A Queer Story poster
#35811 This Week

A Queer Story

A Queer Story  ·  1997, Hong Kong
6.1
3,591 ratings
1
Film
0
Watchlisted
● Completed 🕑 1997

A relationship of eight years, between a younger, "out" hairdresser and his older, closeted counsellor lover is on the rocks. The counsellor's lesbian aunt is beginning to confront the hostility that kept her estranged…

Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Episodes
Reviews (5)

Set against the vibrant yet conservative backdrop of 1990s Hong Kong, 'A Queer Story' dives into the crumbling eight-year relationship of out-and-proud hairdresser Wai and his older, deeply closeted counsellor partner. As their love unravels under the weight of societal pressure and personal cowardice, Wai’s lesbian aunt begins her own painful journey of confronting the family hostility that drove her away years ago. Blending sharp comedy with raw drama, this indie gem explores the price of hiding one’s true self and the quiet bravery required to live authentically. With candid performances and a script that doesn’t shy away from messy emotions, the film remains a poignant time capsule of LGBTQ+ life in Hong Kong—equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful.

Episode data is coming soon.

6.1
out of 10
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HQ
hk_queer_romantic
March 2025
8/10
I went in expecting a sad story but found so much heart. Wai and his partner have this aching chemistry that hurts in the best way. The scene where they dance in the tiny apartment—I rewatched it three times. Yes, it's a bit rough around the edges, but the raw emotion completely won me over.
VF
vintage_film_critic
July 2024
6/10
I respect what this film tried to do for its time, but the pacing drags in the middle and some dialogue feels too on-the-nose. The aunt's storyline is stronger than the main couple's at points. A noble effort that doesn't fully land but is worth watching for historical context.
A9
aesthetics_90s_lover
December 2024
7/10
The grainy 90s film stock and natural lighting give this an intimate, documentary-like feel that fits the story perfectly. I loved how the camera lingers on small gestures—a hand on a shoulder, a half-smile. The wardrobe and set design scream late-90s Hong Kong. Not flawless but visually evocative.
CA
consent_and_context
September 2025
7/10
This film bravely tackles the psychological damage of forced closeting and familial homophobia. The power imbalance in the age-gap relationship is handled with nuance—it's clear both men are victims of a larger societal sickness. The aunt's storyline is especially resonant for its portrayal of intergenerational queer trauma.
SS
side_ship_lover
November 2024
7/10
Honestly, the lesbian aunt's subplot stole the show for me. Her journey from estrangement to self-acceptance was more compelling than the main couple's repetitive arguments. I wish the film had given her even more screen time. Still, it's a rare gem that treats all its queer characters seriously.