As I was watching this movie I kept asking myself was it film in 2016 or 1950. The abuse and public ridicule the main character got in high school and the adults was a bit too far fetch for me to believe for a movie taking place 2016 in France. However the young lovers let me overlook that because they were fantastic, especially louis. I think the film should have focus more on the young lovers and not the parents or the classmates. A good 1/2 of the film was wasted on the homophobic classmates which was too much time focusing on them. All and all though, this is a good film and finally a gay film can have an happy ending and not people ending up killing themselves.
46 Reviews
Well done but still mediocre
jaroslaw9931 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
If you haven't seen any coming of age films, this is better than many others. It is the story of two teen guys who are dealing with same sex attraction. It is just as much a story about how the parents, siblings, and teachers deal with (or are the cause of) the problems of societal attitudes, bullying, etc. The film conveys the emotional aspects very well and the acting is excellent. It is hard for me to give this a glowing review since it really doesn't cover any new ground. (Spoiler) if anything it is sad to see such strong parental angst and disapproval from both fathers and the mother, especially considering one father is an MD. It is 2016 after all and while I realize everyone still isn't tolerant, Gay children aren't something new. Another spoiler - in the scene where Nathan is in the locker room and the boys are beating him, Louis the love interest joins in punching him too. Of course that is to remove suspicion that he is Gay. But he doesn't apologize later. This seems to be a recurring theme in movies that apologies aren't necessary almost no matter what the transgression is.
Toxic masculinity is the problem
RagingBullwinkle23 May 2019
At the root of homophobia lies the notion of masculinity as the rigid standard for men and boys (and in a minor subplot, femininity for girls and women). We've seen this all before but Hidden Kisses confronts it head on. In some ways that are deftly handled and in others that are a bit clumsy. There is a homophobic father and is often the weak link in these coming of age movies. It's hard to to get ones head around a character that is so thinly defined except there are real people like this. There are plenty of homophobic students who bully Nathan including one who is black.
The movie really shines when we see the full impact of social media on cultural expectations and norms, and how young adults don't see the consequences of their actions using it. They can do so much harm with so little effort. If the film had focused on this thematically, it might have been a more daring and smarter film. As such, it mostly just does the old stuff very well and returns the focus on the two leads, only to stray with brief chatter between teachers and parents.
The actors do a good job, especially Bérenger Anceaux as Nathan but the adult cast is uniformly excellent.
The movie really shines when we see the full impact of social media on cultural expectations and norms, and how young adults don't see the consequences of their actions using it. They can do so much harm with so little effort. If the film had focused on this thematically, it might have been a more daring and smarter film. As such, it mostly just does the old stuff very well and returns the focus on the two leads, only to stray with brief chatter between teachers and parents.
The actors do a good job, especially Bérenger Anceaux as Nathan but the adult cast is uniformly excellent.
powerful
Kirpianuscus11 October 2020
It is a powerful film. This is the only fair definition. It is an inspired, so precise portrait of a situation who has not solutions. It is a film about teenagers, a picture on a party, cruelty, hate, prejudices, teachers, a single father and his son. It has all the pieces to be a manifesto. Butit is more and more becomes scene by scene. Two scenes are real significant for me - the opened black board by Tristan and the lines about Oscar Wilde and his talk with the Math teacher.And, not doubts, admirable performances. It is a provocative film and a great question about yourself. So, just a powerful film. About honesty, truth and the way to perceive the other.
a bit over the top
mail-0421020 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
It's the old problem : how does one execute a gay/coming of age movie without wading in too many cliches ?
This film tries to avoid them and is quite successful at that.
While I can still tolerate and understand the behaviour of the parents of the (lovely !) young boy-couple-the really hateful reactions of the schoolmates and the passive reaction of schoolboard/Teachers is A BIT OVER THE TOP for 2016.
As a director I would have considered to let Louis be successful with his suicidal attempt-just to punish the school, the unrelenting prick of a father (Louis father) and society as a whole.
Otherwise the film is great-good actors,very well directed, script okay.
Unexpected inspiration
federicodl1 February 2018
It's not easy to speak about homosexuality.
