BB.5
(out of 5)
Brillante Mendoza investigates the exploitation of Manila’s handsome young men, who earn money in brothels that masquerade as massage parlours. One boy in particular performs his duties amid flashbacks to his father’s funeral, the preparation and rituals juxtaposed with very little subtlety against the images of him rubbing down his clients. Some very sexy scenes highlight this relatively short film, but as with much of Mendoza’s work, it stays in first gear and never actually goes beyond presenting a situation. There is neither narrative nor emotional development, though thankfully the characters are sympathetic and investing in them does not feel like a cheat.
Gee Films International, Centerstage Productions
Directed by Brillante Mendoza
Story by Brillante Mendoza, Boots Agbayani Pastor, Screenplay by Boots Agbayani Pastor, based on an original story by Ferdinand Lapuz
Cinematography by Timmy Jimenez, Monchie Redoble
Produced by Ihman Esturco
Music by Jerrold Tarog
Production Design by Benjamin Padero
Film Editing by Herbert Navasca
Toronto International Film Festival: 2005
