43) CIAO

Director: Yen Tan

Stars: Adam Neal Smith, Alessandro Calza, Charles W. Blaum, Ethel Lung

Year: 2008

Rating: R

I was quite surprised by just how touching this film was by its end. A short little gem of a film that offers nothing more than a story between mostly two characters - with a third sort of hovering over the proceedings the entire time - Ciao (which, appropriately here, is Italian for both "hello" and "goodbye") opens with Dallas resident Jeff (Adam Neal Smith) packing up the remaining possessions of his ex-lover and friend Mark (Charles W. Blaum, via flashbacks), who has recently died in an accident. On Mark's computer, Jeff comes across emails from a guy in Italy named Andrea (Alessandro Calza), with whom Mark had evidently been communicating for some time. It seems Andrea is in the process of coming to America for a wedding, and had planned to stop by Dallas and meet Mark for the first time - and, obviously, has no idea Mark has passed. Jeff hurriedly emails, but as Andrea is already on his way the two decide that Andrea will still come to Dallas as planned, and spend an evening learning more about Mark.

Most of the film is about these two characters who shared on thing - the best friend and potential lover they've each lost in the same man. Ciao takes its time playing out the friendship that grows between the two men, as Jeff shares his memories with Mark and Andrea shares the emails and videos and conversations that Mark shared him with online or on the phone. Where some "gay-themed" films might have gone in an obvious direction here, turning the film into an excuse for these two to have sex or get together as a couple, Ciao instead plays itself out - and, more importantly, ends - on a touching, very realistic note that satisfies even while it might make you shed a tear or two. A sweet little film deserving an audience. ***1/2 - Reel Cool-Reel Awesome