It's not easy to be homosexual.
Hidden kisses will make you look at all the pain gay guys have been through, it will make you feel how much it hurts to have a father who thinks you're sick, to be surrounded of people staring at you disgusted, laughing at you.
Just watch it.
I've been hesitant to watch this movie, i thought it would have been an average movie talking about the love of two young guys.
This is much more. This is a movie everyone should see.
And after you've watched Hidden kisses you will be braver if you're a young boy scared of being himself, worried about other people's judgement.
And if you are a homophobic, even after you've watched this movie, my question for you is: 'Haven't you got a heart?'
Affective story, ineffective setting
whenyoureyeburns18 March 2021
This would have been a much stronger, more believable story if it were set in some time and place other than 21st century France. As it is, it is captivating until the end, but because of the setting, there's some sort of uncanny valley effect happening.
Terrific, realistic, heartwarming, and the like
chillbro-4218725 December 2016
Simply put...this is one in a number of really, really good gay coming-of-age movies that have come out in 2016.
In a realistic way, they've tossed aside a number of the clichés, while focusing on the bare-bones issues that 2 young gay boys share in their completely separate life backgrounds and circumstances -- the fear, the bullying, the isolation, the loneliness, and of course, the love.
And this was a well-done love story, top to bottom, with a solid group of actors who all fit their roles perfectly.
Great chemistry all around, a plot that matters, and a script that makes you feel like you're there. Were there some things plot-wise that are unresolved or questionable? Sure, no doubt about it. This isn't a flawless film. But, what matters in the film comes full circle.
For those reasons, this is a terrific, must watch for those interested in the genre. Hats off.
In a realistic way, they've tossed aside a number of the clichés, while focusing on the bare-bones issues that 2 young gay boys share in their completely separate life backgrounds and circumstances -- the fear, the bullying, the isolation, the loneliness, and of course, the love.
And this was a well-done love story, top to bottom, with a solid group of actors who all fit their roles perfectly.
Great chemistry all around, a plot that matters, and a script that makes you feel like you're there. Were there some things plot-wise that are unresolved or questionable? Sure, no doubt about it. This isn't a flawless film. But, what matters in the film comes full circle.
For those reasons, this is a terrific, must watch for those interested in the genre. Hats off.
This was brutal yet beautiful
tequila343427 May 2019
Love!
ericceret1 February 2017
This an amazing / wonderful movie.
Of course, it sounds very french: Patrick Timsit and all actors are playing as (credible) french parents, school and references are located. But, in all the ways I expected it to be, it sounds right, as well in the feeling of having to comply to adults' expectations than in the internal mood, so different from the exposed one. In a first stage, I totally disliked Louis and then felt "in love" with him. He acts totally right, attracted both to what he thinks right and to what he feels right. This movie enlightens the dual pressure much gays are enduring. Thanks to all actors for their acts their.
Of course, it sounds very french: Patrick Timsit and all actors are playing as (credible) french parents, school and references are located. But, in all the ways I expected it to be, it sounds right, as well in the feeling of having to comply to adults' expectations than in the internal mood, so different from the exposed one. In a first stage, I totally disliked Louis and then felt "in love" with him. He acts totally right, attracted both to what he thinks right and to what he feels right. This movie enlightens the dual pressure much gays are enduring. Thanks to all actors for their acts their.
A moving film
robert-859237 October 2020
This isn't a great work of cinematic art and in places it is clumsy. However, it is moving and very touching.
Others have pointed out that modern France is not as virulently homophobic. The film seems to address attitudes which are at least twenty years out of date. That said there are significant portions of the population who still think like this and perhaps films like this are still necessary?
Nathan's experiences mirror my own in the 60's and 70's. It was a traumatic to relive some of the terror and existential dread. I remember constantly looking over my shoulder in case there was someone after me and I didn't have a boyfriend.
Others have pointed out that modern France is not as virulently homophobic. The film seems to address attitudes which are at least twenty years out of date. That said there are significant portions of the population who still think like this and perhaps films like this are still necessary?
