53 reviews
Great performances, deep emotion
Good film - topical subject. An 18 rating is unjustified!
Very topical story of gay footballers (in the closet). Quite a gentle film rather than hard hitting. Beautiful cast, beautiful locations - are there no ordinary looking gay guys/footballers?!
One very simulated very shortsex scene (you really see nothing) doesn't warrant an 18 certificate which is really disappointing and cuts off an important potential younger audience from this film.
Bit of a cliched ending in my book - have seen this type of ending many times but as I said its not a hard hitting film.
Worth watching just because there has been nothing like this out there before around football
One very simulated very shortsex scene (you really see nothing) doesn't warrant an 18 certificate which is really disappointing and cuts off an important potential younger audience from this film.
Bit of a cliched ending in my book - have seen this type of ending many times but as I said its not a hard hitting film.
Worth watching just because there has been nothing like this out there before around football
- steveybabes
- Jul 18, 2018
- Permalink
Wow...
- clark-96172
- Mar 11, 2019
- Permalink
From Teammates To Lovers
WOW.... Watched Mario last night, and it was utterly bang on. 9 stars, and one of the best gay films I have ever seen. The acting was sublime, especially by the two leads, and much of the supporting cast were excellent also, and the direction was almost flawless. Others may disagree, but I thought the ending was realistic and very well handled given the context of the story. Similarities with the very excellent Free Fall. As a gay football fan, also enjoyed the setting and onfield action. However, totally baffled how Mario attracted an '18' rating. Bollocks to that. In my Top 5 all-time gay films.
Heavy
- lucashuntington
- Mar 8, 2019
- Permalink
Mario's joy and pain
This film tells the story of two up and coming professional football players falling in love.
I loved this film because it tells a sweet romance, and also a very tough choice. The choice is very real because homophobia in professional sports is a well known phenomenon. Yet, it is a topic that is rarely touched upon in films. The actor playing Mario is a very good actor, because he displays emotions through his eyes, face and body. He convincingly tells his pain without the need for any words. "Mario" is an effective film that brings me to feel his joy and pain. I definitely recommend this film.
I loved this film because it tells a sweet romance, and also a very tough choice. The choice is very real because homophobia in professional sports is a well known phenomenon. Yet, it is a topic that is rarely touched upon in films. The actor playing Mario is a very good actor, because he displays emotions through his eyes, face and body. He convincingly tells his pain without the need for any words. "Mario" is an effective film that brings me to feel his joy and pain. I definitely recommend this film.
A perfectly pleasant film
I cried like a baby!
I so recommend this movie for anyone who craves good romance in films these days! Acting is great, the films is so engaging exciting but chill. I enjoed EVERY BIT, and felt all of the emotions both of the main characters felt. Quick tip, be ready to be on a slow emotional rollercoaster, and have some tissues around! Enjoy!
- amoolah-83452
- Jul 31, 2018
- Permalink
A worthy addition to New Queer Cinema
"Mario" isn't the first film to tackle the subject of what it must be like to be gay and a professional footballer and while it's no classic, it is a vast improvement on "The Pass". Of course, it's also a love story and as such it's nicely done. Mario and Leon play for the same team as strikers; they also share a flat and they hit it off from the start. Actually, it's probably all a bit too convenient that they're gay and fancy the football shorts off each other and I'm sure it's no co-incidence that both Max Hubacher, (Mario) and Aaron Altaras, (Leon), were cast as much for their looks as their acting abilities.
However, where the film scores, (no pun intended), is in taking the whole issue of homosexuality in football seriously. Mario and Leon's sexuality gets out and has to be denied. The club, supposedly, is behind them, their fellow players make homophobic jibes, if it becomes public their careers would be over etc. It's an issue largely ignored in the cinema so it's good to see it being dealt with now. At two hours it's still a little on the long side but it's well written and directed and both leads are fine, particularly Hubacher who brings considerable depth to the part of Mario and who obviously has quite a future ahead of him. As an addition to New Queer Cinema it is also both bitter-sweet and prevalent.
However, where the film scores, (no pun intended), is in taking the whole issue of homosexuality in football seriously. Mario and Leon's sexuality gets out and has to be denied. The club, supposedly, is behind them, their fellow players make homophobic jibes, if it becomes public their careers would be over etc. It's an issue largely ignored in the cinema so it's good to see it being dealt with now. At two hours it's still a little on the long side but it's well written and directed and both leads are fine, particularly Hubacher who brings considerable depth to the part of Mario and who obviously has quite a future ahead of him. As an addition to New Queer Cinema it is also both bitter-sweet and prevalent.
- MOscarbradley
- Aug 20, 2019
- Permalink
This one swept me of my feet completely and why this movie needs a definite sequel
Subverts Some Tired Tropes, While Perpetuating Others
Great story about a taboo in soccer
Beautiful and tender film about the first love. It hurts and pleases all along. Worth seeing it!
New topic with a romance story -at least for me!
Story was smoothly flowing between 2 actors and made the audience believe in their feelings. But as a straight woman most important point for me was, in the mid of the movie, I paused and googled the gay football players in real life - that I have never thought about it before. This makes a change movie which deserves a sequel to offer people a second chance.
- ilke_aydogmus
- Mar 5, 2019
- Permalink
It would have been 10 stars except...
