Dear Ex (2018)

After a long time, I watched a movie that made my heart so full and my eyes so teary that I wanted to lie down on the floor for a while just to process my emotions. Chinese gay movies just hit different for some reason: this was my third one, and I felt as big a mess as I did after the other two: Wong Kar-wai's Happy Together (1997) and Alice Wu's Saving Face (2004), both of which are not just two of my favourite LGBT+ films of all time, but also two of my personal favourites in general. And I have to say, Dear Ex is a worthy addition to that list. 

The best part about Dear Ex is the story and how it unfolds. It might seem a little confusing and irritating at first, but the film draws you in and treats you to one and a half hour of feeling intensely for each and every character in turn. I was delighted to find out that it was written by two women, and honestly, IT SHOWS. I was lowkey scared that they would make the mother/ex-wife the obvious scapegoat and turn her into the one-dimensional villain, but thankfully, no. She was treated with as much empathy and humanity as the gay characters. As for the gay characters- their story touched me so deeply and profoundly that I really don't know what to say. It was a beautiful depiction, and must be seen to be believed.

I also really appreciated how this movie wasn't "drama, drama, more drama" from start to finish. It had its lighter moments, which were as memorable as the intense ones. On top of this, all the acting performances were fabulous, and so was the overall production value. And how can I forget the animations!! Usually not a big fan of adding animations because I think it feels gimmicky, but here it felt just right, and added to the experience. In short, I loved this movie and watching it with two good friends made it more special. Especially because the last two movies we'd seen should never have been made in the first place.

In conclusion, a gay romance where one person dies but it's still so soft and precious and makes you yearn for things you can't even name? Yes please. 

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