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What’s it about? Summer Storm is story of one young man’s battle with his emerging sexuality.
Set in the idyllic German countryside, Tobi, captain of his school’s rowing team, (played by Robert Stadlober) travels with his class to compete in Berlin. Little do his team know, their opponents are none other than the ‘Queerstrokers’, a rival rowing team, blessed in equal amount with athletic prowess, team spirit, oh and (surprise, surprise) throbbing teenage homosexuality. Tobi not only has the weight of the race on his shoulders, but his growing feelings for his best friend Achim (played by the gorgeous Kostja Ullmann) and the interest from a female classmate make it a very itchy week in the hedonistic bliss of the Bavarian outdoors. To make matters worse (or delightfully scandalous, depending on which way you choose to look at it) the adoration of a rower on the other team makes this drama worthy of a primetime slot on BBC 1. Move over, EastEnders! I wont give it all away but the various love triangles, fights, angst, stolen kisses and innuendos ensure ‘Summer Storm’ makes than a ripple or two with the young moviegoer.
The good
Writer and Director, Marco Kreuzpaintner, injects the ‘coming-out’ genre with a heart and angst least expected by the viewer. As much as this may be, Kreupainter doesn’t leave us unfulfilled. Knowing what us guys really want to see, ‘Summer Storm’ does not disappoint. One scene in particular, where Tobi has his first encounter with a boy, had me writhing with excitement (and I wasn’t the one making out by the lake). Oops, have I given away too much? Whilst scenes like this are wickedly arousing, Tobi’s character is so well played by Stadlober that his reactions to what is going on recall the real awkwardness/ magic/fear/ecstasy ever-present during that experience of a first kiss. This scene easily beats those on par in ‘Brokeback’ on gritty realism and beauty. ‘Summer Storm’ also makes an inspiring statement for any young gay man who feels alone. The humility and dignity with which Tobi’s character comes to terms with being gay is genuinely moving. From a cinematic point of view, this film is wonderful to watch. Only the smoothness of those fit young German bodies frolicking on screen rivals that of the way this film is put together. Each frame, in a phrase, albeit clichéd is work of art. The bad Whilst the overall message of the film arguably justifies it, there are times when ‘Summer Storm’ comes across as nothing but a glorified porno. Admittedly, I expected and wanted to delight in situations of the utmost gayness, but when it’s offered in abundance on a plate, one is quick to lose one’s appetite. The gay tension between Tobi and Achim was so foreseeable it hurt a little. I mean, chasing each other with wet sponges in the locker room was the way of initiating sex in the seventies and eighties. This scene in particular moves to redeem itself with a little teenage awkwardness in between that makes us all squirm with glee. However, the mutual masturbation scene that follows disappointingly gives reason for viewers to dismiss ‘Summer Storm’ as ‘website worthy’. Unfortunately, mindless instances where the characters do things like this give this movie an ‘R’ rating (as opposed to the grittier issues the gay viewing public are now, in the twenty-first century, ready to explore). Coupled with the initial and sustained depiction of out gay men as sexual predators, this film doesn’t do enough to thwart the existing stereotypes in cinema today. The verdict Despite such stereotypes, ‘Summer Storm’ is a brilliant story and an example of filmmaking at its finest. The occasional pointless pornographic predicament is overshadowed by this film’s touching message. The character of Tobi’s turmoil is all too present in society. His angst is fundamental to ‘Summer Storm’; without which this wonderful piece of German cinema might just be another kitsch ‘must have’ on sale between the novelty mugs and fridge magnets. However, visually, it does not fail to impress. Not only was I enchanted by the film’s stunning backdrops; I had a major crush on almost every other character. In terms of the story, this film perhaps could have done without some of the stereotypical padding, however, with such an endearing lead character, the social relevance of Tobi’s tumultuous personal journey makes ‘Summer Storm’ well worth the bumpy ride. Click here for summer storm trailers and discussion Only registered users can write comments.
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