Beautiful Thing (DVD 1999)

A tender love story set during a hot summer on a South-East London housing estate. Jamie, a relatively unpopular lad who bunks off school to avoid football, lives next door to Ste, a more popular athletic lad but who is frequently beaten up by his father and older brother. Such an episode of violence brings Jamie and Ste together: Sandra (Jamie's mum) offers refugee to Ste, who has to 'top-and-tail' with Jamie. Hence, the story tells of their growing attraction for one another, from initial lingering glances to their irrefutable love, which so magnificently illustrated at the end of the film. In deals with the tribulations of coming to terms with their sexuality and of others finding out, in light of Sandra's unwavering loyalty and defence of Jamie and the fear of repercussion should Ste's family find out. The plot is set against sub-texts of Sandra's desire to manage her own pub, and thus escape the estate, and of her new relationship with her hippy boyfriend Tony; and of Leah, the brassy girl next door who has been expelled from school and spends her time listening to Mama Cass records and tripping on a variety of drugs.
I have seen VERY few films that I consider dramas that I would consider watching over and over again in my lifetime.

The day I discovered Beautiful Thing, that changed. For a young man coming to terms with his sexuality this film is brutally honest, and marvelously written and directed.

The scenes between the two young men were wonderfully directed, and not over the top as is seen in other films of this genre. Much of the sexual activity between the two was inferred, which was a big plus as it kept the overall theme of the film to an artistic tone.

The mother was one of my favourite characters as everytime I see it I see another side of her. I have now seen the film twenty times, and each time I get another joke I missed before.

All in all I recommend this film to EVERYONE who wants to feel this Beautiful Thing touch their soul as it did me.

I bought this because it's a great film plus this film is basicly my life story of how it was for me when i was growing it shows the difficulty gay people have with trying to be accepted in the community plus the family part as well being gay myself i can understand the story which was told homeaphobia still exsists but is getting better for gay people but you who care's what people think about us Gay Guys for me life is for living don't you think ?

British Working-Class Young Men Coming Out as Gay

A pair of British teenage working-class boys recognize in each other that they are gay. Jamie's (Glen Berry) mother Sandra (Linda Henry) is a rough-edged and warm-hearted bartender. Mother and son live in public housing located in South London's more violent district. Ste (Scott Neal) resides in the same block. He's also Jamie's schoolmate. Jamie is the deep thinking type of guy. Ste is an athlete. Ste has a drunk and physically abusive father and stubborn brother.

When Jamie his mom, Sandra, find out Ste is homeless, kicked out of the dysfunctional family's apartment, they let Ste crash at Jamie and Sandra's home. Jamie and Ste's closeness soon becomes a sexual. Both guys had been slightly aware they might be gay; however, neither one ever acted on their inclinations.

After Ste and Jamie admit they're attracted to each other, neither is sure how to handle it. Sandra's boyfriend, Tony (Ben Daniels), isn't sure how he feels about Jamie's sexual identity. It's a coming-of-gay-age story that does turn out to be a beautiful thing.

Movie work of art a must see!

Beautiful Thing (1996)
With a loud blowing whistle this film grabs your attention then enfolds you with love. Pigeonholing this as a “coming of age” flick is not justified. If anything, the last 15 years has built the movie’s reputation as one of the finest and best in the genre. The film stands out as a clear, tight, well crafted endeavor with a multi layered approach. Yes, there is the sexual awakening, but also the fear of what that sexuality means. Secondly it deals with the importance of reaching out to peers who are being abused. On that point alone it deserves our credit. Beautiful Thing” shows, rather than merely tells, the power that uniting with each other gives. The power to face challenges, the happiness to live, and the love to enjoy that living. Writer Jonathan Harvey and director Hettie Macdonald start with a premise that is depressing as hell, the kind that leaves a bad taste in your mouth. In the hands of lesser talents it would have been easily forgotten. Together they built an entertainment that is truly a “Beautiful Thing”, full of hope and caring. Even minor characters are well developed. Life, bad as it was, just existed as three teens living next door to each other in a London housing project. On one side is Leah (pronounced LEE- ah) (Tameka Empson knocked this part right out of the ball park!). A young black girl, who regularly smokes, drinks and stays out with boys all hours of the night. She lives with a mother who has given up on her. In the middle apartment, Jamie (Glen Berry), a teenager who is our hero, living with his single mother Sandra (Linda Henry) and her latest live-in boyfriend Tony, (Ben Daniels), an “artist” and a bit of a burnout. Next door Steve (Scott Neal) lives with an abusive older brother who sells drugs, and an equally abusive father, who is also a drunk. Just reading that set up would make most people pass. However, just as you wouldn’t give up on a gay teen, don’t give up on this film. A rainbow will happen! The ending will make you smile, cheer, and just maybe, need a hug!

Beautiful Thing

A coming of age gay movie, where many a young boy has fallen in love with another at school, but this time, they can do something about it, and forget the rest of the critical world around them. This work shows that love can overcome any obstacle, much like the movie Get Real. Every heterosexual and gay person should see this one.

Beautiful Thing

Fantastic sound track of the Mammas and Pappas and Mamma Cass. Great British take of gay life. Overall good movie.