Nathan's experiences mirror my own in the 60's and 70's. It was a traumatic to relive some of the terror and existential dread. I remember constantly looking over my shoulder in case there was someone after me and I didn't have a boyfriend.
Expertly done.
aardlord14 August 2018
The story is amazing and really speaks to t he struggles of gay youth and the pressures they face from their peers and families. I was starting to think the ending would be another sad tale that has been done hundreds of times before but it really ended on a high note. The whole production from the script to the cinematography to the acting was expertly done. A rare gem.
Good and bad
nick12123510 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Damn, sad that this reminds me of being in high school and how my parents treated me, I must have repressed some of that cause I always though high school wasn't that bad but almost every single thing in this movie happened to me except the over the top beatings and actually having someone who wanted to kiss me. In fact, the story seems like over the top victim fetishization but I can say that that's true only to some degree... anyway I have to say I wish a guy that liked me would beat me up because he hates himself for being gay, but then realizes he's in love with me, in fact I fantasize about this very thing happening to me all the time. What other reason is there to live quite honestly. Oh and I screamed when the teacher decided to introduce Oscar Wilde to the class after one of his students was just beaten up for being gay.
Now is this movie over the top? Yes... yes, very much, especially in the way that it veers into preachiness occasionally. I would have liked something with less of a soap opera feel. It's totally awkward, but still a good story. It did redeem itself, no matter how dramatic; it was very emotional, so that overcame some of the other issues.
Now is this movie over the top? Yes... yes, very much, especially in the way that it veers into preachiness occasionally. I would have liked something with less of a soap opera feel. It's totally awkward, but still a good story. It did redeem itself, no matter how dramatic; it was very emotional, so that overcame some of the other issues.
Positive Message, But Too Unrealistic
midcenturybrad31 July 2019
"Hidden Kisses" is an anti-bullying and anti-homophobia movie, which are both worthy subjects. But, the movie wasn't particularly satisfying for me because the story is over-simplified and virtually all the characters are well-worn stereotypes. IMDB lists it as a "TV Movie", so I suspect it was produced as a G-Rated "after school special" targeted at teens and young adults.
Throughout the movie, I was puzzled by the outdated attitude and homophobia the students and others overtly expressed toward the (supposedly) one and only gay student. The film is set in a large city in modern day France, not Brunei or someplace where the "sin" of being homosexual is punishable by death. The world is still not a perfect place for gay people, but we have come a long way in my lifetime (I came out in 1978). It seems particularly unrealistic to portray the student body as a monolithic anti-gay attack force against a solo gay boy who's completely without any friends, allies or moral support.
If you're willing to overlook the stereotyped characters, unrealistic portrayal of French high school students as unrelenting homophobes and the simplistic storyline, you can watch and enjoy "Hidden Kisses" for the positive gay message.
Throughout the movie, I was puzzled by the outdated attitude and homophobia the students and others overtly expressed toward the (supposedly) one and only gay student. The film is set in a large city in modern day France, not Brunei or someplace where the "sin" of being homosexual is punishable by death. The world is still not a perfect place for gay people, but we have come a long way in my lifetime (I came out in 1978). It seems particularly unrealistic to portray the student body as a monolithic anti-gay attack force against a solo gay boy who's completely without any friends, allies or moral support.
If you're willing to overlook the stereotyped characters, unrealistic portrayal of French high school students as unrelenting homophobes and the simplistic storyline, you can watch and enjoy "Hidden Kisses" for the positive gay message.
One of the best gay movies!
