The Sensei

Synopsis:

After punks at school hand him multiple savage beatings, gay teen McClain Evans, discreetly begins martial arts training with Karen O’Neil, a mysterious woman who had her own cross to bear with the prejudiced and bigoted small town community. As McClain learns to defend himself from hatred and bigotry, the student and his teacher expose several raw nerves in their rural Colorado community.

Quick Thoughts:

“The Sensei” is a unique film, but most certainly a queer action film! Told in flashbacks, we watch as McClain struggles and then is victim of a gay bashing by his high school peers. Running parallel is the story of Karen O’Neil, a woman refused to be recognised for earning her black belt by her own family. While a bit melodramatic at times which feels like a soap opera, the story is actually rather captivating! Even though we eventually learn much of their backstories, there are still a few things left out which made following the story a bit tricky. But I was utterly floored when the real twist in the story was revealed! If not for the queer and HIV/AIDS angle, this film is not much different from other similar karate kid films. Yet this retelling is rather important because “The Sensei” reveals that even gay kids can become strong and be their own hero. I strongly encourage you to add “The Sensei” to your watch list!