By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.6
Director: Cesc Gay
Starring: Esther Nubiola | Fernando Ramallo | Jordi Vilches | Mareta Orozco
Original language title: Krámpack
Country: spain
Year: 2001
Running time: 90
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0250478
Nathaniel says: “It’s basically another gay coming of age at the beach film (hmmmm, a foreign film gay mini-trend?)… this one tells the tale of best friends who discover that they want very different things from each other during the summer. In another words, one wants sex and the other wants friendship. Nothing special as a film, but, like COME UNDONE, also from this summer (I don’t know how many of you have seen that French film…but I found it superior to this one.) it was refreshingly devoid of judgment toward its young protagonists. Anyway, at the very least its nice to see gay films tackle more standard subject matter the past few years…”
Esme says: “NICO AND DANI is an old tale, told in an entirely untiring way. Two school friends get together at the beach for the summer to pick up girls, go fishing and a little Krampack! (Girls just don’t do this!) Anyway, the trouble starts when one boy wants things to be as they always were, and the other is ready to branch out and meet girls. I love the Spanish, they seem so mature, even when they are 13 and puking from drinking too much sangria!”
Robin says: “NICO AND DANI is a world class teen film that has meaning in many different cultures and countries, not just Spain. This is the kind of little, independent film that has so much to tell its teen target audience that I hope it can succeed internationally. I wish there were more such honestly rendered and thoughtfully told coming-of-age films.” 4 cats
For Robin’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/nicoanddani.htm”
Ellen says: “I’m glad that I had the opportunity to see this little gem. It tells the story of two teenage boys who are dealing with their emerging sexual feelings. I thought the director/writer did a great job of realistically portraying the way teenagers talk, behave, argue, regroup, etc.” 4 cats
Michael says: “Two fifteen-year-old friends spend a summer together. Nico is searching for a girl and discover love, but Dani only has eyes for Nico. This sweet, likable movie is more frank about sex then any American film would be, but also respectful of the characters, and of the situation they find themselves in. Great, utterly Spanish, supporting actresses help round out the cast.” 3 cats
Laura says: “NICO AND DANI is refreshing after the lowbrow sniggering found in American teen sex comedies. These kids act like real teenagers – young enough to still romp and play, old enough to want to appear sophisticated and sexually desirable (amusingly enough, not too far afield from how the film’s adults are portrayed).” 3.5 cats
For Laura’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/nicoanddani.htm”