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Pretty Boy

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Synopsis

Pretty Boy (Smukke Dreng) chronicles the coming-of-age of a young, Copenghagen street hustler. Danish director Carsten Sønder’s first feature is a compelling, in-your-face exploration of innocence plundered and lost.

Alienated by his mother, Nick (Christian Tafdrup) flees his dysfunctional home. Fatherless, he actively seeks out the companionship of older men, finding himself in a relationship with Ralph (Stig Hoffmeyer), a closeted, middle-age professor of astronomy. Ralph gives Nick a place of temporary refuge, and the two share an interest in the stars as well as a romance. However, when Ralph’s girlfriend returns from vacation, Ralph chooses her over the boy. Nick then hits the streets, where he joins up with a gang of violent street hustlers who victimize the very men who buy their services. Adopted by this band of violent youth, Nick finds refuge again – and unexpected first love -- with the gang’s only female member, Renee (Benedicte Madsen), an androgynous girl who masquerades as a boy. Things get complicated once Ralph decides he wants Nick back and Renee becomes jealous.

3 Reasons To buy this film

A hard-hitting, non-exploitative look at gay teen prostitution.
One quickly re-thinks their impression of picture-perfect Copenhagen after viewing this drama.
Several of the main characters are either bisexual or unsure of their sexuality.

Review

This dark, kinky and violent tale of one youth's rough coming-of-age takes place a midst the lurid world of teenage male prostitution. Nick is a handsome and innocent 13-year-old runaway who quickly falls in with the wrong crowd when he arrives in Copenhagen. Befriended by a hardened violence-prone gang of teen prostitutes (oddly headed by a tomboyish girl), Nick who is described by one of his johns as "the sweetest young chicken" soon is immersed in a world where middle-ages pederasts prowl the train stations and parks for boys. But boy who only wants nothing more than a caring family, soon falls prey to the self-destructive lure of the streets. (Danish with subtitles)

-- Raymond Murray

Keywords

Adolescence, Gay Male, Gay/Lesbian, Pedophile/Pedophilia, Prostitution: Gay Male/Hustler

Genres

International

Customer Reviews

Searching for a Dad

Amos Lassen wrote on 03/31/2011:

The story of Nick, a disillusioned teenager, is the subject of “Pretty Boy”, a Danish film, originally made in 1993 and now available on DVD. Nick has missed opportunities for a happy life and falls in with a group of thieves and hustlers while looking for a father figure. “Pretty Boy” takes a look at the sordid world of male prostitution and anonymous gay sex as well as the theme of betrayal of trust. Nick suffers from those he turns to for love and help. This is not a pretty movie as it deals with some very ugly aspects of society.
Nick, at thirteen years old, has no father and he has grown tired of living with his mother who is more interested in casual sex than her son. He wants to belong but feels he has no place in his mother’s life. He leaves for Copenhagen where he sees an attack on a man in a public bathroom and somehow manages to find the man’s wallet and returns it to him. Ralph, the victim, a professor of astronomy and Nick discover common interests and Nick moves in with him until Ralph decides he prefers a heterosexual lifestyle. Nick thought he had found the father he was looking for but finds himself alone once again.
Nick then takes up with the same gang that abused Ralph and meets the gang’s broker, an older man named Max. Again he finds a father figure but when the gang double-crosses Max and he is arrested Nick is again alone and forced to live with the group. Nick, however, has not lost his affection for Ralph and this brings about a tragic end. Nick fell for Rene, a female, who dresses as a male, and their romance becomes troubled because of Nick’s old feelings for Ralph.
The film shows us the dark world of hustling and thievery but it never really satisfies because the director loses grip of what he is trying to say. It certainly makes us aware of the closed little world of casual violence and prostitution but is repels a little too much. We do not get to Nick as we should but, on the other hand, the film does deal with a subject that many filmmakers would not touch. The lack of perspective by director Carsten Sonder hurts the film and it becomes heavy. Nevertheless this is an interesting look at a world which we do not often see depicted cinematically.

Fine but nothing new

Steve wrote on 09/03/2006:

Back in 1993 this film would have been provocative and edgy, but contemporary audiences may find the storyline predictable and timid in its portrayal of street hustlers. I know I did. Yes, the lead actor is a very pretty boy and does a fine performance with the material he has. But for gay viewers hoping to find a kindred spirit, the character of Nick may disappoint. He does not even kiss any of the men involved and the pack of boys seem sexless outside of their "work." I recommend renting rather than owning this film as one viewing is enough.

excellent

DetCarGuy wrote on 07/29/2005:

I have always enjoyed foriegn films to see their take on gay life in other cultures. The hustler story is often told, but this one is very well crafted, a natural progression of events and excellent acting. It always remains real and believable. One of the best of this genre of hustler life and growing up.