I was born in 1950 and remember you couldn't really say homosexual in a movie (due to the Hays Code). I remember the straight world's shock of a 1975 Time Magazine cover with a picture of sargent Leonard Matlovich and the words "I Am A Homosexual." And the thrill of hearing the Village People's music on popular radio where they mentioned the names of same famous gay bars in CA and NY. The big even of a movie that had gay men actually interacting with each other (The Boys In The Band) but presented as such bitchy queens, it kept me in the closet a few more years. And all the other movie where the queer characters were just naturally the villain and/or took their own life. When movies about gay characters scared away straight audiences (until Brokeback Mountain). So a movie like RW&RB makes me want to keep pinching myself it is real. Like a number of other fans, I have become pleasantly obsessed with it - rewatching it again and again along with all the blooper reels, interviews, and reaction videos.
The first gay character on TV I've seen was Steven Carrington from Dinasty in 80's but it wans't until Brokeback Mountain as you see were you see a real history of love (sad, yes) but not an stereotypical one.
John, thank you for sharing your story with us. We, as a community, have come a long way, and it's beautiful to see the level of representation we are seeing in mainstream media today. We grew up in the 90s, and even for us, it's heartwarming and reassuring watching a movie like this. Thank you for being on this journey with us 🫶
@@therainbowreelsDo you guys watch kdramas or Chinese drama series? I've got so many bromance recommendations like these big 3: -Devil judge -The Spirealm(Chinese bl adaptation on virtual reality games) -Beyond evil These are like the top 3 of bromance series🙂. Other top series are: -Return of a high school gangster -The Heavenly idol -The untamed(this is a Chinese bl adaptation and a must watch) -Chief Kim or (good manager) -Ghost doctor -Weak hero class (a classic) -Bloodhounds Word of honor (also like the untamed, a bl). Pls watch these if you can, as I only put the top or the best in here.
I'm similar to yourself, born in 1952 my recollections of the past are vivid and at times trigger emotions different generations don't relate to. I've lived in three countries in my lifetime, I've seen progress, regression and repression due to politics through the years. Sadly at different times in life I've been "in" "out" "in". Now I'm older I don't experience the "out" I experienced in the past, I can't say I agree with reclamation of things people of my generation found vile or offensive. I find that now I pick and choose between the positive and negatives in entertainment. I purchased the book of Red, White and Royal Blue. It sits (still) at page 3 though I have viewed the movie many times over. As a former Brit, this book though fiction speaks a bold positive contrast of many unspoken royal past inferred but never substantiated.
Not the Zahra hate lol Ya'll completely misread it xD She's there to protect the first family (scandals included) which is why she was in the hotel room trying to make sure nothing was going to harm the campaign. And oops... she was right. Because Miguel saw them go up together and leaked the emails. SMH. Loved the reaction tho!
@@therainbowreels Extracted from the book : " It’s not exactly that he’s afraid of Zahra, his mom’s deputy chief of staff and right-hand woman. She has a spiky exterior, but Alex swears there’s something soft in there somewhere.She’s not technically the most powerful or important player in his mother’s White House, but she’s been working by Ellen’s side since Alex was five and Zahra was fresh out of Howard. She’s the only one trusted to wrangle the First Family" Sarah Shahi made a perfect work representing the Zahra we all imagined when reading the book and surely she must have been hiding the messes that Alex made since he was a teenager
Zahra is definitely NOT the enemy. It is suggested that perhaps when Miguel and Alex hooked up that time back on the campaign trail, Miguel was able to get Alex's password. Miguel was able to read the TX memo as he told Alex at the Prime Minister's banquet, even though Alex said it was highly confidential. (At that point he did have access to Alex's emails even if we don't know how he got them.) Zahra was freaking out that Alex had hooked up with some "rando" who would leak the story to the press. (Zahra said Alex probably did not get "her" sign a non-disclosure agreement the night before AND this person could have left her phone on so it was broadcasting to others.) Such a scandal would overpower all the good publicity they were trying to get with his mother's nomination at the convention. Zahra is White House Deputy Chief of State which means everything she does is to support the president and the office of president. Traditionally this requires a no-nonsense singular focus above all else. PLUS the book by the same name on which the movie is based makes it clear she is supportive. And the actress who played her, Sarah Shahi, said in an interview it was very important that the scene NOT look like she was disapproving of a same-sex relationship. ---- Henry does not OWN a key (as in carry it around). He knew where there was a key hidden to get out of the palace but like everything else, it wasn't his exclusively.
Thank you for the breakdown, and after we edited and rewatched it we felt that she was somewhat set up to be antagonistic. At least that's how we perceived her in our first time watching it. She turned out to be a clear ally at the end. 👏 Thanks for watching 🙌
Zara is definitely not suspicious. She acts very familiar w Alex because she's been keeping him in check and cleaning up after any scandals w the family since she has been working with the President (which means she knows Alex at least since he was a teenager, hence why she acts more like an older sister or surrogate mother than just an employee). In the book you get even more context of their closeness because she even gets invited to their family christmas and holiday events
According the book : " It’s not exactly that he’s afraid of Zahra, his mom’s deputy chief of staff and right-hand woman. She has a spiky exterior, but Alex swears there’s something soft in there somewhere.She’s not technically the most powerful or important player in his mother’s White House, but she’s been working by Ellen’s side since Alex was five and Zahra was fresh out of Howard. She’s the only one trusted to wrangle the First Family"
All gays had experience with girls cuz no one born gay and its not bi its gay or straight bisexuality is lie and they are gays but ashamed of calling themselves gay 😂😂😂 @@melisasmythe
In the book Zhara is described as family, she was working with Alex's mother for years and she knows Alex since he was 5 y o, thats why she talk him in that way. The chemistry was amazing. The first kiss, the scene in Paris, so intimate, so tender, so sweet and romantic is a new level. The dancing in the museum and the hug in the stairs was so sweet, desesperated
The scene at the NYE party where everyone drops and it's just the two of them standing is quite realistic. The lyrics of the song say "Let me see you get low, get your a$$ to the floor..." Then on "break it down" everyone drops. It's a pretty standard DJ call with that song. And let's remember. Henry doesn't know the song, so that's the reason he didn't drop. But this is one of Alex's favorite songs. He would know that the drop was coming. But he was as focused on Henry as Henry was focused on him. That's what's so special about that moment. That's why that scene is my favorite. It's one of those magical moments that can really happen. It's supernatural. It's beautiful.
the book was way spicier than the movie. I read the book afterwards. I like both individually. Theyre like the same boys (characters) just with different stories.
Great reaction. Only thing. Most people not from USA have no idea what Zara's job is. She is the Presidents Chief of Staff and Campaign Manager. She is in charge of all things that have to do with the President. Including any scandals that might happen. As the President's son, Alex needs to be very careful in his private life. Sleeping with the Prince is very risky. So, she had to let it be known that they had to be very careful.
Thanks for the info, we thought she was the presidents PA or something like that. Makes sense she wasn't accepting Alex' boundaries, considering her role. Thanks for watching 🙌
24:33 WOAH. That was a bit uncalled for. I'm getting flashbacks to my "friends" who rolled their eyes when I first came out as Bi. Bi & Ace prejudice is real.😢😢
Thank you for being honest and sharing your personal experience with us. Panos did indeed role his eyes due to his unconscious bias, but Matt checked him right away. No bi-erasure here 🫶
One other thing to understand about Zahra's reaction to finding Henry in Alex's room is that this was happening during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) which is a 4 day event that is one of the MOST important times for a presidential candidate's campaign. Traditionally, the candidate speaks on the final night of the DNC. Alex had just delivered his DNC speech on the evening Henry had shown up at the hotel bar. It could not have been worse timing in terms of political risk to his mom's campaign for Alex to decide to let Henry up to his room that night. Zahra has bigger things to worry about than who Alex is sleeping with, which is why she was mad at him for taking the risk hooking up with anyone, let alone the Prince of England, in a hotel full of reporters before the final night of the DNC. Although Zahra loves Alex, making sure President Claremont is reelected in a very close election affects many more people than just Alex.
We didn't pick up that it was the DNC. 😳 It makes total sense that she lost her marbles over this. Especially the NDA bit AND that it was the Prince of England. Thanks you for adding context and for watching 🫶
Henry was not living in Buckingham Palacee. He was living in Kensington Palace, near the VMA, hence its was easy to get into the VNA. And he bribes a guard to leave the keys in the museum, hence its true that he does not own a key/keys. Anf in the conversation where his phone was confiscated, Henry asked who gave the orders when in fact he was the head of the palace (Kensington), the old geezer said the orders cane from Buckingham Palace.
Thanks, you're right about Henry living at Kensington Palace which is very near the V&A, where they actually shot that scene. The museum had a lot of restrictions for filming like they could only use the available lighting that was in the museum.
