Maurice

Shortwave Cinema, London, SE1, until Sept. 13, then touring nationally.
DVD release (Peccadillo Pictures) Sept. 21

Reviewed, by Ken Russell, in The Times:

Directed by Michael Haigh with great sensitivity, it's an intimate docudrama about the lives of a group of friends in the London male escort service, colloquially known as "rent boys".

There are a few explicit scenes, and a little cocaine experimentation, but in context all is portrayed with breathtaking artistry and considerateness.

And then there's Pete, utterly charming, idealistic and handsome, on the cusp of adulthood, played by Pete Pittaros.....

We hear light-hearted renditions of the chilling range of bizarre services that the young escort men are asked to provide, and confront the always lurking possibility of violence.....

That the kids manage to keep their innocence and health is testimony to the power of spirit, friendship and luck....