Beautiful Thing might be the most beloved of all the gay-youth movies released in the late 90s

Because the film is so effective for its first two-thirds and because it has its heart in the right place throughout, audiences may be willing to forgive its final third.

If Beautiful Thing were any more sensitive, it would faint.

This slice of gay coming of age film is quintessentially British. Some elements haven't aged particularly well, but the film's use of Mama Cass, and the character's tentative steps towards acceptance are solid. Plus: Ben Daniels!