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(More customer reviews)'Friends Forever' (Danish, with English subtitles) is a 1980s coming-of-age film concerned with growing up and friendships. The principal character is Kristian (about 15 years old) who arrives at a new school and is initially drawn to an outsider, Henrik, who is - as always - taunted for his difference. Fearing that this friendship will be a liability, Kristian falls in with the 'in group', led by Patrick (14/15 years old), who quickly becomes his best friend. The film then follows the inevitable ups and downs of this friendship, applying the full gamut of coming-of-age experiences: first crush, homosexuality, alcohol, first sexual experience with an older woman, student rebellion, and so on.
While this probably sounds a tired theme, it is actually one of the better films of its genre. Absent the puritanical values that usually stem from mainstream US-made films, 'Friends Forever' has a relaxed, non-judgemental feel. In particular, it avoids gay/straight stereotypes, and certainly does not shy from male nudity (although the full frontal shots are the preserve of a couple of 20-something characters). The acting is well-done, and the characters come across as highly plausible; the soundtrack and production values are unmistakably mid-80s, which adds a additional ambiance. There is a great deal of humour in the film (not least the 1980s hairstyles and roll-up jacket sleeves / shiny short-shorts apparel ! - which, admittedly, only comes to us from our retrospective vantage point) and it ends with a hilarious French-farce-style song-and-dance number, involving the entire cast.
Whilst not emotionally challenging, or dark in any way, 'Friends Forever' is a thoroughly enjoyable, feel-good film which easily bears more than one viewing. It's great to see it finally brought to DVD, along with some of its peers (see, for example, 'Lakki'). Definitely one for the collection.
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Kristian is a shy 16-year-old starting at a new school.Like all boys his age he is uncertain of his new environment.He is drawn to to Henrik an androgynous, charismatic and independent older student, a warm friendship slowly develops.On the other side of the school s spectrum and Ktistian s radar is Patrick, a bully and troublemaker who stirs another kind of feeling in Kristian.Kristian's world gets turned upside down when Patrick introduces Kristian to his boyfriend. This leads Kristian to his first sexual encounter, but does not lead him to the man he really desires, Patrick. Friends Foreveris over 20 years old but still rings true today as a positive and potent film about growing up and coming out.It is a classic time piece from Denmark, a must for all DVD collectors.
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