The synopsis follows the plight of Tobi as he and his rowing crew prepare for a big race against the Berlin Women’s team, which they are looking forward to. However, to throw it all out of balance, instead of the women’s team, the boys are put up against the QueerStrokes, an aptly named all-gay rowing crew.

Catalysed by the presence of the QueerStrokes, young Tobi must come to terms with his overpowering feelings for his fellow crewmate (and cox) Achim. As the tension grows, Tobi, Achim and the others head towards a confrontation as fierce and ultimately as liberating as the summer storm gathering over the lake.
race.

But it’s not just the rowers… the scenery and the storyline are simply …sweet. Parts of it are sometimes a little over-cheesified, but in a way that cheesy charm adds to its appeal. It is following in the wake of Latter Days as a camp, refreshing and empowering movie that leaves you with a tear in the eye. I have found that there are so many gay films and stories, including the recent Brokeback Mountain, made with a tragic storyline or character that leaves you feeling moved yet somehow upset. In many ways the movie is a tumultuous and refreshing as the storm after which it is named.