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)