They probably could have had a little background on Zahra to give context for the hotel room scene. In the book, it's made clear that Alex can't really have hookups without the other person having to sign an NDA and clearing it with security and everything first. That's why she barged into the room, because Alex never had Henry sign an NDA, because she would have seen it if he had.
Interested. This would have made things a lot clearer, but maybe they wanted to leave room for interpretation?! They clearly fooled us 🤣 Thanks for watching 🙌
@@Cory182 They had shared NDAs right from the first return trip to England for Alex to make amends:after Cakegate - whilsy posing for photos he says: "my NDA is bugger than yours."
In book Alex had just discovered he was bisexual and im so so mad they removed it from the movie. It was so much more clear and I loved the rep. Also, the sexuality confession scene made way more sense there in the book than in the movie where Miguel exists, and they had their relationship lmfao
As a gay man I am so happy that we got this movie and got represented in the right way. Normally we are betrayed as the gay best friend or the irritating whatever. Love this movie so much ❤❤❤❤❤
So in the book, Alex is a law student who wants to follow in his parents footsteps and run for office himself. It is made very clear that while they are worried about Henry/alex being accepted as a male/male couple, the bigger issue is that as a royal Henry cannot be seen to be political. “My life is the crown, yours is politics and I will not trade one cage for another” is Henry knowing that whether he says a royal or gives up the title to date Alex, he will always be stuck in the spotlight, which Henry doesn’t really want. Zara is 100% an ally- her job is to protect the president and her family, and having someone in your room in a hotel full of journalists is almost asking for a story to be written. In the book, it is the presidents rival who reveals the romance in order to try and win the election, but they switched that in the movie. The rival also implies that the relationship might mean America capitulating/ giving into England(kickbacks basically).
Favourite moment: « I went to an english boarding school, dear. Don’t worry, you’re in good hands » . And to see those hands in action just a few seconds later of course !
Sorry I wrote a wall of text, and still I have more to say! Yes you can peel the layers of an onion off. Yes the movie has two moods. In English we say Rom Com, but director Matthew López seems to have invented the Rom Com Drama, which has an extended serious passage inserted between the comedic sections. We have to thank intimacy coordinator Robbie Taylor Hunt for making the actors comfortable enough to display such realistic passion and love on camera. Taylor Zakhar Perez as Alex and Nicholas Galitzine as Henry elevated this movie beyond its budget, beyond its Rom Com status into an instant classic that is already changing the cultural zeitgeist. It and Heartstopper have literally saved the mental health of hundreds of millions of people worldwide (including all the loving straight ones) who are sickened and afraid of the right wing normalising of Trans and Queer phobia and oppression. These two shows have had massive views from all the nations Homosexual relations are illegal in. Young Royals too, but it is not such a safe comfort space as Red White and Royal Blue and Heartstopper.
@@ariadnepyanfar1048What a wonderful comment. Took the words right out if my head and heart - and the lives and souls this film has opened and spoken for is remarkable. And there is another discussion altogether about the talent that is Nicholas Galitzine.
There are SO MANY favorite moments, it's hard to choose ONE, but if I could only pick one that I could watch over and over and over again, it would be from the moment Alex calls Henry "Baby" to the point where they're hugging on the stairs and Alex is saying "I'll break the sound barrier for you." I CRY every time I see this and believe me when I say I've totally lost count.
@@michaelkrupar9808 if I could only pull one still from this movie, it would be the final still moment they pause in on the stairs. Incredible shot compositionally, but of course, we feel the full emotional weight of it and just how *there* for they are, how much they need each other in their worst moments of life. How human and *romantic* it is.
Haha, we loved watching their romance unfold. Funny enough, it's less "hate", but more so annoyance at her barging into Alex's room, and also her dismissing his Texas memo at the beginning. We perceived her as antagonistic, which was obviously not the case. We are glad that she turned out to be an ally, and hope she'll be back for the sequel. We need to see her and Shaan have a steamy moment. Thanks for watching 🙌
40:49 Henry is saying he would be just as trapped if he left the crown to be with Alex. He is very obviously and understandably scared of taking that leap
Why are you hating on Zahra? You completely misunderstood her. She's an awesome character and a fan favourite. PS. It was pretty clear that Miguel hacked the emails.
Not hating on her, just misread her character, and perceived her not reading Alex' memo and barging into his room as antagonistic. Glad to see she was the ally at the end, and wr hope she will be back for the sequel. Shaan too. We need more scenes of both of them. Thanks for watching 🙌
We misread her character completely and actually thought she disliked Alex, and was somewhat working against him. For example, her not showing interest towards his Texas memo, or barging into his hotel room. At that point we also thought she was "just" a PA, so we thought that was too much of her. But she is clearly much more senior than that 😅 We do hope her and Shaan will have more screen time in the sequel 👍 Thanks for watching 🙌
SPOILERS for the book! In the book the person responsible for the leak was the other candidate who was running against Alex’s mother but I guess to shorten the plot they inserted Miguel who was the responsible one here. There are a few big changes from book to movie but I still loved both. PS Sarah is an ally she is just doing her job and freaks out because she knows any scandal could hurt the campaign.
That was one aspect I think they should have left in the movie. One main reason they flipped Texas was that the Republican candidate did something so dirty to a son of Texas. You don't mess with Texas.
I love both the movie and book. I do wish they had kept that part for the movie, but I get some concessions had to be made to keep it from being a 6-hour movie. Also wish they hadn’t cut June out of it.
Ha, we are full of surprises on this channel 😀 Jokes aside, we did indeed misread her whole character 😳 After watching a few times during the editing process, we picked up on more things and can totally see how she is a fan favourite. Hopefully, she'll be back for part two. Thanks for watching 🫶
Something I love is that Alex had to come out to his mother, but his father already had an inkling. Flips the mother always knows/ father is oblivious trope. Congressman Diaz picked up on Alex crushing on Henry before he realized it himself, "What's the deal with you and the prince? He seems like a decent guy..." Insisting that Alex invite Henry to the vacation house. Henry and Alex's dad interact like a dad trying to give the boyfriend a hard time, "No, you can call me Congressman.." 😂😂
You guys really misunderstood Zarah. She was a comical character (the president's chief of staff?) and NO SHE WAS NOT THE LEAK!!! She was just doing her job trying to hold things together in order to assure Ellen Claremont's re-election. I can't say that I am a fan of your reactions. Sorry, not sorry.
Wow! As a straight old lady, I have always supported LGBTQ rights. My late brother was a closeted gay his whole life. We only discovered the truth after his death. It is nice to see the numbers of gay movie review channels but how does a viewer choose which ones to watch? So many choices, so little time......
You gotta read the book, the film is good but the book is so much better - the characters are more fleshed out, there are other characters that had to be cut from the movie, the storyline is much more clear on who outed them and why, everything ties together so much better in the book. (Also if you’re like me and sometimes struggle with books (ADHD is a bitch y’all) I definitely recommend the audiobook version, the performance from the narrator is great)
Good job! Really liked your reaction. A shame you have to cut so severely for TH-cam. Would be great to see you guys unedited on Patreon. Really enjoyed the movie and the book. Only minor problem is that both Henry and Alex are younger in the book. But I think the casting, as it turned out, was a very good choice. Both Nick and Taylor did a fantastic job.
Excellent casting indeed. When it was announced I frowned at that cast: Nicholas was 28 and Taylor 31 (?). Henry and Alex in the book are 22 and 21 respectively.
They aged up the characters so Alex is already finishing Law school when they found the actors for the leads. Galatzine for Henry was an obvious perfect cast. Then it took 5 months for Matthew López to find Taylor Zakhar Perez. López said he wouldn’t do the movie if they didn’t find a perfect Alex. And given the script being so limited by a 2 hour film mode, TZP brought the cannonball energy and the sheer sexual charisma of Alex.
@@ariadnepyanfar1048 So well put. And as you say, the length of time that they had to develop the story, the relationship had to mature much faster than in the book. So the sexual energy had to be there almost from the start of the movie. Probably wouldn't have worked with characters barely out of their teen age years. Again, good casting.
What I found annoying about your video is that you guys talked and joked so much that a lot of dialogue went right over your heads due to the lack of your attention. Because of that you suspected Zarah was the culprit that leaked their romance. She is the press secretary of the White House who's is supposed to suppress any scandal. There is no way she would betray her job duties. In fact, we saw that she and Alex had a very warm, protective relationship. Of course the culprit was Miguel who hacked Alex and Henry's emails. I hope you re-watched this movie to see the parts you missed.
I kept thinking you two were either dumb, or watching a different movie. Not keeping up with the storyline is one thing, but not understanding the roles people play, eg: Chief of staff entering Alex's room, and of course.... grey hoodie's preoccupation with doors locking... etc...Secret Service role, not shown-but understood. What made me mad, was the quiz on the plane Alex and SS guard taking- mentioning Henry's Dad's death...and later you both trying to figure out "why his grandpa" . Miguel's story was obvious, but you missed it... I am sad that you missed so much and understood so little.
