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Taekwondo (Spanish)

Margo Berger, one of the co-directors of this film has a super knack of creating sexual tensions. In all his previous films, this was one of the common scenarios, even though the stories he tells are quite different. I remember not liking his first film ‘PlanB’, but I think I have started to appreciate his kind of cinema and vision I went back and watched that film again as well, I would like it. If you break it down to the story level, honestly there is nothing much to it but its the treatment and the homo eroticism that wins the game.

Taekwondo follows a group of friends who share an “all boys” summer getaway in a beautiful country house that happens to be of Fernando’s mother. The real soul of the film is however, the building friendship between Fernando and Germán whom he met at his Taekwondo classes, has known him for a year and invites to the vacation with his friends. We are soon told that Germán is gay and has a huge crush on Fernando and he has no clue about Fernando’s feelings. Even worse, he doesn’t even know if he is gay or not. All Germán has around him is straight guys pretty much naked or with just swimming shorts at best, he is getting confused more and more. Fernando is generally overall a nice guy and his signals are hard to read even though he knows that Fernando keeps looking at him. The film just moves about one day at a time, where we also see the relationship that this group of friends share and get to know a little bit about each of them and their life. Finally the weekend ends, everyone leaves except the 2 boys and at last Fernando asks Germán, if he can kiss him.

Firstly, nudity a constant presence in the film, and the camera purposely seeks it. We are confronted with copious close-ups of male genitals, and their bodies in a good way. And I smirked when Germán phones a gay friend for advice and expresses his frustrations, telling the guy that he would lose his mind if he found himself in the midst of such a non-stop tease show. Just like most of his other films, this film unfolds at a very slow pace, and there is nothing much to story. Its just like watching someone enjoying their summer week but you do feel the continuous tension between Fernando and Germán, who keep exchanging those ardent glances. Audience knows that Fernando is also gay but it is not made very evident. Both the lead characters do a wonderful job and their characters slowly are established pretty well. Germán has no problem being gay, but because he is unfamiliar with the other guys’ sentiments about homosexuality, he doesn’t bring it up. He is just careful but not pitiful. And Fernando , on the other hand is charming and nice person who is as comfortable being with his friends of many years and making sure he makes Germán alaso feel safe in the new environment. I absolutely loved the fact that his friends were so comfortable being naked around him. Heteronormativity is changing in today’s landscape. A gay man needs to be comfortable and be himself amongst friends and society without having to explain himself.

The makers do tease us this time till the very last minute but we know it will happen. Film, though slow, has this easygoing feel and playful camaraderie about it; not to mention the non-stop continuous flow of naked bodies around. Patient viewers like me will get used to the setup pretty quick and in fact quite enjoy it. Bring me more!! (7/10)

Comments

ILHiker said…
I had to laugh, reading your review, because I had the exact same reaction to "Plan B." The first time I watched it I thought it was slow and dull. I came back to it a few years later and loved it. Marco Berger's movies have so much left unsaid that I miss a lot of them while reading the subtitles. Taekwondo is like that as well. It improved for me on second viewing a year or so later. One of my favorite moments was when two of the friends were talking about the guy they all felt was closeted and comment that, yes, they both think he is, but that he'll also get married (to a girl) long before they do and they and the rest of their friends will bring him gifts and dance at his wedding. My other favorite moment was when the friend notices his long-time friend gazing, gets it, and says they would do great taekwondo together. Of all his movies, I think I like Hawaii the best--there's a vulnerability and sweetness to the two leads that charms me, and I just relax and settle completely into Berger's pacing.
Golu said…
I agree about Hawaii. It had some real good intensity.
I still haven't gone back to see 'Plan B' again though. With so many series and films in my pipeline to watch, there is barely any time on hand even if I want to revisit some of these. But the comments like these definitely help me relive some memories.
ILHiker said…
This was tonight's rewatch before my long weekend. I like this movie a little more every time I see it I think. It's easier to watch without having to follow the subtitles as much, and there seems to be so much more said than the words. I noticed the sexual tension is highlighted by the lack of background music aside from the one guitar solo from one of the boys. And Leo's jealousy stood out for me more on this viewing. And I got more of a sense of what Fer was waiting for...some kind of, not blessing from his friends, but maybe just being seen a little before he took the step. There were a couple of subtle nods that they were understanding Fer's feelings towards Ger. Was it simply that Fer needed his friends to be OK with Ger before he took the next step? He seemed so relieved when he asked Ger for a kiss at the end. And like both could finally stop holding their breath a little. Such a lovely movie.
Golu said…
your message reminded me that I still need to go back and revisit Plan B

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