Chang Che-ming is an aspiring Taiwanese actor, who decided to try his hand in direction, with “Bubbling” an LGBTQ film about two male high school students being the result.
Bubbling is screening at Short Shorts Film Festival and Asia
The film starts with a chorus of boys signing, with the protagonist indicated by being placed in the middle and being the only one looking at the camera. The repeating image of a butt in tight pants and a brief scene of masturbation highlight his sexual orientation, as much as his evident angst after the deed. A bit later, a new student, Shane Hao, introduces himself to the choir, immediately standing out for wearing an earring and stating “I hate Christianity. I hate Chinese Nationalist Party.” Kuang, the first student, immediately feels an attraction and decides to follow the new student, with the two eventually striking a conversation, about his comments in classroom. The discussion then moves to more mundane topics, as boys start acting like boys.
A discussion about Sisyphus and the concept of tragedy in the classroom leaves both the teacher and Kuang impressed by the “new boy”, while the bonding of the two becomes more intense, even if Kuang is still timid and Shane Hao more open and carefree. Inevitably, the discussion moves towards his transfer to the school. Gradually, the two come closer, both mentally and physically, but life is not exactly paved with roses.
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One of the best “trends” of recent Asian queer films is that they are getting more and more grounded to reality, with Chang Che-ming also following the “recipe” in his presentation of the first romantic notions of a high school student. And I say “a student” because obviously Shane Hao is more experienced and thus, open, with the difference in overall demeanor between the two creating a very appealing antithesis here. Also of note is the fact that the movie goes beyond the romance, with the discussion presented entering paths of religion, politics and philosophy, while never touching the queer elephant in the room, in an approach that is peculiar.
Nevertheless, the way the story ends leaves a bittersweet sense that also seems to encapsulate the main comment of the film, that experiencing things in life, and pursuing your wishes, is definitely worth it, despite the ending they could have.
The acting is also quite good, with the two protagonists exhibiting their antithesis and their chemistry in the best fashion. The cinematography focuses on realism, also including some art-house close ups, although the truth is that it is too bright and polished on occasion. The editing results in a mid-tempo that works well for the film, which breezes through its 24 minutes, although truth is, the choir singing could have been briefer.
“Bubbling” presents an easy to watch story about the love of two boys, in a fashion that is realistic but also not particularly impactful, especially since the discussions are deep, but out of context. The acting and the story compensate to a point, but it seems that Chang Che-Ming would definitely need a bit more time in his film in order to analyze his characters more and thus make the impact of their relationship more intense.