Great and fun gay films that are not ridiculously sad and traumatizing but never get recommended are Shelter and Maurice. They were a few of the feel good ones back then when every gay movie was incredibly sad. Also, fun reaction to this movie, it’s always great to see new people reacting to it!
Good reaction, but sounds like Panos wasn't paying too much attention. I know that you guys are supposed to show your reaction, but so much talking over the dialogue may have led you to miss quite a few parts of the dialogue. Still blaming Zarah always to the end means that you probably didn't hear when Alex first brought up the Campaign memo with Zarah and he said that he had sent it to the campaign weeks before. Chances are that Miguel got it from that source, not from Zarah's copy (remember the "I'm a journalist Alex, I have my sources" at he PM dinner? So clearly Miguel was the culprit, with both journalistic and jealousy motivations. Anyway, Zarah's only obvious motivation was to protect the White House from any scandal before the election. My favorite moment (there are a few) is perhaps the sequence that begins with the confrontation at KP and ends at the airport, because that's they both surrender to each other in stages. Impulsive Alex promises to be as patient s Henry needs and Henry in turn accepts the "prison" that he had rejected the previous night (Alex's career in politics) when he tells him to go win an election. Many beautiful moments.
Have you seen three (3) straight men reviewing Red White & Royal Blue? They show their ignorance during the review. They were clueless about how the gay lifestyle works and what we go through with the do's and don't.
Loved your reactions, l see why you picked those two scenes as your favourite. You are the only people I’ve seen who didn’t immediately understand Miguel hacked their emails, confirmed by the very short time he got a written article to press after their release to reddit. It might be because you’re European, and internet privacy is protected fiercely there unlike anywhere else. In the English speaking world there has been at least two famous journalist widespread hack of phones/emails in Britain. The earlier one released an incredibly private sexual message from Prince Charles to Camilla Parker Bowles, after Diana was dead and before they married. The couple were ridiculed mercilessly for the imagery Prince Charles used. Also in 2016 a hack of the Democrat and Republican’s emails was accomplished. There was a further hack of Hilary Clinton’s private email server, and Republicans attacked her for using the private email for some of her political correspondence. While all of the Democrat’s emails were released to the press, the Republican’s emails were not. One thing I wish they’d been able to convey from book to screen is that at the start of the story the media spun the cake falling as a result of an angry altercation between Henry and Alex that turned physically violent, sending them into the cake. That narrative makes the “longstanding friendship, frat-bro clowning into the cake” media-narrative spin tour much more realistic as damage control. Because an English Prince and a USian First Family member getting angry violent WOULD be NEWS, and a diplomatic disaster. Other than that the screenwriters/Director Matthew López did a fantastic 2 hour adaptation of a very long book. No notes. Prince Henry would have NO idea everyone swivels to the floor during Get Low, and Alex gets distracted by Henry suddenly appearing out of the crowd and forgets to go down. Oh that image. Glad you liked it too. They mention Prince Henry lives in Kensington Palace, which is only 1 mile from the V&A. You were probably thinking of Buckingham Palace where the Monarch lives while in London. Slanderous to say Henry lied about owning a key! ;) He pulled the gate key from a drainpipe on the wall and who knows who else uses it or put it there? As said in the film Henry’s dad used to take him to the V&A regularly at night when there were no gawkers, so presumably Henry inherited this privileged relationship with the V&A guards. The actor who plays homophobe Prince Henry is also gay, and they found a trans woman actress to play the trans woman bodyguard character, Amy. You found the dialogue in Henry’s Bedroom weird. “I have done nothing but express myself to you” Henry said in the bedroom. The first time Henry blows Alex, Henry says “I can’t afford for you to fall in love with me”. In Paris, Henry told Alex the King sat him down at 18 and told him not to let any selfish desires interfere with his public duty, and there were channels that could be taken. Henry says “Prince Henry belongs to the public. Henry Fox has to belong to himself or he’ll vanish.” When Alex asks if he can ever belong to anyone else, Henry said, “Only momentarily” and then flinches away from Alex extending his hand in sympathy, in public. On the pontoon in the lake, Alex has clearly forgotten these conversations in his elation of being in love, but they have never been taken back by Henry. But the audience remembers them as Henry withdraws his hand from Alex while he talks about walking hand in hand together through Austin, Texas in the future. In Henry’s bedroom when Alex wails he doesn’t understand why Henry left him, Henry has already told him. Alex seems to think their change in feelings for each other have changed the facts of Henry’s life, but they haven’t, and they don’t. When reminded of the facts - Henry’s family is not supportive like his. It’s so not supportive that Henry was instructed by the King to hide his sexuality for life - Alex then wants Henry to fight the King’s orders. “Fight for us” Casey McQuiston started writing the book in 2016. They (are non-binary) intended a much darker, realistic story. But then Trump won and McQuiton decided the world really needed a much lighter, more hopeful fantasy. And it’s in the political aspects of the book rather than the romantic aspects of the book that it is at its most wish-fulfillment fantasy.
what an absolutely fantastic sentence this is: "Alex seems to think their change in feelings for each other have changed the facts of Henry’s life, but they haven’t, and they don’t."
What you said about energy is a valid point and something I've been complaining about since I watched Alex. Before kissing Henry, she was always very firm towards him, but after they kissed, it seems like: Okay, Henry, I like you, so you can do anything with me and I won't complain or make a problem. And that's one of the biggest mistakes the movie made. They romanticized Alex because for those who read the book, they know that it doesn't matter what stage of their relationship they were in. If Henry messed up, Alex would throw double the shit. For example, Henry does the same thing in the movie, running away from Alex as he does in the book, but Alex in the book tells the truth and insults him until he understands that he can get out of this situation. Meanwhile, Alex in the movie was more afraid of hurting Henry than saying: You're a son of a bitch, Henry.
Y'all need to read the book. It explains a lot about Alex that they really didn't have time to go into in the movie. For one thing, Alex had been obsessing over Henry since Alex was 12 and Henry was 13.
After rewatching it a few times we can see why everybody loves her, and we completely misunderstood her character. We hope she'll be back for the sequel. And have some more scenes with Shaan 😍 Thanks for watching 🙌
Oh I love the movie and book theres a deleted scene thats my fave. Hey if youre looking for a new queer tv show I recommend Interview With The Vampire.
@therainbowreels If y'all do react to the tv show, and if you haven't read The Vampire Chronicles book series, remember that the show is its own adaption. No matter how many times the show runners like to claim they are "more faithful" to the books, A LOT was changed for the show (and caused non-book readers to hate certain characters for commiting things that are not canon to the source material). I wish I could state specifics, but I don't want to spoil anything 😅 Other than that, I'm still excited to catch y'alls reaction to the show as well 🖤 PS--I only bring it up because y'all were quick to jump on Zahra, so it kinda made me worry 😂
The 🪟 window, 🚪 door situation will haunt us forever. We don't respond well to seeing people's privacy violated 🫣😅 Loved RW&RB a lot though. Thanks for watching 🫶
Yeah this was one charming and sweet movie.. your comments and reactions during the movie not so much... inexplicably you missed a lot of what was going on.. some by talking over the dialogue.. the biggest wrong was with Zahra... you thought she was the enemy ??.. oh my gosh .. way off the mark.. It was clear how much the first family and her job meant to her. She is a favorite character. Not a popular opinion but to me this was disappointing..
I liked that their reaction was different. I appreciated a different way of looking at Zahra. I could see (in retrospect) what they meant in terms of have a hotel room key card, etc.
I loved this review, but you really do have to watch it again, maybe a couple of times. There is so much more in the movie about these characters that you miss just by watching it once. One tidbit - Zahra is the President's executive assistant so she is responsible to make sure her schedule works, but also, to clean up any mess that may impact the campaign, which is what she was doing in the hotel room with Henry and Alex. But yeah, they really need to learn to LOCK THEIR DOORS!
The locked doors really play on everyone's mind! However after the banquet for the Prime Minister and Henry goes to Alex's room, that's in the White House residence which is extremely well protected anyway and there would be no random person in that area. (And in the book it is Amy the Secret Service agent who directs Henry to the right room). In the DNC hotel you can see that there are Secret Service agents guarding the floor on which the First Family and White House staff are staying and as the protection officers are very discreet they are safe there (except from Zahra! 😂)
Thank you for sharing. Really enjoyed your reactions. I could tell what Zahra's character was supposed to be, but I just didn't buy the actress's performance, either. Hope you didn't miss the cute little post-credit scene at the end! 🧡
Rewatching our reaction, it's clear to us that what we meant with "who leaked it" didn't translate to the viewers. It is clear that Miguel leaked the material, but we were referring to his source, and actually thought it might have been Zarah. Thanks for watching 🙌
@therainbowreels The emails were hacked by Miguel, tho in the book he doesn't even exist and the emails are hacked and leaked by someone else * spoiler * The president's opponent leaks the emails in the book
I had the book of this movie for 1 year on my shelf. When I saw that the movie would be realesed in 3 weeks I read my book in 2 weeks before watching the movie
Hi, I was wondering what you think about the difference between the book and the movie and what you think they should have keep in the movie from the book. One of the thing i wish they had included wa Alex sister in the movie. I like her in the book. 😂❤😂
I thought you guys just misunderstood Zahra, but apparently ypu guys see anyone that disagrees with the protagonists as villains 😂 I used to do this but I staterd to carch myself defending some really stupid behaviors characters made
Haha, funny enough, sometimes you even find us feeling sorry for the villains, see August from Young Royals. We did completely misunderstand Zarah's whole character, and thought she was having a secret agenda. Clearly that was not the case 🤣
While I always understood zahra was there to help the president and her family, I found her rude and abrasive and not funny. I am one of the few people who feels this way, evidently! I can’t see someone who acts like that working in the White House. On the other hand, Alex is often impulsive and Zahra probably has had to clean up a lot of his messes over the years.
