1,001 Ways to Enjoy the Missionary Position (2010) Reviews

• Beautifully filmed and produced: this millennium's 1984

  martinjacksmith2017-07-26

  I had low expectations of this film when I chose to watch it, and I was quite overwhelmed by its depth and relevance. Set in a future world where even bananas are banned for being suggestive, relationships and marriage are tolerated only when approved and regulated by the state. It contrasts the lives of two couples - one elderly approved married couple in crisis and two happy young lovers seeking to marry. Ihe sets, locations, lighting, dialogue, camera angles: everything is so carefully crafted to contrast these couples, to depict the essence of their relationships, and to make us care for them and feel their pain. For days afterwards I was exploring this film in my mind, and its parallels to modern life: its very political message. When a state, even with the best intentions, tries to control our personal and family lives it will inevitably end up damaging them. Suddenly I regret not standing up more for GLBT rights, refugee rights, abortion rights, religious tolerance and so many other instances where nation states still deny citizens their freedom of choice. It has changed me, and in my opinion that makes it more than a good film, it makes it a great film.

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• Not What I Expected

  rleegray-569-581582017-06-22

  I had seen this title a few times, but wasn't sure it would be something I would enjoy. I ended up enjoying it way more than I thought I would. The writing and direction of the movie are very good. I was surprised that I did not find the soap opera/romantic type drama to be predictable as these movies often are. I can say I was very surprised by the plot twist and surprise ending. My biggest criticism is that a few times it seemed to drag along, but I think the overall pace worked to discover and get to know the characters. It was a great exploration of two different couples and two different type of relationships.

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• A (not only) sexual dystonia

  blumdeluxe2017-11-07

  "1001 ways to enjoy the missionary position" tells the story of a young couple that is in love with each other and decides to have children to become a real family. Unfortunately for them, the over- population of the earth has led to strict rules regarding sexual contact and only scientifically matching couples are allowed to stay together and become parents. From this point, a personal nightmare emerges that questions everything they thought was certain. I was positively surprised by the movie. It actually delivers a very serious and thought-through dystonia that comes with realistic elements and a plot that plays with the personal fears of many people. It uses sexuality, but it doesn't circle around the topic, rather it works with it in small doses at points where it is gainful for the film. I also liked the twist in the end, that was a surprise and very skillful connected the different plots into a bigger tale. Of course the title didn't have the biggest budget but i still manages not to look cheap and uses the money well. All in all this is a movie I would advise for people who like to think about our future and aren't afraid to face some unpleasing alternatives while doing so. It is nothing to watch when you want to switch off your brain but it keeps you entertained and emotionally involved.

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