Watch Not Angels But Angels

Not Angels But Angels is a docudrama by Czech director Wiktor Grodecki that was released in 1994. The film follows the lives of teenage boys working as prostitutes on the streets of Prague, and provides a raw and honest portrayal of their daily struggles. The film begins by introducing the main characters; Eda, Honza, and Joseph, who all come from impoverished backgrounds and have turned to prostitution as a means of survival. They are part of a larger community of teenage boys who sell their bodies to men, many of whom are tourists looking for sexual experiences that are forbidden or taboo in their own cultures.

Throughout the film, we see the boys struggle to navigate the dangers of their profession. They talk openly about being beaten, robbed, and harassed by both clients and the police. They also discuss the emotional toll that prostitution takes on them, from the shame and isolation they feel to the difficulty of forming lasting relationships.

Despite the often-grim subject matter, Not Angels But Angels also offers moments of hope and solidarity. Through interviews with social workers and other activists, we see how some people are working to support the boys and improve their situations. Many of the boys also demonstrate a remarkable resilience and sense of community, finding moments of joy and laughter even in the face of extreme hardship.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is its honesty. Rather than sensationalizing or exploiting the boys' experiences, Grodecki presents them as fully realized individuals with complex emotions and motivations. We see their vulnerability and their strength, and are forced to confront the ways in which society has failed them.

Not Angels But Angels is a challenging film that asks difficult questions about the intersection of poverty, sexuality, and exploitation. It is an important work that sheds light on a too-often overlooked issue, and reminds us of the essential humanity of those who are too often marginalized and ignored.

Not Angels But Angels is a 1994 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.