themovielover697 September 2019
I really like this movie... Actually everything so well done. the movie itself is really good because it reveals both the parents and themselves. An educational film that shows the thinking of a parent, both good and bad. it's worth watching
Hidden Kisses
CinemaSerf2 February 2024
At times this does rather stretch the bounds of plausibility at a school in 21st century France, but the sentiment behind it is quite worryingly potent. A photo emerges of a kiss! We know that one of the kissers is "Nathan" (Bérenger Anceaux) but who is the other? What piques the curiosity of his schoolmates is that the other kisser is also a boy! Drunken game? Wind-up? True love? What now ensues does hit the stereotype skids once or twice as we discover his dad is a policeman (Patrick Timsit), largely unimpressed with his son's behaviour and somewhat pre-occupied with the gossip he faces at work. We now see a school where the boy is bullied and beaten with alacrity despite what I would have thought would have been intervention from an headmaster who seems more worried about perception than about a bloodied pupil wandering the corridors. When we do finally discover the identity of his paramour, the emphasis now shifts to that boy's parents. His father is frankly a rather odious individual, a doctor, who is disgusted by the apparent sexuality of his son and is determined to stop it in it's tracks. This latter scenario ultimately - as happens in many families - pitches one parent against another in a battle of wills as to the best way to respect or control the burgeoning identity of a child that is loved but maybe not as unconditionally as we might require or hope. It's the youngsters who make this film. Anceaux contributes strongly and convincingly as does Jules Houplain ("Louis") who also turns in an emotionally powerful performance. Some of the ample toxicity this film engenders is well portrayed by those who are his classmates - boys and girls - who epitomise a small-mindedness and a bigotry that the film quite successfully showcases then tries to hold to count and to shame. It's a ninety minute television movie, so it's unlikely to be intended to profoundly move the dial on attitudes of intolerance and homophobia significantly, but the lads on screen here deliver a poignant story that does make you think about what schools teach us that isn't in books.
Tremendously moving. A riveting gay date movie
mcmahon-556147 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I am just enamored with this film. It is not a Hollywood blockbuster. The writing and the editing are not 100% but the actors carry the film so well that it simply makes up for any nit picking of minor flaws that watchers may notice. This story revolves around two stunningly beautiful high school sophomore boys who somehow find each other at a party in a regional French city. Nathan is more sure of his sexuality and is tremendously sensitive and extremely brave in the face of being outed at his new school. Enduring torturous bullying and frankly serious physical assault, he pushes on and helps his police captain father come to terms with his acceptance. The other boy, 16 year old Louis, comes from a wealthy family and admits to his parents that he has fought his feelings for years. His father, a physician, punishes and psychologically abuses him when gay porn is found on his laptop. He goes through the motions of being straight by having a girlfriend whom his parents adore and being on a boxing team, all to make his father proud of his "manly" son. Complete familial rejection occurs for Louis and he attempts suicide but is saved by Nathan. Louis' mother then realizes that her husband is a crazy homophobe and leaves him, taking the kids to live at her parent's house in another town. The film ends around Louis' boxing match which he wins. His father briefly comes inside the gymnasium but leaves before the win. Louis confronts his father in the parking lot afterwards and begs him to be proud of him. Father drives away without saying a word. Meanwhile, Nathan's policeman dad has come around and is completely accepting of his son and boyfriend and sort of becomes a surrogate father to Louis. Yes, there are blips of "what the heck?" here and there. The editing as I said is not super smooth. The story line reads more like 1980s than 2016. It is certainly not Paris or even Lyon, where gay students would likely not be that big of a deal. The city setting is a small size, maybe like Portiers or Colmar or Pau. Who knows? The other troubling issue is the bullying and violent assault against Nathan. I find it difficult to believe that the school administration would do nothing. In California, the kids responsible for the beating would be in jail. I found the portrayal of the town's disdain for gays to be a bit far fetched for 2016. I would have thought that France had come farther in GLBT acceptance. In summary, whether gay or straight, this is a must see movie if you like seeing beautiful young men and engaging coming of age films with a reasonably happy ending.
Hidden Kisses
Markie_P26 February 2024
I enjoyed this movie, although it was a bit clichéd. I have to say that I came out in 1990, after having grown up in Margaret Thatcher's homophobic Britain. At the time I got no homophobia from straight people. I just got internalised homophobia from other gay people. So I don't buy into the stereotypical no one else's is gay except me and one other guy who's in Narnia rubbish. It might have been true in 1976, but not in 2016 when this film was made. I heard a lot of Windows XP sounds, so I guess they maybe set the film in the early noughties. Even at that time attitudes towards homosexuality were nowhere near as barbaric as this film portrays. I would have liked to have seen more straight allies within the school setting, the bullies punished, although full marks to Nathan for standing up to them. Id like to know what kind of flack that head teacher got for allowing his school to be 99%homophobic. And yeah, I was angry at Louis, and his father in turn. Full marks to his mum for growing a spine! So yeah, it's a bit oversimplified and unrealistic, especially for a civilised country in the 21st century but you'll enjoy the movie and be engaged with the characters. I.
