The Wolves of Kromer (1998)

A Masterpiece!

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Loved Wolves of Kromer. Of course I have to say I watched it because of Lee Williams, who is always beautiful and a delight. This movie has the feel of a made for TV movie or after school special. Set in a small village in Great Britain, that is plagued by wolves. Now the wolves aren't really werewolves, or the 4 legged kind of wolves, they are people with claw-like finger nails, fangish teeth, and tails. Really the wolves are supposed to be gay people. The pretty young boys who want nothing but to sing, dance and romp with each other, harming no one, but are blamed for everything wrong in the town. a Metaphor for "somethings wrong and I don't want to look at us. So, of course, it's them!" My favorite relationship besides that of Seth (Williams) and fellow wolf Gabrielle (James Layton) is the relationship between the priest and a young boy. (No not in that way) The priest who acts like a closeted wolf himself, tries to convince the boy that wolves are evil, sent by Satan, and must be killed. The boy is always asking questions like, if the wolves must be killed why aren't they mentioned in the bible, and why can't we just leave them alone. To which, the priest just responds with non-logical rhetoric, while all the while looking more obsessive and more bent.

The Wolves of Kromer tells the story of two wolves who, despite being persecuted by the villagers of Kromer, fall in love.The Wolves of Kromer is a "modern-day fairy tales" with a bit of a gay twist. The persecuted wolves aspect is supposed to be a metaphor for gays being persecuted by the straight community. Also - to add some not so subtle hints - all of the wolves are male...! The Wolves of Kromer had some potential with its interesting ideas and fresh approach to gay cinema - but unfortunately - it gets bogged down with a boring story-line featuring two old ladies trying to murder a wealthy woman to get her inheritance. The subplot doesn't really gel with the gay wolves at all.If the movie had of been a bit more focused on the gay-wolf story - then it could have been a whole lot better. Despite all the criticism - there were some neat ideas and a half-decent twist at the end.

I really enjoyed the allegory and parallels between gays and wolves. It provided a wealth of intelligent, sensual comparisons to comment on sexuality and greed without being overtly crass.And Gabriel, played by James Layton, is just plain irrresistable. *woof*

The movie takes place in a small British town. Seth and Gabriel are gay, in love and are werewolves. Meanwhile the townspeople are out to kill them because they're "different".In this movie the werewolves are (very obviously) a metaphor for gay men. In fact the two actors are always in human form even when they're wolves (this movie was made on a VERY low budget). They just wear fur, have long claws for fingernails and have tails (a big mistake--they look laughable).As you can tell, this is one strange movie. It's well done, beautiful color and scenery and a lush music score. Also, some of the jokes are quite funny but there are plenty of groaners too. The message is also very pro-gay. Unfortunately, this movie doesn't always work.The acting is bad (it's obvious they hired models, not actors) and this is a cute idea but it's stretched out to 70 minutes.So, it has its moments (especially if you're gay) but doesn't work as a whole. Still, I recommend it. When it does work it's great!