the TOP 20 G/L themed films of the last 50 years.

In a time of bullying and gay teen suicide, I think this movie has a particularly important message. An open mind and the experimental spirit of a 12 year old boy is all you need to find your true self as an adult. What an incredible world we would live in if grown men weren't afraid of what comes after a very close friendship. Sure, Bruno starts down the road for all the wrong reasons--it's a plan to break up his former girlfriend from her new boyfriend. Bruno decides to get close to the new boyfriend--Pablo. What follows is the quick maturation of Bruno, who I believes decides early on he can't hate the new boyfriend and then finds a real friendship developing. The long, drawn out, and slow sequences of silence are the times the mind of the characters needs to think and reflect and try to figure out what's going on. Those uncomfortable moments of silence for viewers directly reflects the same torturous silence moments the characters endure. Those are times of indecision...not knowing whether to retreat or move forward. The times Pablo and Bruno shared a bed...when Bruno woke up first and took glances at Pablo...probably wanting to reach out and touch him but holding himself back. Those are the times of heartbreaking indecision--to touch or not. If men could just carry their 12 year old spirits throughout life.....

I had watched this one a while ago, and after watching other Bergger's movies I decide to watch again. I really liked it the first time and loved it the second. Marco Berger is becoming one of my favorite directors. The way the film develops makes you to get to know the people and surroundings on an intimate level, it's almost like you can "smell" the movie (this amazing achievement is "slow" for some, I read) the acting is amazing and they make a VERY unusual story 100% believable. A pleasure to watch on every level. It's gratifying to watch a gay themed movie where my intelligence is not insulted. WARNING: If you like mainstream, typical Hollywood movies, fast paced, poor acting filled with nothing else than cute guys...this is not for you..

Poor character development, poor editing, no soundtrack and depressing shots. No redeeming qualities. Why talented actors would play a role in this film is beyond me.

Está todo bien solo que no viene la opción de quitar subtítulos en inglés, el único detalle, todo lo demás esta genial

Correcto

Mir ging es genau wie meiner Vorrednerin Layla. Ich war mir unsicher, ob ich es riskieren sollte, den Film für diesen relativ hohen Preis zu kaufen. Laylas Rezension war es dann aber, die mich überzeugt hat und ich bin ihr sehr dankbar :-) Der Film ist jeden einzelnen Cent wert! Absolut niedlich, witzig, keine Sekunde langweilig, tolle Darsteller, spannend, romantisch ohne kitschig zu wirken, tolle Bilder... Das Spanisch fügt sich wunderbar in die Kulisse ein, es klingt sehr ansprechend und weich und passt perfekt zum Film. Ich möchte inzwischen gar keine andere Sprache mehr für den Film haben. Die Darsteller wirken absolut echt, man könnte fast meinen es wäre gar kein Film sondern jemand hätte sie im echten Leben gefilmt, was auch durch die Handlung unterstützt wird, die Szenen aus dem täglichen Leben zeigt - schlicht und ohne viel Tamtam. Die Verunsicherung der beiden Hauptfiguren wurde wirklich einmalig wiedergegeben, ohne bedrückend zu wirken, da oft mit Sticheleien und Lachen die Situation "entschäft" wurde. Trotzdem wurde nichts ins Lächerliche gezogen und man hat sehr wohl auch gemerkt, dass die beiden wirklich gelitten haben. Ach, ich kann es gar nicht richtig in Worte fassen, es hat einfach alles perfekt zusammengepasst :-) Ich hatte während des gesamten Films ein Grinsen im Gesicht und war überglücklich über das tolle Ende, das nicht kitschig aber auch nicht unbefriedigend sondern einfach perfekt war. Ein Film, der einen mit absolut guter Laune zurücklässt. Ein Satz auf dem hinteren Cover trifft es eigentlich ganz gut: "Denn nichts ist sinnlicher, als zwei vermeintlich heterosexuellen Kerlen zuzusehen, wie sie versuchen, ihre gegenseitige Anziehung zu bekämpfen..." Jedenfalls ist das der beste Film mit homosexuellem Inhalt, den ich seit Langem gesehen habe! Also für die Unentschlossenen: UNBEDINGT KAUFEN! Er ist es wert :-) PS: Die DVD enthält noch zwei Kurzfilme, in einem sind ebenfalls Manuel Vignau und Lucas Ferarro die Hauptdarsteller, es gibt aber keinen Bezug zum Film.

Another amazing movie from brilliant director Marco Berger. A funny yet sweet "slow burn" of a story perfectly acted by Manuel Vignau who plays Bruno, a guy who plans to steal back his ex girlfriend from her current boyfriend Pablo (Lucas Ferraro) by befriending him and possibly seducing him. What Bruno doesn't realize that his plan will end up having him question his own sexuality. Marco Berger and Manuel Vignau have also teamed up in Hawaii (2013).

Heureusement que certains éditeurs/distributeurs sont là pour chercher dans le monde entier et nous proposer ce genre de films que nous ne pourrions pas voir autrement, notamment des films sud-américains. C'est le cas de ce film argentin, dans lequel Bruno essaye de se venger de son ex-petite-amie Laura en devenant le meilleur ami de son nouveau copain Pablo, tout en continuant à coucher de temps en temps avec Laura. Si le Plan A était de faire en sorte que Pablo trouve une autre fille il s'avère que c'est un échec. Et puis Bruno et Pablo s'entendent si bien... si bien qu'il y a des scènes assez étranges dans lesquelles les deux amis parlent de choses totalement sans intérêt ; finalement, quand on est aussi proches qu'ils le sont, on n'a plus ce besoin de captiver l'autre par une discussion intéressante, on a passé ce cap et l'important est d'être ensemble. Petit à petit, se développe le Plan B : plutôt que de trouver une fille pour Pablo, pourquoi pas devenir son amant. C'est en tout cas ce que ressent Bruno. Leur complicité virile se transforme peu à peu en amour, même s'ils n'osent se l'avouer qu'à demi-mots. Au même moment, Pablo comprend le premier plan de Bruno, ce qui ne facilite pas leur rapprochement. Même si l'on ne connaît pas l'Argentine (comme moi, d'ailleurs), il est vite évident que l'homosexualité n'y est pas la bienvenue et qu'elle n'est même pas envisageable : un garçon va avec une fille et c'est tout ! Cela rend, mais tout en finesse, le rapprochement de Bruno et Pablo encore plus difficile. En tout cas, c'est un très beau film.