Movie review: Bear Cub

Since my roommate Leo subscribes to Netflix, we are inundated with dozens of DVDs every month. I don't know if he picks them or they just come based on a profile or what, but I can't imagine watching that many movies. Nevertheless, he does occasionally prevail upon me to watch a specific flick, and this month he referred to me the 2004 Spanish film Bear Cub.

You should be advised that the R-rated Bear Cub is not a subtitled nature film (do they even have bears in Spain?). If it's not a nature film, well, about what could it be? Have I mentioned that is a (:::whispering:::) hoe-moe-sek-shal?

Bear Cub is a good movie. It's touching without being maudlin. Almost all of the characters are gay males of the "bear" variety. It also reflects real life without resorting to standard movie formulae and token happy endings.

José Luis Garcia-Pérez stars as Pedro, a gay bear dentist living in Madrid. As the movie opens, Pedro's bohemian sister is preparing to travel to India for a three-week vacation with her equally bohemian boyfriend, and she is leaving her nine-year-old son, Bernardo, with his Uncle Pedro while she is away. Even though Pedro is completely out to his family and they accept him, he busily tries to "de-gay" his home and makes sure his gay bear friends behave themselves while the child is around. Uncle and nephew have a great time together and quickly develop a strong, loving family relationship.

One morning, the doorbell rings, and Bernardo's paternal grandmother has shown up, wanting to see her grandson and to try to establish a relationship with him. Apparently, five years ago, her only son, Bernardo's father, died of a drug overdose, and Bernardo's mother had refused to let the grandmother see her grandson after that. Bernardo did not want to spend time with his grandmother, so she left, disappointed and angry.

Meanwhile, Bernardo's mother has been arrested in Asia for trying to smuggle drugs across a border, and she is in prison. Now, Pedro and Bernardo have to make new plans to live together on a permanent basis. Things get complicated, though, when Bernardo's very wealthy grandmother hires a lawyer to get custody of Bernardo.

I don't know if Bear Cub was ever released commercially in the United States or if it's available at Blockbuster or other video rental shops, but if you can find it, I can recommend it to you. It's a short movie, only about an hour and a half in length.