@marthahammel8543 I really don't see her as rude. She's opinionated and fierce and doesn't just take other people's shit. She also knows that her job is on the line if Alex was with a random girl in that room. She was in the right.
@@gigin6534. I understand her actions are coming from a good place. I just don’t think she needed to talk so crudely, especially to Henry whom she doesn’t know. I can see accomplishing her goals in a different way. But she’s in the story in part for humorous relief and she’s great at that. The actress is excellent as are almost all in the movie. (I could watch Henry and Alex forever!)
Gay Movie recommendations : All Of Us Strangers 2023 The Normal Heart 2014 Nuovo Olimpo 2023 Love Simon 2018 In From The Side 2022 Brokeback Mountain 2005 God's Own Country 2017 Call Me By Your Name 2017 Bros 2022 My Policeman 2022
You guys misread Zahra character so bad 😂😂.. the first time i watched this movie, i immediately know that she is that "badass bitch" like in the yesss queen way,, not the antagonistic behavior way.. Maybe if zahra given a little more background story and scenes it'll be more clear for what she does in her jobs..
I was thrilled when I saw you guys had posted this one! You'll get a lot of views. It's my favorite feel-good movie. 😃 Also, if you haven't already seen it, Saltburn is a great one for reactions. Maybe include it in another poll, it's difficult to beat RW&RB in a head-to-head poll.👍
The movie obviously had to leave out parts of the book and condense the time frame. In the book Alex takes a long time to figure out that he is bi and realizes he used to look at guys when he was younger. He’s dated a lot of women and has talked to his friend Nora and sister June about them; most of his friends and family think he’s straight altho June knows when Alex was quite young he used to look at a magazine picture of Henry that June had ALOT.
Miguel obviously was the one who hacked their emails. You had some bad editing near the end though. After King James asks Prince Henry if he's sure this is what he wants, you skipped the line immediately following King James' question, "There's no turning back if you go out there now," and just cut to Henry saying, "I surely hope not," which gives an entirely different meaning to that statement.
Just to clear up some royal relationships - King James is Henry's grandfather. Henry's mother Catherine is the eldest daughter of the king and will eventually become the queen. Philip will inherit the throne from his mother. Henry and Beatrice are after Philip and if Philip and Martha have children then they will be 'demoted' down the line if succession. Henry's father was Arthur Fox who was a famous actor and who once played James Bond. As it says, Arthur died from cancer which greatly affected Henry.
Just discovered this channel. The reactor in the white t-shirt seems super nice and super cute. Also, why are these reactors blaming Zara?? It was Miguel who leaked everything.
Like you two, I live in a free Western European country (not English speaking). Most of us can be open about ourselves. And like you, I always thought: Lock the door! Not in front of Miguel! There is someone with a camera! And, I also cannot accept that it was Miguel to leak the emails. Because as a queer person you know what this means and you just don't do it. Never. So, if our first and constantly present concern is still the fear for us and others to be caught and outed ... that makes me sad. My favorite scene is that at the piano. When Henry calls Alex his boyfriend.
Call me a romantic, but I genuinely love this movie; this along with Heartstopper and Young Royals, helped me come to terms with my bisexuality. I’ve read the book, the collection edition, and I’ve seen the deleted scenes which are amazing and I highly recommend reading and watching as well. I’m so excited for the sequel that’s coming!! Now all we need is a Broadway-West End bound musical. Just saying… 🇺🇸🇬🇧🏳️🌈❤️🤍💙🩷💜💙
Thank you for sharing this with us, and yay 🙌 💖💜💙 Each show you mentioned and RW&RB hold a dear place in our hearts. For various reasons. We are excited for the second season and mind react to the delayed scenes as well. Thanks for watching 🫶
😅🫣 We ended up liking her, eventually, once we rewatched it a few times during the editing process. We might be the only ones on TH-cam who did end up misunderstanding her character. Oops 😬 Thanks for watching 🫶
If you guys wanna watch more stuff with Nicholas Galitzine, then he plays an amazing bi character in the mini-series Mary & George! Him and Julianne Moore is iconic in it 🤩
![Connor & Oliver | Their full story (1/2) [HTGAWM]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/eT1c91aFwCc/mqdefault.jpg)
![Connor & Oliver | Their full story (1/2) [HTGAWM]](/img/tr.png)
I was born in 1950 and remember you couldn't really say homosexual in a movie (due to the Hays Code). I remember the straight world's shock of a 1975 Time Magazine cover with a picture of sargent Leonard Matlovich and the words "I Am A Homosexual." And the thrill of hearing the Village People's music on popular radio where they mentioned the names of same famous gay bars in CA and NY. The big even of a movie that had gay men actually interacting with each other (The Boys In The Band) but presented as such bitchy queens, it kept me in the closet a few more years. And all the other movie where the queer characters were just naturally the villain and/or took their own life. When movies about gay characters scared away straight audiences (until Brokeback Mountain).
So a movie like RW&RB makes me want to keep pinching myself it is real.
Like a number of other fans, I have become pleasantly obsessed with it - rewatching it again and again along with all the blooper reels, interviews, and reaction videos.
The first gay character on TV I've seen was Steven Carrington from Dinasty in 80's but it wans't until Brokeback Mountain as you see were you see a real history of love (sad, yes) but not an stereotypical one.
Yeah,this a comfort,real and not specially super sad....and with a Happy ending.I LOVE this movie...im obsessed with it❤
John, thank you for sharing your story with us.
We, as a community, have come a long way, and it's beautiful to see the level of representation we are seeing in mainstream media today.
We grew up in the 90s, and even for us, it's heartwarming and reassuring watching a movie like this.
Thank you for being on this journey with us 🫶
@@therainbowreelsDo you guys watch kdramas or Chinese drama series? I've got so many bromance recommendations like these big 3:
-Devil judge
-The Spirealm(Chinese bl adaptation on virtual reality games)
-Beyond evil
These are like the top 3 of bromance series🙂.
Other top series are:
-Return of a high school gangster
-The Heavenly idol
-The untamed(this is a Chinese bl adaptation and a must watch)
-Chief Kim or (good manager)
-Ghost doctor
-Weak hero class (a classic)
-Bloodhounds
Word of honor (also like the untamed, a bl).
Pls watch these if you can, as I only put the top or the best in here.
I'm similar to yourself, born in 1952 my recollections of the past are vivid and at times trigger emotions different generations don't relate to. I've lived in three countries in my lifetime, I've seen progress, regression and repression due to politics through the years. Sadly at different times in life I've been "in" "out" "in". Now I'm older I don't experience the "out" I experienced in the past, I can't say I agree with reclamation of things people of my generation found vile or offensive. I find that now I pick and choose between the positive and negatives in entertainment. I purchased the book of Red, White and Royal Blue. It sits (still) at page 3 though I have viewed the movie many times over. As a former Brit, this book though fiction speaks a bold positive contrast of many unspoken royal past inferred but never substantiated.
Not the Zahra hate lol Ya'll completely misread it xD She's there to protect the first family (scandals included) which is why she was in the hotel room trying to make sure nothing was going to harm the campaign. And oops... she was right. Because Miguel saw them go up together and leaked the emails. SMH. Loved the reaction tho!
We 100% did! 🥲
Happy to see she turned out to be an ally. 👏
Thanks for watching 🙌
@@therainbowreels Extracted from the book : " It’s not exactly that he’s afraid of Zahra, his mom’s deputy chief of staff and right-hand woman. She has a spiky exterior, but Alex swears there’s
something soft in there somewhere.She’s not technically the most powerful or
important player in his mother’s White House, but she’s been working by
Ellen’s side since Alex was five and Zahra was fresh out of Howard. She’s
the only one trusted to wrangle the First Family"
Sarah Shahi made a perfect work representing the Zahra we all imagined when reading the book and surely she must have been hiding the messes that Alex made since he was a teenager
Yeah I was gonna say you guys have to know what a Chief of Staff does! Scandals are a big no no.
