Joel and Dennis, at the beginning of the film were shown as street smart and experts when it comes to the flesh trade. The characters’ beliefs were explicitly stated several times giving the audience an idea on who they are and what they believe in. The theory of ideology was also found throughout the film. They get to fulfill their sexual desires because they pay Filipinos to be submissive and do as they please. It shows the power these rich Westerners have over poor Filipinos. Exploitation of Filipinos by the Americans was a common subject in films made during the 1970s until 1990s. They were depicted as rich customers with strange sexual appetites. Those who enforce the law use it in favor of them and take advantage of the poor.įoreigners specifically Caucasians were shown several times in the film as part of Club Exotica’s clientele. This type of storyline was also common in the Philippine cinema during those days.
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This abuse of power was a turning point in the story that led to a series of changes in the lives of the characters. His two accomplices in theft double-crossed some corrupt police officers which made them a target eventually leading to their deaths. Dennis died in the hands of corrupt policemen because of his association with those involved in drugs. The policemen raiding the bar also imply the abuse of power inflicted upon the working class. The politician is another figure of authority that imposes power and control over them. In one scene, a male stripper was complaining about his congressman customer who forces him to do more than what he can. As a figure of authority, he imposes threat and power to gain control over him. Because of the police officer’s dominance over him, he is unable to defy him despite being physically abused. Their relationship is based solely on their individual needs, Joel depends on Dave for financial support, and in return Joel fulfills Dave’s sexual and romantic desires.Īnother male prostitute, Jason, is a police officer’s boytoy. Joel has a relationship with Dave who supports him financially. As seen on the movie, the characters depend on those who have more money to live. Living in the slums of Manila, the three brothers were forced to sell their bodies so they can earn money and support their family.
Poverty, which is a major theme in the film, is the main point of the character’s daily struggles. The theory most prominently seen in the film is Marxism. Three theories were applied in the film namely, Marxism, Ideology, and Queer. Poverty, corruption, crime and prostitution are the main themes shown in the film. The film is similar to Lino Brocka’s Macho Dancer, which was also written by Ricky Lee.
Their struggle as poor Filipinos trying to get by and make ends meet drove them to prostitution. The youngest, Sonny, dropped out of school so he can be with his family in Manila. Dennis, aside from working as a male prostitute is also involved in stealing car stereos. Joel, the eldest among the three, has a wife and kid. Joel, Dennis and Sonny are male strippers at a gay bar in the seedy red light district of Manila.
The film is the first in three gay themed movies by Mel Chionglo and Ricky Lee. The story is about the lives of three brothers who make their living by selling their bodies. Film Review on Sibak: Midnight Dancers (1994)