As Authentic As It Gets
The is one of the best gay films I've ever seen. As others have commented the acting is superb. So much is said by how the characters look at each other. The actors' character's actions and reactions to very real situations are so authentic, I had to remind myself I was watching a movie and not some witnessing some real-life drama. (I wish I knew these characters in real life.) If you're someone who loves a good (gay) love story, if you love a love story that spans the emotional gamut, if you're a hopeless romantic or a bit jaded you'll want to see this movie.
- mrcoreyalejandro
- May 21, 2020
- Permalink
great film
Makes u think about things gay playerss are going through its a mix sadness sweetness just wow
- gmendoza-46416
- Aug 5, 2018
- Permalink
Excellent Movie but I wish for a happier ending for them.
A captivating story about sport and sexuality.
It's endearing when LGBTQIA+ stories are put in unusual situations. Football still has a troubled relationship with the presence of gay men, and Marcel Gisler takes advantage of this scenario to leave the obvious and show how intimacy builds passion.
A cute and sensitive film, but that doesn't hide the problems and intolerances that, until today, we face when we talk about sport and sexuality. Max Hubacher shines as the protagonist, delivering a mix of emotions that range from anger to an unmistakable tenderness in his eyes.
With some editing problems and small flaws in the dramatization of important scenes, the narrative loses strength at times, but nothing that photography (worthy of much recognition) can't get around.
In short, the film is a questioning of the consequences of embracing love and a protest against the taboos that still exist in the sports world.
A cute and sensitive film, but that doesn't hide the problems and intolerances that, until today, we face when we talk about sport and sexuality. Max Hubacher shines as the protagonist, delivering a mix of emotions that range from anger to an unmistakable tenderness in his eyes.
With some editing problems and small flaws in the dramatization of important scenes, the narrative loses strength at times, but nothing that photography (worthy of much recognition) can't get around.
In short, the film is a questioning of the consequences of embracing love and a protest against the taboos that still exist in the sports world.
- eumesmozhoy
- Nov 5, 2022
- Permalink
Amazing film
- hongkongfuey-44076
- Feb 3, 2019
- Permalink
Brokeback Mountain in the world of soccer: excellent and painful!
- johannes2000-1
- Oct 4, 2019
- Permalink
Oscar Worthy
Such an excellent movie with a touching story full of romantic feels and heartwhelming connections. The leads are great with outstanding realistic performances. The movie is very well made it really deserves an Oscar nomination for best Foreign Language film. I wouldn't call it a gay movie, I'd call it a movie for everyone who enjoys watching true love stories made in a nice professional way. Highly recommended.
- atractiveeyes
- Sep 19, 2018
- Permalink
Great movie, but....
- jamisonjohn
- Sep 2, 2021
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Best Movie I Have Watched This Year So Far
Leon's sooo hot! The movie is also super great, very realistic, very sweet, and also, when it comes to the end, it's quite sad. In short, I love it, love it, love it.
- chenyanbill
- Jul 27, 2018
- Permalink
One of the VERY BEST gay movies
I saw this movie on TV, a year later after its production, through the the LGBT month here. Well, I watched it by chance. I am not a sportsman or football (soccer in Europe) fan. But, even though it moves slowly, the movie captivates from the beginning, thanks to very good acting. That's true that there are two main characters - protagonists, but all the artists LIVE their parts, not just playing. One has the feeling of being there and not just outside watching. Just touching !
Now, about the ending. For many, me included, it is not satisfying. We always want a Cinderella - style Happy Ending. BUT, is real life like this ? NO ! The subject, main subject, is the possible (or impossible) love between two football players and the reactions around them. Football is one of the most masculine sport around that attracts many women towards the players. So, why a homosexual love-affair ? And here is, the importance of this movie ! Everything is possible under the sun. The subject is attacked in the most realistic way. This IS life ! The players are very young men. Their mutual feelings are very strong. As long as there is no obstacle or danger. And here we have a real character development of both guys. This is the reality as it is and not as we want it to be. Leon - more romantic, Mario - more sportive and a bit more realistic. At their age, a lot can happen and this is the age that everything seems ....pink, but later it becomes more somber in shades. Both are in love with each other, but both of them are not ready to pay the same price for their "illicit" love in the eyes of the straight / sportive / competitive society. That's why it ends as it ends. Bitter-sweet? Sour? Disappointing ? Take it as you like, but this is LIFE and REALITY ! Not always sweet !
We, all, have Great Expectations, but life is not always supplying them !
Watch the movie, it's GREAT ! Don't let the EXPECTATIONS to defy you !
- mickyalexandru
- Jun 9, 2019
- Permalink
Great Film, so worth a watch!!
Such a great film, really pulls on your heart strings! The actors are great and really portrayed how the football world is and how hard it must be, a real eye opener.
I was really invested in the relationship and won't lie, was heartbroken with the ending! I know why the writer probably wanted to end it that way, but I feel left on a ledge. I know not all stories have a happy endings, but I need closure lol please have a sequel so I don't lay in bed at night thinking about it and trying to work out what happens next.
I was really invested in the relationship and won't lie, was heartbroken with the ending! I know why the writer probably wanted to end it that way, but I feel left on a ledge. I know not all stories have a happy endings, but I need closure lol please have a sequel so I don't lay in bed at night thinking about it and trying to work out what happens next.
- pates-28812
- Aug 6, 2019
- Permalink