Zahra is definitely NOT the enemy. It is suggested that perhaps when Miguel and Alex hooked up that time back on the campaign trail, Miguel was able to get Alex's password. Miguel was able to read the TX memo as he told Alex at the Prime Minister's banquet, even though Alex said it was highly confidential. (At that point he did have access to Alex's emails even if we don't know how he got them.)
Zahra was freaking out that Alex had hooked up with some "rando" who would leak the story to the press. (Zahra said Alex probably did not get "her" sign a non-disclosure agreement the night before AND this person could have left her phone on so it was broadcasting to others.) Such a scandal would overpower all the good publicity they were trying to get with his mother's nomination at the convention.
Zahra is White House Deputy Chief of State which means everything she does is to support the president and the office of president. Traditionally this requires a no-nonsense singular focus above all else.
PLUS the book by the same name on which the movie is based makes it clear she is supportive. And the actress who played her, Sarah Shahi, said in an interview it was very important that the scene NOT look like she was disapproving of a same-sex relationship.
----
Henry does not OWN a key (as in carry it around). He knew where there was a key hidden to get out of the palace but like everything else, it wasn't his exclusively.
Thank you for the breakdown, and after we edited and rewatched it we felt that she was somewhat set up to be antagonistic. At least that's how we perceived her in our first time watching it.
She turned out to be a clear ally at the end. 👏
Thanks for watching 🙌
Thanks for your comment I was getting ready to slap these two for hating on my girl Zahra. Girl was literally just doing her JOB.
She knows Alex since he was 5 years old. In the book she is family, thats why she treats him that way
Yes! All of THIS! Thank you for clarifying ☺️
Thank you for the comment on bi-erasure. Bi-sexual people do exist and I’m so glad for the representation ☺️
Zara is definitely not suspicious. She acts very familiar w Alex because she's been keeping him in check and cleaning up after any scandals w the family since she has been working with the President (which means she knows Alex at least since he was a teenager, hence why she acts more like an older sister or surrogate mother than just an employee). In the book you get even more context of their closeness because she even gets invited to their family christmas and holiday events
According the book : " It’s not exactly that he’s afraid of Zahra, his mom’s deputy chief of staff
and right-hand woman. She has a spiky exterior, but Alex swears there’s
something soft in there somewhere.She’s not technically the most powerful or
important player in his mother’s White House, but she’s been working by
Ellen’s side since Alex was five and Zahra was fresh out of Howard. She’s
the only one trusted to wrangle the First Family"
To me, Zarah is the combination of an auntie, big sis, and handler all in one.
Alex Claremont-Diaz is a bisexual icon! The B in LGTBQ is not a silent letter. 💖💜💙
His ex is Nora in the book.
All gays had experience with girls cuz no one born gay and its not bi its gay or straight bisexuality is lie and they are gays but ashamed of calling themselves gay 😂😂😂 @@melisasmythe
In the book Zhara is described as family, she was working with Alex's mother for years and she knows Alex since he was 5 y o, thats why she talk him in that way. The chemistry was amazing. The first kiss, the scene in Paris, so intimate, so tender, so sweet and romantic is a new level. The dancing in the museum and the hug in the stairs was so sweet, desesperated
The scene at the NYE party where everyone drops and it's just the two of them standing is quite realistic. The lyrics of the song say "Let me see you get low, get your a$$ to the floor..." Then on "break it down" everyone drops. It's a pretty standard DJ call with that song.
And let's remember. Henry doesn't know the song, so that's the reason he didn't drop. But this is one of Alex's favorite songs. He would know that the drop was coming. But he was as focused on Henry as Henry was focused on him. That's what's so special about that moment.
That's why that scene is my favorite. It's one of those magical moments that can really happen. It's supernatural. It's beautiful.
Agreed. It's one of our favourite scenes 😍
Thanks for watching 🫶
Alex was clearly in a moment of vulnerability and came out to Henry as bisexual and you said he was lying to himself. For real? Wow.
It truly was what we call bi erasure
Hopefully the sequel will be as cute and silly as this one. (Your commentary on the movie was spicier than the movie itself🤣)
We are super excited for the sequel 😍
Thanks for watching 🙌
the book was way spicier than the movie. I read the book afterwards. I like both individually. Theyre like the same boys (characters) just with different stories.
Great reaction. Only thing. Most people not from USA have no idea what Zara's job is. She is the Presidents Chief of Staff and Campaign Manager. She is in charge of all things that have to do with the President. Including any scandals that might happen. As the President's son, Alex needs to be very careful in his private life. Sleeping with the Prince is very risky. So, she had to let it be known that they had to be very careful.
Thanks for the info, we thought she was the presidents PA or something like that. Makes sense she wasn't accepting Alex' boundaries, considering her role.
Thanks for watching 🙌
Zara is the Deputy Chief of Staff.
24:33 WOAH. That was a bit uncalled for. I'm getting flashbacks to my "friends" who rolled their eyes when I first came out as Bi.
Bi & Ace prejudice is real.😢😢
Thank you for being honest and sharing your personal experience with us. Panos did indeed role his eyes due to his unconscious bias, but Matt checked him right away.
No bi-erasure here 🫶
One other thing to understand about Zahra's reaction to finding Henry in Alex's room is that this was happening during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) which is a 4 day event that is one of the MOST important times for a presidential candidate's campaign. Traditionally, the candidate speaks on the final night of the DNC. Alex had just delivered his DNC speech on the evening Henry had shown up at the hotel bar. It could not have been worse timing in terms of political risk to his mom's campaign for Alex to decide to let Henry up to his room that night. Zahra has bigger things to worry about than who Alex is sleeping with, which is why she was mad at him for taking the risk hooking up with anyone, let alone the Prince of England, in a hotel full of reporters before the final night of the DNC. Although Zahra loves Alex, making sure President Claremont is reelected in a very close election affects many more people than just Alex.
We didn't pick up that it was the DNC. 😳
It makes total sense that she lost her marbles over this. Especially the NDA bit AND that it was the Prince of England.
Thanks you for adding context and for watching 🫶
Henry was not living in Buckingham Palacee. He was living in Kensington Palace, near the VMA, hence its was easy to get into the VNA. And he bribes a guard to leave the keys in the museum, hence its true that he does not own a key/keys. Anf in the conversation where his phone was confiscated, Henry asked who gave the orders when in fact he was the head of the palace (Kensington), the old geezer said the orders cane from Buckingham Palace.
Thanks, you're right about Henry living at Kensington Palace which is very near the V&A, where they actually shot that scene. The museum had a lot of restrictions for filming like they could only use the available lighting that was in the museum.
Thank you for the comment on bi-erasure. Bi-sexual people do exist and I’m so glad for the representation ☺️
100% 🙌
We need to see more bi-representation in mainstream media 💖💜💙
Thank you for watching 🙌
@@therainbowreels thank you from me too.
honestly had been waiting for this from you two specifically
They probably could have had a little background on Zahra to give context for the hotel room scene. In the book, it's made clear that Alex can't really have hookups without the other person having to sign an NDA and clearing it with security and everything first. That's why she barged into the room, because Alex never had Henry sign an NDA, because she would have seen it if he had.
Interested. This would have made things a lot clearer, but maybe they wanted to leave room for interpretation?! They clearly fooled us 🤣
Thanks for watching 🙌
Henry already had an NDA for months, but Zara obviously didn't know he would be Alex's private visitor ;)
@@Cory182 They had shared NDAs right from the first return trip to England for Alex to make amends:after Cakegate - whilsy posing for photos he says: "my NDA is bugger than yours."
In book Alex had just discovered he was bisexual and im so so mad they removed it from the movie. It was so much more clear and I loved the rep.
Also, the sexuality confession scene made way more sense there in the book than in the movie where Miguel exists, and they had their relationship lmfao
As a gay man I am so happy that we got this movie and got represented in the right way. Normally we are betrayed as the gay best friend or the irritating whatever. Love this movie so much ❤❤❤❤❤
So in the book, Alex is a law student who wants to follow in his parents footsteps and run for office himself. It is made very clear that while they are worried about Henry/alex being accepted as a male/male couple, the bigger issue is that as a royal Henry cannot be seen to be political. “My life is the crown, yours is politics and I will not trade one cage for another” is Henry knowing that whether he says a royal or gives up the title to date Alex, he will always be stuck in the spotlight, which Henry doesn’t really want. Zara is 100% an ally- her job is to protect the president and her family, and having someone in your room in a hotel full of journalists is almost asking for a story to be written. In the book, it is the presidents rival who reveals the romance in order to try and win the election, but they switched that in the movie. The rival also implies that the relationship might mean America capitulating/ giving into England(kickbacks basically).
We are excited they have announced the second movie! 😍
What was your favourite moment of this movie?
Favourite moment: « I went to an english boarding school, dear. Don’t worry, you’re in good hands » .
And to see those hands in action just a few seconds later of course !
