This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE
Hey there, friends! It’s time for another cinematic adventure. 🎬
So, I just finished watching “Of An Age,” directed by the one and only Goran Stolevski, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride through the emotional rollercoaster that is the summer of 1999. Spoiler alert – I’m about to dive deep into the plot, so if you haven’t seen it yet, consider this your warning! 🚨
Picture this: It’s Melbourne, Australia, 1999 – a time when boy bands ruled the airwaves, and the Y2K scare was a real thing (I mean, were computers really going to end the world? 😂) We’ve got this 17-year-old Serbian ballroom dancer, Kol (played by Elias Anton), who’s just living his life, you know, doing the dance thing. But then, BAM! His brother’s best friend, Adam (hello, Thom Green!), comes into the picture, and suddenly we’re in a whirlwind of young love and heartache. Talk about a plot twist!
The beauty of this film is how it captures that crazy, confusing, and totally exhilarating feeling of first love. The chemistry between Kol and Adam? It’s like watching fireworks on a hot summer night – absolutely dazzling and a bit unexpected. 🎆.
The film does this amazing thing where it captures the essence of first love and the heartache of unrequited feelings. You’re rooting for Kol and Ebony, but at the same time, you’re like, “Oh boy, this is gonna be a bumpy ride.” And it is! There’s this intense scene after a party where they finally confront their feelings, and I’m not ashamed to admit, I might have teared up a bit. 😢
What I absolutely adore about this film is its raw honesty. It’s not just a love story; it’s a coming-of-age tale that delves into themes of identity, cultural differences, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Stolevski does a phenomenal job of painting this vivid picture of 90s Australia, complete with all the nostalgia (those fashion choices, am I right?).
Now, for some real talk – the film has its bittersweet moments. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, but that’s what makes it relatable, right? It’s a raw and honest depiction of how complicated and messy love can be, especially when you’re just figuring yourself out. And while the film has its ‘wow’ moments, there are parts where it kind of drags. Like, you’ll find yourself checking your watch and wondering when something interesting is going to happen.
And that that ending, oh the ending! It’s not your typical Hollywood ride-off-into-the-sunset scenario ending, but it’s real and it’s heartfelt — and rather depressing. It leaves you with this lingering feeling of what could have been, and honestly, it’s refreshing to see a film that doesn’t shy away from the complexities of real life. But you might want to have a comfort movie lined up for after. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially after riding the emotional rollercoaster that is Kol and Adam’s ‘will they/won’t they’ relationship.
Despite the slow bits and the heart-wrenching conclusion, “Of an Age” does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of first love and the bittersweet realities that come with it. If you’re into films that make you laugh, cry, and contemplate life all at the same time, then you may want to give it a watch. The performances are top-notch, and the 90s throwback is a treat. Just be prepared for a bit of a slog in places and maybe keep a box of tissues handy for that ending.
So, if you’re in the mood for a nostalgia-filled, emotion-packed film and don’t mind a bit of a downer ending, give “Of an Age” a watch. Just remember, I warned you about the slow parts and the tears! 😉
Catch you at the movies! 🌟🎥🍿😭
Roger