Where Are You Going, Habibi?

Where Are You Going, Habibi?

Where Are You Going, Habibi?

Moviecut—Where Are You Going, Habibi?

This sweet story of friendship between two men works at many levels. One is mostly out and gay. The other has his cards close to his chest. Friendship blooms with a tinge of sexual tension which never gets in the way of the friendship. Well, not really. Bromance is something that many gay men have found very rewarding. Sometimes we find a person who is "queer for us" and not in general. Is that the case with these two attractive guys? I won't spoil the ending. But it is a pretty nice one. And quite believable despite the grouch reviews on this page. OK, I am a romantic.

"Where Are You Going, Habibi?" is a most recent work by director Tor Iben and he is also one of the writers here. The fact that this movie has four writers and still turned out such a massive failure is ridiculous. Luckily for the audience, it only runs for 76 minutes and this already includes almost 10 minutes end credits, so the film is really just over an hour long. And even at this duration it felt completely lacking focus and it has nothing meaningful to say. Instead it tries to convince us that there is still so much discrimination here in Germany against gays and non-Germans, which is not really true as the vast majority of Germans, even older generations, does not really have prejudice anymore. I can of course not talk about other cultures, but I can say that the way they included the coming-out to his family was pretty baity and cringeworthy instead of really interesting or touching. Talk about rushed in. Anyway, this is not the center of the action here at least. But the center, namely the relationship between two men isn't any better either. It probably would have helped if Cel Alkan had any acting experience before that and his co-lead Martin Walde is only slightly better as the likes of "Lindenstraße" are nothing that turns you into a quality performer. Anyway, the movie tried to be really relevant and impactful, but it comes short in both departments and the oh so memorable scenes felt as cheap and uninspired as the rest of it all, like taken from a school stage play. I am talking about the job interview here, but also about the coming-out I mentioned earlier and also about the way they meet for the first time or the way one character gets beaten up for example. There are quite a few examples here. You will recognize them when you see them. But better don't see them at all as this movie is a definite contender for Iben's weakest and this is quite an "achievement" as other stuff I have seen from his is pretty bad as well. Let me recommend you to watch something else instead.

This film can be a bit all over the place but the feeling of hope is constant throughout the movie. It's a story of a bromance that started out as a one sided infatuation that became a friendship built on mutal love and respect. Loved the character development of the main actor, Ibrahim, who is faced with life changing choices. The ending was a bit scattered but it is really a thoroughly enjoyable story. Did not drag and moved at a good pace. Highly recommend as delightful palate cleanser between binge watching dramas or really heavy, nuanced movies.

Surprisingly well done. Subtle and layered. Great story writing, good attention to detail, great acting. Especially interesting angle of racism in Germany. Interesting vignettte where the Turkish protagonist is getting rejection letters until he uses Alexander's (blond blue eyed German name and photo) and gets an interview. Our household is still discussing the movie - it is quite layered and deeper meanings. The erotic shots were also tasteful and subtle - able to watch with my mama. It was a surprisingly tight movie too. I think it was only 1h15min, but they keep the story line moving. Not just a basic gay love story. Will put on our rewatch list for sure!

It's a pretty basic movie but it does have its charm. There are issues with its rhythm. Sometimes it feels rushed and you get a sense that it probably would work better as a miniseries. Wanting more is a good sign. Having seen the two most recent movies of the director Tor Iben, I wasn't expecting a feel-good movie, but I understand why they gave him more chances to do his artsy stuff, with which he really struggles. It's an OK movie with a basic plot and several soapy elements, but if you know the landscape of LGBT movies, this will feel like a rare outstanding movie.

Let's face it, this movie is not a stellar, high value production like a box-office movie, and the storyline is quite simple and predictable in a way. However, I have a soft spot (or maybe crush) on the main character , Ibo and he delivered a persona of an introverted, filial son but secretive with his sexuality, and I can relate to that. And what he did when Ali left the apartment is pretty much what I would do if I'm interested to someone, and some other things as well. Meanwhile, his counterpart, Ali is really an opposite of Ibo but I wasn't really irritated with his character which is a good thing. But, the precious Ibo is always there for his troubles. Like other reviewer said, Ibo (Cem Alkan) lighted up with his presence in this movie, and I second that, I just love his demeanors and I wish I could have an 'Ibo' for myself. And I also wonder why he hasn't continued his career onscreen (as per IMDB listing) because I wish I could see him in another production just to see him in different light. This is still a mystery to me. In overall, there were some cringe moments, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Good for light entertainment on weekend morning I would say.