Strapped (2010)

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

I admire TAL-Releasing brand in the entertainment business and their dedication to focus on LGBT issues in their work; we still need that in our era but I got to admit that some of their titles are way too shallow and depend on mere sexual plots without a solid core; this movie isn't one of them. The movie start chic with a good-looking, even sexy, main lead (even guys who are not into twinks would agree) who work as a hustler. After his session with a client, he tried to locate the building exit not knowing that the next turn would bring him more existing encounters. I should firstly praise the director's work, he really tried to squeeze the talent from his actors, an effort quite shown throughout the film. The lightning might be a bit dim but I found it matching most of the atmospheres in the movie. The movie has a timeless vibe - watchers from different times could still relate to the movie stories and the events has a sense of dream-like effect which add to the artistic value of this work. The sex scenes aren't really explicit comparing to other movies in the same genre or with similar story-line. I'll give them in terms of intensity 6 out of 10; I find this quite refreshing. The movie has a message, for viewers who like this kind of things. Still, you could enjoy it with no need to analyze the events. It could be a personal story for the protagonist or for you, it is your choice. I recommend it for a quite night view or with a new date.

We sometimes feel like we are lost, alone, and confused. Why not? Life is a labyrinth of trials, much like the building that the protagonist gets lost (literally and figuratively) in. Mistaking one path for another is easy, terrifying, and painful. Each path has friends and enemies, angels and demons. But if we're lucky enough, brave enough, we just might let someone in. Getting lost finding the way seems less scary.Strapped is one of the most excellent films I have watched in quite a while. The writing is excellent, the direction is excellent, the acting is excellent. I have so much more to say about the intelligence, the symbolism, the honesty, the multi-layered profundity, the heart, and the life-affirming testament that is this film; however, why spoil all the fun for you?

Having never heard of this film or any of the actors, I was hesitant to sit through another "gay hustler" story. I'm thankful I did.Ditto on all the adjectives used by the other reviewers who enjoyed Strapped. This film is fresh. I knocked off 1 star because of a few technical flaws, though they don't detract from the story. This is a definite DVD purchase for my library.I don't believe they were, but I question whether or not the themes may have been too Americanized. Our esteemed reviewer from Russia doesn't share my opinion and I accept that people are looking for different things from the movie experience.

I just saw this film today at Reeling 29, the Chicago LGBT Film Festival. It's my favorite so far and I've seen MANY good, even great, films already. This one was just... great. Ben Bonenfant is an excellent lead in this film, too. I've never seen the short he was in before this, but going to try to find it somehow.His acting was so good, I felt like I was watching a documentary. He/we learn something with every encounter in this film. I don't want to give anything away. I'm buying it as soon as it's out - actually I'm going to see if/when it's available.Seriously, watch this movie and you'll feel like you accompanied Alice down the rabbit hole - except Alice is a hustler and the rabbit hole is, well... use your imagination.