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Cowboys & Angels (2003)

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Synopsis

This charming Irish coming-of-age tale follows two best friends – one straight, one gay – from their youthful career ambitions to their entanglements with the law.

Review

David Gleeson's genial comedy-drama unfolds around Shane (Michael Legge), a shy young twentysomething who is just striking out on his own. He's frightfully unhappy in his dead-end job as a civil servant -- a feeling repeatedly driven home by his disillusioned, nearly retired coworker, Jerry (Frank Kelly). A talented illustrator, Shane is desperate to attend art school but lacks the necessary funds. After a humorous apartment hunt (who knew there were so many young people flocking to Limerick?) Shane finally finds a flat to share with a gay fashion design student, Vincent (Allen Leech). Before you can say "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," Vincent is pulling the bashful Shane out of his shell and sending him down the road to fabulous.

Of course, there are going to be bumps along the way as Shane, after taking his first shaky steps on the road to personal makeover, takes a disastrous turn into the world of drug running and falls for Vincent's best friend Gemma (the luminous Amy Shiels). Legge and Leech both deliver affable, bright-eyed performances and have a marvelous chemistry as the initially mismatched roomies. First-time director Gleeson draws on their gay boy/straight boy camaraderie to fashion a coming-of-age story that is refreshing, good-natured and witty. Along the way Gleeson also manages to paint a picture of contemporary Limerick as a bustling, cosmopolitan arts center. Move over Dublin!

-- Eric Moore

Keywords

Drugs/Alcohol, Fashion, Friendship, Gay Male, Gay/Lesbian, Nightlife/Clubbing, Urban Lifestyle

Genres

Drama, International, TLA Releasing

Customer Reviews

Sweet

Amos Lassen wrote on 02/11/2011:

“COWBOYS AND ANGELS”
Sweet
Amos Lassen
Filmmakers seem to love coming of age stories. Here is a witty and exhilarating one, “Cowboys and Angels” (TLA Releasing). It is the story of two Irish kids—one straight and one gay—and it covers their ambitions, their loves, and their mess ups with the law. Shane is shy, a civil servant whose goal it is to strike out on his own. Vincent is a gay fashion designer who is looking for a roommate. As their paths cross, they develop a deep and endearing friendship and Vincent strives to pull Shane out of his shell and to make him “fabulous”. Shane, however, becomes involved in running drugs and falls in love with Vincent’s best friend, Gemma.
Even though the lead actor in this film lays a gay male, this is not a gay movie, per se. It is rather a touching and heartwarming story of two men growing up in the heart of Dublin. This movie is above the teen movies available today. The performances are excellent and the plot is like a breath of fresh air on old issues. At times the movie seems a bit too sweet and too cute. Shane is a nerdy twenty year old who has recently moved into Dublin proper from the suburbs. As he searches for a place to live, he runs into Vincent, who had once been his classmate in high school. The two reconnect when they both find themselves looking at the same rental apartment. They decide to move in together and herein begins Shane’s adventure in the big city.
Shane is straight and is quiet and does not know how to dress and Vincent is outgoing and funk and gay. At first, there is tension between the two but their friendship deepens over time and when Vincent takes Shane under his tutelage, a butterfly emerges form the cocoon. He dresses him and trains him and a new Shane comes into being. Shane falls for Vincent’s friend.
This is a lovely little movie and is beautifully done. The gay element is minor and the emphasis is on growing up. There is not a lot of sex or coarse language. Rather it is a truly beautiful story bout being young and not so carefree. Have a look at “Cowboys and Angels”. It is a pleasure and since it is a small movie, it does not require a lot of thought. You will enjoy it.

Cowboys And Angels Delux

Janorm wrote on 03/12/2008:

This is a very very grand movie! It is a coming out that is gay but not gay, sad but joyful, and yet so very romantic. This is a film of pure discovery and its effects on all of the characters. A very enjoyable film and one that parents of older teenagers should see!! This is definitely an addition to your Collection. Do Not Miss This One!! VERY REALISTIC!!!

Cool Irish Shiz

filmwatcher wrote on 03/01/2008:

I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. Watching it really makes you empathize with Shane the main character, as he tries to find his place in the world. I ended up buying it because I liked it so much.

Really Satisfied

Musss7 wrote on 10/19/2007:

What a lovely drama... Very outstanding casts and good story line... Uh, did I mentioned that the two lead actors are cute too? Just like what other users said before, this movie is worth watching and touching... Do you want to know what I've learned from this movie? It's not impossible for a gay guy to befriend with a straight guy... and always believing in yourself. Overall, I'm really satisfied. Easily four stars from me!

friendship and love

jaylee wrote on 05/11/2006:

What can I say about this movie that has not already been said. This is a story about a country boy that finds himself in the city but he really has not got a clue and the only person who helps him is his gay room mate and friend. The friendship blossoms. The is moving and touching and has a lovely story about finding yourself

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