By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 2.75
Director: Mike Mosallam
Starring: Amin El Gamal | Christopher J. Hanke | Haaz Sleiman | Michael Cassidy | Patrick Sabongui | Rula Gardenier | Veronica Cartwright
Country: united_states
Year: 2021
Running time: 92
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9112712/reference
Michael says: “Anyone who knows me, knows I’m pretty tough on ‘gay films,’ especially American ones. BREAKING FAST is no exception, and ultimately, it can’t rise about the tepid script and uneven acting to be a win. However, it’s pretty unique in that while it follows a pretty standard rom-com arc, lead character Mo, is also a practicing Muslim, who while out and accepted by his family and friends, is staunchly devout. The film takes place during Ramadan, the holy month where Muslims fast each day. Early own he meets Kal, and the two become close — but Ramandan is not only a time when Muslim’s fast, it’s also a time when all thoughts of desire are to be set aside. Still, Mo and Kal become pretty close friends, breaking fast together at the end of each day, and are clearly attracted to one another.
“What is also nice, is that while Mo’s faith is an important part of the plot, it’s not the main challenge that prevents these two from coming together. Instead it’s Mo’s staunch knowledge of what is right and wrong, that puts him very much into a category where he judges those around him pretty harshly. There’s no gray in Mo’s life, and that caused major problems with his last relationship, and seems to be headed in the same direction with Kal. Kal’s a little too good to be true, even when things go sour, but as this is a rom-com, things work out and we get our happy ending.
“I’ll admit, I watched this film because Mo is played by Haaz Sleiman, who I have both admired as an actor from his earlier roles in such media as THE VISITOR, and ‘Nurse Jackie,’ and he doesn’t disappoint here. Also notable is Amin El Gamal, stuck in the stock, flamboyant, gay best friend/comic relief, but ultimately allowed to get some depth in the latter half of the film. Sadly, Michael Cassidy as Kal, is pretty flat, and it doesn’t help that his character is poorly written as well, not giving the actor much to work with. Ultimately, it’s the writing that sabotages what could have been a strong film highlighting communities we don’t often get to see if films, much less romantic comedies, so while I enjoyed it for what it was, I was ultimately disappointed. 2 1/2 cats“
Philip says: “It’s nice seeing moderate Muslims portrayed with care, as well as a few moments questioning the need for any kind of organized religion in the lives of people who are hated by the religious right of all faiths. Although this film did not amaze me, I believe it will speak strongly to viewers who want a sweet and innocent gay male rom-com as well as viewers yearning for an intersection of religion and sexuality in their lighter fare. 3 cats“