Sorry I wrote a wall of text, and still I have more to say! Yes you can peel the layers of an onion off. Yes the movie has two moods. In English we say Rom Com, but director Matthew López seems to have invented the Rom Com Drama, which has an extended serious passage inserted between the comedic sections. We have to thank intimacy coordinator Robbie Taylor Hunt for making the actors comfortable enough to display such realistic passion and love on camera.
Taylor Zakhar Perez as Alex and Nicholas Galitzine as Henry elevated this movie beyond its budget, beyond its Rom Com status into an instant classic that is already changing the cultural zeitgeist. It and Heartstopper have literally saved the mental health of hundreds of millions of people worldwide (including all the loving straight ones) who are sickened and afraid of the right wing normalising of Trans and Queer phobia and oppression. These two shows have had massive views from all the nations Homosexual relations are illegal in. Young Royals too, but it is not such a safe comfort space as Red White and Royal Blue and Heartstopper.
@@ariadnepyanfar1048What a wonderful comment. Took the words right out if my head and heart - and the lives and souls this film has opened and spoken for is remarkable. And there is another discussion altogether about the talent that is Nicholas Galitzine.
There are SO MANY favorite moments, it's hard to choose ONE, but if I could only pick one that I could watch over and over and over again, it would be from the moment Alex calls Henry "Baby" to the point where they're hugging on the stairs and Alex is saying "I'll break the sound barrier for you." I CRY every time I see this and believe me when I say I've totally lost count.
@@michaelkrupar9808 if I could only pull one still from this movie, it would be the final still moment they pause in on the stairs. Incredible shot compositionally, but of course, we feel the full emotional weight of it and just how *there* for they are, how much they need each other in their worst moments of life. How human and *romantic* it is.
'They are both power bottoms and can sense each other' I LOLed at this, why the Zahra hate guys I found her funny, nice reaction
Haha, we loved watching their romance unfold. Funny enough, it's less "hate", but more so annoyance at her barging into Alex's room, and also her dismissing his Texas memo at the beginning.
We perceived her as antagonistic, which was obviously not the case.
We are glad that she turned out to be an ally, and hope she'll be back for the sequel. We need to see her and Shaan have a steamy moment.
Thanks for watching 🙌
It was Miguel who leaked the mails. He hacked the account from Alex.
40:49 Henry is saying he would be just as trapped if he left the crown to be with Alex. He is very obviously and understandably scared of taking that leap
The two of you must watch this again because you have completely missed some of the best parts!
Nicholas Galitzine would LOVE your Greece sweatshirt!!
Why are you hating on Zahra? You completely misunderstood her. She's an awesome character and a fan favourite.
PS. It was pretty clear that Miguel hacked the emails.
Not hating on her, just misread her character, and perceived her not reading Alex' memo and barging into his room as antagonistic.
Glad to see she was the ally at the end, and wr hope she will be back for the sequel. Shaan too. We need more scenes of both of them.
Thanks for watching 🙌
right, even before reading the book I already liked her, just by watching the movie
Shocked you guys disliked Zara the Press Secretary. She was the funniest Character. And yes she was doing her job.
We misread her character completely and actually thought she disliked Alex, and was somewhat working against him.
For example, her not showing interest towards his Texas memo, or barging into his hotel room. At that point we also thought she was "just" a PA, so we thought that was too much of her. But she is clearly much more senior than that 😅
We do hope her and Shaan will have more screen time in the sequel 👍
Thanks for watching 🙌
@@therainbowreelsi had the same reaction about Zara while watching the movie, same as u and i am a book reader.
SPOILERS for the book! In the book the person responsible for the leak was the other candidate who was running against Alex’s mother but I guess to shorten the plot they inserted Miguel who was the responsible one here. There are a few big changes from book to movie but I still loved both. PS Sarah is an ally she is just doing her job and freaks out because she knows any scandal could hurt the campaign.
That was one aspect I think they should have left in the movie. One main reason they flipped Texas was that the Republican candidate did something so dirty to a son of Texas. You don't mess with Texas.
I love both the movie and book. I do wish they had kept that part for the movie, but I get some concessions had to be made to keep it from being a 6-hour movie. Also wish they hadn’t cut June out of it.
You're the first reactors I've seen that hasn't automatically stan'd Zahra and recognized the Bad B that she is 💅🏾🙌🏾♥️
Ha, we are full of surprises on this channel 😀
Jokes aside, we did indeed misread her whole character 😳
After watching a few times during the editing process, we picked up on more things and can totally see how she is a fan favourite.
Hopefully, she'll be back for part two.
Thanks for watching 🫶
All the lock the doors. The doors lock when they close. lol
I love that we are all so traumatised by young royals that we can’t trust an unlocked door or curtainless window any more 😂
We are traumatised for live 🤣
Thanks for watching 🫶
It's literally Zahra's job omfg why the hate she is literally so caring in her own way.
If you haven't read the book you need to do so. It gives you so much more detail.
Something I love is that Alex had to come out to his mother, but his father already had an inkling. Flips the mother always knows/ father is oblivious trope. Congressman Diaz picked up on Alex crushing on Henry before he realized it himself, "What's the deal with you and the prince? He seems like a decent guy..." Insisting that Alex invite Henry to the vacation house. Henry and Alex's dad interact like a dad trying to give the boyfriend a hard time, "No, you can call me Congressman.." 😂😂
Agreed. The cast was absolutely excellent, they all had great chemistry and every character was well written 👏
Thanks for watching 🙌
“Get me the voodoo doll” I died laughing 😂😂😂😂😭😭😭😭
We don't like Miguel 🤣🤣🤣
Thank you for watching 🫶
You guys really misunderstood Zarah. She was a comical character (the president's chief of staff?) and NO SHE WAS NOT THE LEAK!!! She was just doing her job trying to hold things together in order to assure Ellen Claremont's re-election. I can't say that I am a fan of your reactions. Sorry, not sorry.
We did indeed misunderstand her.
And that's ok, thanks for watching 🫶
i love this show so muchhhhh can’t wait for the sequel
You’d have known the key was to Alex’s childhood home if you weren’t talking so damned much. You also missed Henry finally saying, “I love you.”
Wow! As a straight old lady, I have always supported LGBTQ rights. My late brother was a closeted gay his whole life. We only discovered the truth after his death. It is nice to see the numbers of gay movie review channels but how does a viewer choose which ones to watch? So many choices, so little time......
Zahra is the publicist.. anyone with common sense can see its her job to make sure there are not scandals... u guys were doing a bit too much
You gotta read the book, the film is good but the book is so much better - the characters are more fleshed out, there are other characters that had to be cut from the movie, the storyline is much more clear on who outed them and why, everything ties together so much better in the book. (Also if you’re like me and sometimes struggle with books (ADHD is a bitch y’all) I definitely recommend the audiobook version, the performance from the narrator is great)
The distance between Kensington Palace and the V&A Museum is 1.5 km, 20 minutes walking.
you guys should really react to thai bl’s, they’re amazing! i recommend never let me go, please react to it! looking forward 💗 love from brazil!
And hopefully all of you know, but for those of you who don’t. A sequel has been announced and all major characters have been signed. We can’t wait.
It's so strange, I've never seen anyone not like Zahra before.
Ha, we are here to surprise and delight 😝🫣
Thanks for watching 🫶
They skipped the closet scene where the two principles started to know each other better. That sets the stage for their becoming closer.
Good job! Really liked your reaction. A shame you have to cut so severely for TH-cam. Would be great to see you guys unedited on Patreon. Really enjoyed the movie and the book. Only minor problem is that both Henry and Alex are younger in the book. But I think the casting, as it turned out, was a very good choice. Both Nick and Taylor did a fantastic job.
Excellent casting indeed. When it was announced I frowned at that cast: Nicholas was 28 and Taylor 31 (?). Henry and Alex in the book are 22 and 21 respectively.
They aged up the characters so Alex is already finishing Law school when they found the actors for the leads. Galatzine for Henry was an obvious perfect cast. Then it took 5 months for Matthew López to find Taylor Zakhar Perez. López said he wouldn’t do the movie if they didn’t find a perfect Alex. And given the script being so limited by a 2 hour film mode, TZP brought the cannonball energy and the sheer sexual charisma of Alex.
@@ariadnepyanfar1048 So well put. And as you say, the length of time that they had to develop the story, the relationship had to mature much faster than in the book. So the sexual energy had to be there almost from the start of the movie. Probably wouldn't have worked with characters barely out of their teen age years. Again, good casting.
I’m subscribing. This reaction was too good 😅❤
Thank you 🫶🥰
I hope you guys read the book by now tho I'll recommend audiobook because you can multitask with audiobook 😂 it's lot different than the movie 😂😂
the gay trauma of unlocked doors lmaooo
The trauma is real! 🥲
Thanks for watching 🫶
15:25
What I found annoying about your video is that you guys talked and joked so much that a lot of dialogue went right over your heads due to the lack of your attention. Because of that you suspected Zarah was the culprit that leaked their romance. She is the press secretary of the White House who's is supposed to suppress any scandal. There is no way she would betray her job duties. In fact, we saw that she and Alex had a very warm, protective relationship. Of course the culprit was Miguel who hacked Alex and Henry's emails. I hope you re-watched this movie to see the parts you missed.