A touching and heartwarming movie
the_donnie16 December 2018
My expectations were pretty low when I fisrt found this movie, I hadn't heard about it and it seems not many people have either. To my surprise, it's a beautiful and so well done movie. Yes, it's about the drama of being gay, coming out, being accepted, finding love... however, Hidden Kisses (French: Baisers cachés) tells us a story of two boys, at first focusing in one of them, and as the movie goes around, the second one is wisely included in the script - and all you can feel is your inner wish for them to be ok, to be loved, to love.
Plus the movie brings awareness of the fact that homophobia and bullying are still present in the French schools, and surely in many other countries. And it needs to be discussed, there could be no space for hate and discrimination against love, specifically LGBTQ love.
Kudos for the director and specially the cast, great story!
LOVE IS FOR EVERYONE!
Wonderful
Demian_Ds19 December 2016
The movie is amazing, it is very realistic and you can feel all the emotions so strongly... two young boys that they re in love and they re trying so much to be together, but the society makes it so hard.
The movie teaches you how the society creates you suicidal thoughts, how the ignorance of the people and especially the closest one can mess with your head and make you do some bad things. How can a young man be in the position to make dreams about his future when you cut those dreams before they re even started? Sad people want the others to be sad too but they re people that can change that and instead criticize the others, make them be happy and have the courage to deal with the future and all the ignorance, they can smile together...
The movie is amazing, so many messages, it was a pleasure to see this movie and it worth your time 100% ...
Demian Ds
The movie teaches you how the society creates you suicidal thoughts, how the ignorance of the people and especially the closest one can mess with your head and make you do some bad things. How can a young man be in the position to make dreams about his future when you cut those dreams before they re even started? Sad people want the others to be sad too but they re people that can change that and instead criticize the others, make them be happy and have the courage to deal with the future and all the ignorance, they can smile together...
The movie is amazing, so many messages, it was a pleasure to see this movie and it worth your time 100% ...
Demian Ds
So good and agrivating at the same time
cmarino-2433217 February 2019
Really loved this movie. Great coming of age love story that is sad and lovely at the same time. What the two characters go through separately; what they endure because of a kiss is maddening and disturbing. Still, so good; a must watch.
I kept thinking "Afternoon Special"
wmadavis18 February 2018
I don't know anything about the culture in Belgium but this whole movie struck me as simplistic and heavy-handed in the way the gay teen is openly attacked and harassed and the way teachers and school staff were not responding in any way, and how openly anti-gay and bigoted the students and adults were portrayed. I couldn't believe this was movie was made in 2016.
Incredible
andyhighton2124 March 2019
How have I never heard of this film before now. It is simply amazing. Every aspect of this movie brings back memories, both happy and sad.
It's the true to life, coming of age story of two teenage boys coming to terms with their sexuality, and the impact that has on their lives. It's beautifully written, and the acting is flawless. A truly inspiring movie.
I'm not going to lie, you will cry, but you will cry happy tears also! Please, please watch this movie.
It's the true to life, coming of age story of two teenage boys coming to terms with their sexuality, and the impact that has on their lives. It's beautifully written, and the acting is flawless. A truly inspiring movie.
I'm not going to lie, you will cry, but you will cry happy tears also! Please, please watch this movie.
Unbelievably Moving
lukeevz9 May 2019
One night i was going through my youtube feed and found this on my suggestions and decided to give it a watch, and i did not regret it. it is by far the best film i have watched in a long time if not ever as i found the story line to be really believable and realistic. as i was so hooked onto this movie (and this was the first ever foreign movie i watched) i decided to watch some more Joules Houlpain movies ( Louis) and he is probably one of my favourite actors ever as i watched a movie called les innocents where he was one of he main characters called Yann ,and it was just as moving as this.
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