Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Eternal Summer is a romantic drama about a love triangle between three high school students, Jonathan (Ray Chang), Shane (Joseph Chang), and Carrie (Kate Yeung).
The film opens with Jonathan as a child in elementary school. Since Johnathan is smart and well behaved, he’s asked to befriend the troubled Shane and hopefully be a good influence on him. But while the “friendship” does keep Shane out of trouble, Jonathan’s grades suffer because of it.
When Jonathan and Shane are in high school, the obligation has blossomed into a true friendship. Jonathan’s grades continue to fall despite keeping Shane in line. And in school, Jonathan meets Carrie, who takes a liking to him. But while Carrie would like to have Jonathan as a boyfriend, it’s obvious that he’s not interested. And after she meets Shane, it becomes clear that Jonathan is in love with him.
And as Jonathan’s love for Shane blossoms into desire, Shane begins to secretly date Carrie. What follows is a film about two young men who are emotionally connected to each other despite the destructive nature of their friendship.
Some Thoughts:
Eternal Summer is a sensitive and honest portrayal of three people who are emotionally bound to each other. It’s a heartbreaking film with some fine acting and beautiful imagery.
Director Leste Cheh keeps the story simple while maintaining the focus on the central characters. Chen fills the film with mood and pleasant imagery, making it easy to lay back and take it all in.
The cast works well together, giving their friendship realism and depth. Ray Chang shines as the sexually confused and lovelorn Jonathan. Chang portrays Jonathan with an inner sadness that allows the viewer to feel for him.
The complexity of Shane and Jonathan’s relationship is what drives the film. In the beginning, it’s easy to blame Jonathan’s troubles on Shane, especially since he’s a straight man who seems to be playing Jonathan. It isn’t until the real nature of Shane’s feelings for Jonathan come to light that it becomes evident that he isn’t the bad guy.
Eternal Summer lacks the emotional intensity that most people would expect from a story about doomed love. But since everything about the movie is so well done, I believe Cheh’s intention was to focus on mood over drama. The film may not have any highs and lows, but it will lull you into satisfaction.
The Final Verdict:
Eternal Summer is an artsy romantic tragedy that is beautifully told and skillfully acted. It will elicit a subtle sadness instead of an ugly cry.
