RFP: Overlooked—The Best A&E You Likely Missed

Part 2 (of 3)

Last week I began a three-part series on the best of Arts and Entertainment.  But there was a small catch—it was a list of the best A&E that has been overlooked time and time again.  The reasons for such oversights are many and usually complicated, but are also worth consideration.

In Part 1, I put in a good word for Avatar: The Last Airbender, an American animated television series that ran on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008.  Whether because of its children’s demographic, or its Asian-influenced animation, or (more likely) because of M. Night Shyamalan’s deplorable film adaptation of the series’ first season, many of us missed the boat on this incredible series.  From its thoughtful storytelling to its rich characterization to its vivid landscapes, Avatar: The Last Airbender is truly worth your time and consideration.  Be sure to check it out.

This week, however, we move from children’s entertainment to something that is decidedly more adult themed.

THE OVERLOOKED: Young People Fucking (a.k.a Y.P.F.)
Often advertised in its acronym form, Y.P.F., the 2007 romantic comedy Young People Fucking was the talk of the town during its debut at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival.  The film follows five couples over the course of one night, with each couple representing a specific archetype: The Best Friends, The Roommates, The First Date, The Couple, and The Exes.  Divided into six acts, Young People Fucking explores how we approach and understand sex, and the ways in which sex affects and informs the relationships we form.  But don’t let that high-minded talk discourage you—the film is without question a comedy.  If you’re interested, you can check out the trailer here (personally, I think the trailer does the movie a disservice, hence why I’m not embedding it).

WHY YOU MISSED IT
If you’ve heard about this Canadian indie film, and yet chose not to see it, it’s likely for one very specific reason:  the film’s title.  Indeed, upon hearing the title, many moviegoers assumed that the film was poronography, and likely hardcore porn at that.  If not porn, many of us continued to assume, then the film was likely just trying to nab some media spotlight by using a vulgar title.  And then there’s the fact that most sex comedies are juvenile and unfunny.  That alone is reason enough not to spend your hard-earned money.

THE TRUTH
Whenever I’m asked to list my favourite movies, I often hesitate before mentioning Young People Fucking.  Truth be told, I love this little film, and can’t recommend it enough; however, not everyone responds well to such a recommendation.  But, as President Obama would say, let me be clear: this film isn’t really about young people “fucking”; instead, it is about young people who come to find that sex is far more complicated and emotionally involving than they would have otherwise believed.  Ask most people who’ve seen it, and they’ll tell you that the film is actually quite charming and quaint, not to mention witty and thoughtful.  Personally, I think Young People Fucking is not only the best sex comedy or romantic comedy I’ve seen in years, but it is also one of the most refreshing takes on relationships that I’ve ever seen from the movie industry.

And just how raunchy is it?  Believe it or not, it’s not that raunchy at all.  The nudity is actually quite tame, and (thankfully) evenly balanced between male and female actors.  If you know me, then you know that I believe that nudity does have a place in certain films, just so long as its used thoughtfully.  Such is the case with Young People Fucking.  Never exploitative, this film uses nudity as it is meant to be used: naturally.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND IT
As with Avatar: The Last Airbender, the best place to find Young People Fucking is on Netflix.  If you don’t already have Netflix, I highly recommend considering getting it.  Failing that, the movie can be bought (or ordered) anywhere movies are sold, or can likely be rented at your nearest Blockbuster or Rogers Video.

NEXT WEEK
In the final instalment of Overlooked, I recommend a novel that is currently being adapted to the Big Screen and said to star Brad Pitt.  It is a novel that is often shelved in the humour section of bookstores, though could just as easily be shelved in the horror section.

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Rowing For Pleasure is a weekly opinions column written by Z S Roe.  Please leave a comment or question—all opinions are welcome, and all contributions are greatly appreciated.  If you like what you read here, please subscribe.