I kept thinking you two were either dumb, or watching a different movie. Not keeping up with the storyline is one thing, but not understanding the roles people play, eg: Chief of staff entering Alex's room, and of course.... grey hoodie's preoccupation with doors locking... etc...Secret Service role, not shown-but understood. What made me mad, was the quiz on the plane Alex and SS guard taking- mentioning Henry's Dad's death...and later you both trying to figure out "why his grandpa" . Miguel's story was obvious, but you missed it... I am sad that you missed so much and understood so little.
Great and fun gay films that are not ridiculously sad and traumatizing but never get recommended are Shelter and Maurice. They were a few of the feel good ones back then when every gay movie was incredibly sad.
Also, fun reaction to this movie, it’s always great to see new people reacting to it!
I freaking LOVE Maurice
Thank you 🫶
We had a good time watching it and we are glad you enjoyed it.
Good reaction, but sounds like Panos wasn't paying too much attention. I know that you guys are supposed to show your reaction, but so much talking over the dialogue may have led you to miss quite a few parts of the dialogue. Still blaming Zarah always to the end means that you probably didn't hear when Alex first brought up the Campaign memo with Zarah and he said that he had sent it to the campaign weeks before. Chances are that Miguel got it from that source, not from Zarah's copy (remember the "I'm a journalist Alex, I have my sources" at he PM dinner? So clearly Miguel was the culprit, with both journalistic and jealousy motivations. Anyway, Zarah's only obvious motivation was to protect the White House from any scandal before the election.
My favorite moment (there are a few) is perhaps the sequence that begins with the confrontation at KP and ends at the airport, because that's they both surrender to each other in stages. Impulsive Alex promises to be as patient s Henry needs and Henry in turn accepts the "prison" that he had rejected the previous night (Alex's career in politics) when he tells him to go win an election.
Many beautiful moments.
Have you seen three (3) straight men reviewing Red White & Royal Blue? They show their ignorance during the review. They were clueless about how the gay lifestyle works and what we go through with the do's and don't.
Im excited to see your reaction to KINporche
Omg I love you. Instant fan! ❤
Thanks 🌹 😊
The book makes it pretty clear Alex is bi.
Loved your reactions, l see why you picked those two scenes as your favourite. You are the only people I’ve seen who didn’t immediately understand Miguel hacked their emails, confirmed by the very short time he got a written article to press after their release to reddit. It might be because you’re European, and internet privacy is protected fiercely there unlike anywhere else. In the English speaking world there has been at least two famous journalist widespread hack of phones/emails in Britain. The earlier one released an incredibly private sexual message from Prince Charles to Camilla Parker Bowles, after Diana was dead and before they married. The couple were ridiculed mercilessly for the imagery Prince Charles used.
Also in 2016 a hack of the Democrat and Republican’s emails was accomplished. There was a further hack of Hilary Clinton’s private email server, and Republicans attacked her for using the private email for some of her political correspondence. While all of the Democrat’s emails were released to the press, the Republican’s emails were not.
One thing I wish they’d been able to convey from book to screen is that at the start of the story the media spun the cake falling as a result of an angry altercation between Henry and Alex that turned physically violent, sending them into the cake. That narrative makes the “longstanding friendship, frat-bro clowning into the cake” media-narrative spin tour much more realistic as damage control. Because an English Prince and a USian First Family member getting angry violent WOULD be NEWS, and a diplomatic disaster. Other than that the screenwriters/Director Matthew López did a fantastic 2 hour adaptation of a very long book. No notes.
Prince Henry would have NO idea everyone swivels to the floor during Get Low, and Alex gets distracted by Henry suddenly appearing out of the crowd and forgets to go down. Oh that image. Glad you liked it too. They mention Prince Henry lives in Kensington Palace, which is only 1 mile from the V&A. You were probably thinking of Buckingham Palace where the Monarch lives while in London. Slanderous to say Henry lied about owning a key! ;) He pulled the gate key from a drainpipe on the wall and who knows who else uses it or put it there? As said in the film Henry’s dad used to take him to the V&A regularly at night when there were no gawkers, so presumably Henry inherited this privileged relationship with the V&A guards.
The actor who plays homophobe Prince Henry is also gay, and they found a trans woman actress to play the trans woman bodyguard character, Amy.
You found the dialogue in Henry’s Bedroom weird. “I have done nothing but express myself to you” Henry said in the bedroom. The first time Henry blows Alex, Henry says “I can’t afford for you to fall in love with me”. In Paris, Henry told Alex the King sat him down at 18 and told him not to let any selfish desires interfere with his public duty, and there were channels that could be taken. Henry says “Prince Henry belongs to the public. Henry Fox has to belong to himself or he’ll vanish.” When Alex asks if he can ever belong to anyone else, Henry said, “Only momentarily” and then flinches away from Alex extending his hand in sympathy, in public.
On the pontoon in the lake, Alex has clearly forgotten these conversations in his elation of being in love, but they have never been taken back by Henry. But the audience remembers them as Henry withdraws his hand from Alex while he talks about walking hand in hand together through Austin, Texas in the future. In Henry’s bedroom when Alex wails he doesn’t understand why Henry left him, Henry has already told him. Alex seems to think their change in feelings for each other have changed the facts of Henry’s life, but they haven’t, and they don’t.
When reminded of the facts - Henry’s family is not supportive like his. It’s so not supportive that Henry was instructed by the King to hide his sexuality for life - Alex then wants Henry to fight the King’s orders. “Fight for us”
Casey McQuiston started writing the book in 2016. They (are non-binary) intended a much darker, realistic story. But then Trump won and McQuiton decided the world really needed a much lighter, more hopeful fantasy. And it’s in the political aspects of the book rather than the romantic aspects of the book that it is at its most wish-fulfillment fantasy.
what an absolutely fantastic sentence this is: "Alex seems to think their change in feelings for each other have changed the facts of Henry’s life, but they haven’t, and they don’t."
What you said about energy is a valid point and something I've been complaining about since I watched Alex. Before kissing Henry, she was always very firm towards him, but after they kissed, it seems like: Okay, Henry, I like you, so you can do anything with me and I won't complain or make a problem. And that's one of the biggest mistakes the movie made. They romanticized Alex because for those who read the book, they know that it doesn't matter what stage of their relationship they were in. If Henry messed up, Alex would throw double the shit. For example, Henry does the same thing in the movie, running away from Alex as he does in the book, but Alex in the book tells the truth and insults him until he understands that he can get out of this situation. Meanwhile, Alex in the movie was more afraid of hurting Henry than saying: You're a son of a bitch, Henry.
Y'all need to read the book. It explains a lot about Alex that they really didn't have time to go into in the movie. For one thing, Alex had been obsessing over Henry since Alex was 12 and Henry was 13.
why were you guys suspicious abt alex saying he's bi 💀🥸
Panos' unconscious bias kicked in, but Matt checked him right away with "no bi-erasure here!" 💖💜💙
Thanks for watching 🫶
Zahra is the best !!!!! No hating on my girl. 😂
After rewatching it a few times we can see why everybody loves her, and we completely misunderstood her character.
We hope she'll be back for the sequel. And have some more scenes with Shaan 😍
Thanks for watching 🙌
Oh I love the movie and book theres a deleted scene thats my fave.
Hey if youre looking for a new queer tv show I recommend Interview With The Vampire.
We'll start Interview With The Vampire soon.
Thanks for the recommendation 😀
@therainbowreels If y'all do react to the tv show, and if you haven't read The Vampire Chronicles book series, remember that the show is its own adaption. No matter how many times the show runners like to claim they are "more faithful" to the books, A LOT was changed for the show (and caused non-book readers to hate certain characters for commiting things that are not canon to the source material). I wish I could state specifics, but I don't want to spoil anything 😅 Other than that, I'm still excited to catch y'alls reaction to the show as well 🖤
PS--I only bring it up because y'all were quick to jump on Zahra, so it kinda made me worry 😂
We are still in "Young Royals" video recording trauma 😂😂 , i can't get over it.
The 🪟 window, 🚪 door situation will haunt us forever.
We don't respond well to seeing people's privacy violated 🫣😅
Loved RW&RB a lot though.
Thanks for watching 🫶
@@therainbowreels ❤️
Yeah this was one charming and sweet movie.. your comments and reactions during the movie not so much... inexplicably you missed a lot of what was going on.. some by talking over the dialogue.. the biggest wrong was with Zahra... you thought she was the enemy ??.. oh my gosh .. way off the mark.. It was clear how much the first family and her job meant to her. She is a favorite character. Not a popular opinion but to me this was disappointing..
