REVIEW: Queen of Amsterdam
QUEEN of Amsterdam is wonderful way to wrap up what has been the best Mardi Gras Film festival yet. If you have watched the many moving dramas and thought-provoking documentaries, now is the time sit back, relax, and watch the gay version of Ocean’s 11.
Set in Amsterdam during their canal celebration, this film focuses on group of friends and family trying to save a gay venue, Chez Nous, from closure and turning into a techno club. To this group of friends, the place is more than a gay club — it’s the heart of their community.
The film flows extremely well, with witty dialogue and acting that doesn’t overplay stereotypes. There are some great drag performances peppered throughout.
The only way to save Chez Nous from bankruptcy is to pull off a jewellery heist from a museum, and a son reuniting with his ex-con father is key to this happening.
Watching the film made me want to put the canal pride on the top of my bucket list, and the reminded me of the important roles our gay bars play in our community. Historically, venues like Chez Nous were some of the only places gay men could be themselves, and you can understand the importance to this group of friends to save it.
Congratulations to Queer Screen for selecting this light-hearted yet meaningful film for their closing night. With so many of our local venues being negatively affected by over-regulation and government red tape, the Mardi Gras Film Festival has provided a venue for our community to get together, connect, talk and enjoy so many wonderful films, including this one.
Queen of Amsterdam is on tonight at 7.30pm. Details and tickets: http://tix.queerscreen.org.au/
The film will be screened alongside the winning film of My Queer Career 2015, Hole by Tony Radevski.
Watch the trailer for Queen of Amsterdam:
You May Also Like
