Customer Reviews

Midnight Dancers

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This movie depicts the ambivalence of individuals in a society where values are flexible. It is a complex story set against a background of the grinding poverty in urban Philipine cities. The central characters are driven by extreme circumstances to survive, For one it is compatable with his nature, for another it is a way to survive. To survive they work in a gay nightclub. An environment not unlike a surrogate family but the portal to an amoral way of life that pervades survival in the underclass. The characters are individuals, though romance is treated shallowly. One can sympathise and at times identify with their predicament. The film has strong plot and seems to give a gritty insight into the way of life some people must follow. It has tragedy, comedy, romance and kinship. So in many ways it can be a rewarding experience for open minded people who are willing to have their social conscience pricked.

As a frequent visitor to Thailand, (this film is set in the Phillipines), I have talked to boys that dance in the 'boy bars' (male prostitute joints) about what they do for a living. This film realistically shows the motivation these boys have to do almost anything to get out from the abject poverty in which they live. Maybe some of the violence is a little far fetched, but generally I think it shows a balanced veiw of how the boys that are sucked into this way of life live. I found the film engrossing and sometimes very sexy! If you don't mind the sub-titles watch it!

This film is not a typical Gay & Lesbian-themed film. There are predominant Gay themes in this story, which are treated with dignity and sensitivity. As well, there are some sexually explicit parts and some poorly choreographed violence. Ultimately though, this is a story about survival where people have to look out for their survival and their families by themselves, while they struggle with the unforgiving, decieving reality in which they are trapped. The main theme doesn't use the issue of sexuality as the sole, main backdrop.

Having Filipino background certainly helped in understanding the cultural influences and the dynamics in this film. Main examples are shown in the characters' obligation to family, some of the unorthodox ideas of sexuality and the common cultural clashes between one's common values and survival.. While it's portrayals shouldn't be generalized towards the Filipino culture as a whole, the overall depiction is equal parts honest, disturbing and moving.. and also as one reviewer previously mentioned; ultimately depressing..

With that said, this film is not for everyone. The subtitling is a little bit incomplete in parts, the pacing is a little bit slow and and the Filipino themes may evade some people. If you can get past that, you may find it to be an intense, worthwhile experience..

It's erotic, it's sexual, it's violent and ultimately depressing.

It's the classic tale of prostitution stealing one's soul in the end--Filipeno style. Three brothers choose to work in a gay bar as male prostitues. They find this is the best way to make a quick buck. Everyone in the family knows about it.
Mom , dad, one of the boy's is married with a wife and kid and she knows about it. And she is fine. She even meets his male lover with open arms. How amazingly accepting to their circumstances.

There is a lot of heartbreak in this movie. The actress playing the mother is wonderful and your heart goes out to her. Much more said would give to much away.

There is a great display of Asian Beefcake-- but since the message is one of prostitution ruining one's life and soul --the erotica goes out the window. Still an interesting honest portrayal of desperate people and male prostitution in the Phillipines.

It is an exploitation vehicle but rises above the treacle to make you see how morality becomes an impossibility in a deeply-rotten society.Stark and gripping,it details the plight of three brothers who became strip dancers for gay bar. It is graphic in its depiction of a society already on the throes of a breakdown -of people desperately clinging for the little shred of hope that remains - of doing what they can to survive. But there are also tender moments that redeem the characters from the hell they find themselves in.

This film is honest to goodness depiction of real life situation of gay men in Philippines. The actors are somewhat handsome although these are just the average actors that are not really famous in their country.

what an excellant movie. portrays the asian version of what can happen
to young men that get to carried away with things.
you will really enjoy all the eye candy in this one.

Much better than the filipino film, "Macho Dancer" by the late Lino Brocka , exploring the same theme. Another similar movie is being made right now called "Burlesk King". You have to see R.S. Francisco's performance as the Drag Queen who fell in love with the male lead! Superb!

arrived within 5 days in perfect condition and dvd was very clear and good. A great story for anybody who thinks they do it hard, just watch and see how other people survive in this world.

Wow! I would like to thanks first the person ( my friend ) who gave me this movie as a birthday gift. I don't really cares about watching this kind of movie but one day I don't have anything to do at home being alone so I played the movie (DVD) and watched it. I like this movie especially the actor's did a good job even I don't understand the words or the language at least a subtittle movie. I wish I can find more movie like this and I heard that they have more filipino movies made the same but different story. Thank you! Buy this movie very interesting.