I liked that their reaction was different. I appreciated a different way of looking at Zahra. I could see (in retrospect) what they meant in terms of have a hotel room key card, etc.
I loved this review, but you really do have to watch it again, maybe a couple of times. There is so much more in the movie about these characters that you miss just by watching it once. One tidbit - Zahra is the President's executive assistant so she is responsible to make sure her schedule works, but also, to clean up any mess that may impact the campaign, which is what she was doing in the hotel room with Henry and Alex. But yeah, they really need to learn to LOCK THEIR DOORS!
The locked doors really play on everyone's mind! However after the banquet for the Prime Minister and Henry goes to Alex's room, that's in the White House residence which is extremely well protected anyway and there would be no random person in that area. (And in the book it is Amy the Secret Service agent who directs Henry to the right room).
In the DNC hotel you can see that there are Secret Service agents guarding the floor on which the First Family and White House staff are staying and as the protection officers are very discreet they are safe there (except from Zahra! 😂)
Thank you for sharing. Really enjoyed your reactions. I could tell what Zahra's character was supposed to be, but I just didn't buy the actress's performance, either. Hope you didn't miss the cute little post-credit scene at the end! 🧡
Y’all need to watch Interview with the Vampire (the series), its honestly one of the if not the best queer show currently out at the moment
48:16 what do you mean "who leaked it"???? It was very obviously Miguel. You guys said so yourselves 😂😂
Rewatching our reaction, it's clear to us that what we meant with "who leaked it" didn't translate to the viewers.
It is clear that Miguel leaked the material, but we were referring to his source, and actually thought it might have been Zarah.
Thanks for watching 🙌
@therainbowreels The emails were hacked by Miguel, tho in the book he doesn't even exist and the emails are hacked and leaked by someone else * spoiler *
The president's opponent leaks the emails in the book
I had the book of this movie for 1 year on my shelf. When I saw that the movie would be realesed in 3 weeks I read my book in 2 weeks before watching the movie
Hi, I was wondering what you think about the difference between the book and the movie and what you think they should have keep in the movie from the book. One of the thing i wish they had included wa Alex sister in the movie. I like her in the book. 😂❤😂
Im here for Zarah hate lol
I always love your reactions,
Henry and his sister live at Kensington Palace so they could walk to the V & A
Thank you. We thought it looked like V&A, but we weren't 100% sure.
Thank you for watching 🙌
I thought you guys just misunderstood Zahra, but apparently ypu guys see anyone that disagrees with the protagonists as villains 😂
I used to do this but I staterd to carch myself defending some really stupid behaviors characters made
Haha, funny enough, sometimes you even find us feeling sorry for the villains, see August from Young Royals.
We did completely misunderstand Zarah's whole character, and thought she was having a secret agenda.
Clearly that was not the case 🤣
While I always understood zahra was there to help the president and her family, I found her rude and abrasive and not funny. I am one of the few people who feels this way, evidently! I can’t see someone who acts like that working in the White House. On the other hand, Alex is often impulsive and Zahra probably has had to clean up a lot of his messes over the years.
@marthahammel8543 I really don't see her as rude. She's opinionated and fierce and doesn't just take other people's shit. She also knows that her job is on the line if Alex was with a random girl in that room. She was in the right.
@@gigin6534. I understand her actions are coming from a good place. I just don’t think she needed to talk so crudely, especially to Henry whom she doesn’t know. I can see accomplishing her goals in a different way. But she’s in the story in part for humorous relief and she’s great at that. The actress is excellent as are almost all in the movie. (I could watch Henry and Alex forever!)
@marthahammel8543 but her talking like that was funny tho. I really don't see how people don't get that. Just seems plain obvious to me
Gay Movie recommendations :
All Of Us Strangers 2023
The Normal Heart 2014
Nuovo Olimpo 2023
Love Simon 2018
In From The Side 2022
Brokeback Mountain 2005
God's Own Country 2017
Call Me By Your Name 2017
Bros 2022
My Policeman 2022
I would add The Way He Looks. ♥️🇧🇷
Latter Days - apparently a low budget film a decade or two ago. At the moment at least, free on TH-cam.
All Of Us Strangers and The Normal Heart are good choices. I added Retake 2016
That museum is the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
You guys misread Zahra character so bad 😂😂.. the first time i watched this movie, i immediately know that she is that "badass bitch" like in the yesss queen way,, not the antagonistic behavior way..
Maybe if zahra given a little more background story and scenes it'll be more clear for what she does in her jobs..
I was thrilled when I saw you guys had posted this one! You'll get a lot of views. It's my favorite feel-good movie. 😃 Also, if you haven't already seen it, Saltburn is a great one for reactions. Maybe include it in another poll, it's difficult to beat RW&RB in a head-to-head poll.👍
He cannot lock the door and the Secret Service is around. You can;t just go in the room.
Its parallel to you guys😂 you guys look like an older version of henry and alex😂❤
🥰🫶
The movie obviously had to leave out parts of the book and condense the time frame. In the book Alex takes a long time to figure out that he is bi and realizes he used to look at guys when he was younger. He’s dated a lot of women and has talked to his friend Nora and sister June about them; most of his friends and family think he’s straight altho June knows when Alex was quite young he used to look at a magazine picture of Henry that June had ALOT.
The emails weren’t leaked, they were hacked 😊
Miguel obviously was the one who hacked their emails. You had some bad editing near the end though. After King James asks Prince Henry if he's sure this is what he wants, you skipped the line immediately following King James' question, "There's no turning back if you go out there now," and just cut to Henry saying, "I surely hope not," which gives an entirely different meaning to that statement.
I can't wait for the sequel🎉
Just to clear up some royal relationships - King James is Henry's grandfather. Henry's mother Catherine is the eldest daughter of the king and will eventually become the queen. Philip will inherit the throne from his mother. Henry and Beatrice are after Philip and if Philip and Martha have children then they will be 'demoted' down the line if succession.
Henry's father was Arthur Fox who was a famous actor and who once played James Bond. As it says, Arthur died from cancer which greatly affected Henry.
Thank you for that insight, and thanks for watching 🫶
Yall need to watch interview with the vampire
Just discovered this channel. The reactor in the white t-shirt seems super nice and super cute. Also, why are these reactors blaming Zara?? It was Miguel who leaked everything.
That was not his key. It was the key used by security for the museum.
I wonder what museum it is ? It seems connected to Kensington Palace ? According to google maps KP does not appear to be near any museum.
@@andre_p KP is 1 mile from the V&A in real life. Very walkable for someone who doesn’t drive everywhere.
you guys missed a lot of point of the movie and i founded very endearing to watch it 😂❤
We did 🫣
But that usually happens on our first watch through.
We pick up a lot more during the editing process.
Thanks for watching 🫶
🤔🤨
My personal read is that Miguel worked with the British paper to hack the Prince's phone and read the texts!
Like you two, I live in a free Western European country (not English speaking). Most of us can be open about ourselves. And like you, I always thought: Lock the door! Not in front of Miguel! There is someone with a camera! And, I also cannot accept that it was Miguel to leak the emails. Because as a queer person you know what this means and you just don't do it. Never.
So, if our first and constantly present concern is still the fear for us and others to be caught and outed ... that makes me sad.
My favorite scene is that at the piano. When Henry calls Alex his boyfriend.
Had the volume on 100 and could barely hear the movie. Couldn’t watch sorry.
Call me a romantic, but I genuinely love this movie; this along with Heartstopper and Young Royals, helped me come to terms with my bisexuality. I’ve read the book, the collection edition, and I’ve seen the deleted scenes which are amazing and I highly recommend reading and watching as well. I’m so excited for the sequel that’s coming!! Now all we need is a Broadway-West End bound musical. Just saying…
🇺🇸🇬🇧🏳️🌈❤️🤍💙🩷💜💙
Thank you for sharing this with us, and yay 🙌 💖💜💙
Each show you mentioned and RW&RB hold a dear place in our hearts. For various reasons.
We are excited for the second season and mind react to the delayed scenes as well.
Thanks for watching 🫶
47:13 wtf???? 😂😂
THE ZAHRA HATE??????????????????????????????
😅🫣
We ended up liking her, eventually, once we rewatched it a few times during the editing process.
We might be the only ones on TH-cam who did end up misunderstanding her character. Oops 😬
Thanks for watching 🫶
Also the the actor that plays Henry is Greek
My absolutely fave scene is when they dance in the V&A. So cute 💞💞💞
Agreed. It was a beautiful scene ❤️🫶
If you guys wanna watch more stuff with Nicholas Galitzine, then he plays an amazing bi character in the mini-series Mary & George! Him and Julianne Moore is iconic in it 🤩
We have Mary & George on our list to watch. We loved the trailer and happened to also love Julianne Moore. 🫶
Guys I suggest THE NORMAL HEART NEXT.
You shud watch it 🥺