Customer Reviews

Strapped [Import]

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4 star:		(1)
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Unusual title and an unusual film. This stars Ben Bonenfant in the title role and for a hustler he comes across (forgive the pun) as a real 'tart with a heart'.

The plot is quite simple in that a random or should I say routine 'trick' takes our eponymous hero back to his apartment for gay sex. He is a gay virgin and this hustler treats him with real humanity and care. He then finds it very hard to actually exit the building -and in his endeavours to escape finds rather more 'entrances' than is technically necessary in any film outside the porn genre.

All that said it should come (there I go again) as no surprise as this apartment turns out to be the gayest apartment block on the gayest street in town- well when in Rome and all that. Even the straight guys turn out to want a bit of Ben and it is not always the same bit, which I think from a plot development point of view is necessary as seriously doing it that many times in such a short space of time would challenge even a Viagra addict to 'keep up' as it were.

It is as I said a simple plot but what is strikingly brilliant is the breadth and depth of the characters that he meets and the humanity that unfolds in every story or occurrence, he is almost a social worker, that is one that charges an agreed fee before giving a full service. It is a warm, witty, charming, human and sometimes raunchy film but told and acted with real care and in many ways heart warming because of and not despite the regular sexual trysts.

This work shows that there are very good films made these days - just not by major studios. The human condition - the perennial condition in it's multitudes of variations. This film is well thought out, well written, with a very strong cast (high marks to Ben Bonenfant who's in every frame)and strong production values. It's a very intriguing story, and the mystery takes you along on Adam's adventure. It will hold your attention throughout, with poignant life-points along the way, the main one just at the end. Well done. Strong cast, attractive and talented lead (with a promising future no doubt), and an intriguing ride. Recommended.