Intelligence is what makes this 'BoY' sexy

"BoY," director Auraeus Solito's latest offering, has a simple plot: a rich, unnamed poet (played by real life Creative Writing major Aeious Asin) meets a poor macho dancer (played by real life macho dancer Aries Pena) and they attempt to discover each other's world. But Solito and his team obviously put a lot of thought to this film, enough to deliver an intelligent, neo-realistic gay erotica that genuinely arouses the interest of its audience. In what he calls his "ode to the Filipino macho dancer genre," Solito managed to effectively paint a realistic imagery of the world of male strippers. From the opening scene of a gay impersonator singing a song about love in place of lust, to the scenes showing what takes place before each sensual dance performance, the film gives its audience a panoramic view of the lives of these people who thrive in the dark underworld of Manila society. Aside from showing what takes place behind and on the stage, the film provides insights into the perfectly human world of the macho dancers outside the gay bars and into the light. In probably one of the most striking scenes from the film, the protagonist macho dancer performs a private sensual dance for his "boy" while making the audience understand the humanity of male strippers like him-- their desire for some sense of dignity and respect despite what many perceive as a dehumanizing job. The documentary-style portrayal of the world of the macho dancers and the film's well-written script makes the presentation organic. The lines are spontaneous and natural, occasionally infused with witty sexual undertones. The film's light, humorous lines elicited loud laughter and applause from the Filipino audience that managed to watch the film for the first time last July 24 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. "Iba talaga mag-react ang Filipino audience. Ang saya-saya ko (The Filipinos really react differently. I am very happy)," said an overwhelmed Solito during the Philippine premiere of "BoY." Even the film's controversial lovemaking scenes, which got "BoY" banned for screening in the 22nd Singapore International Film Festival, were well-thought out and creatively done. The love scenes, which lead actor Asin described as "the most challenging scene" they had to film, were very gentle and sensual. Solito ingeniously shot most of the scenes behind aquariums, adding to the aesthetic quality of the shots. However, more than just being a well-executed erotica, "BoY" also challenges its audience to ponder on the film's raw take on post-EDSA Philippine society. Beyond the sensual imagery, the film tries to disillusion its audience about a revolution that supposedly improved life in the country by bravely presenting the current situation in the Philippines where poverty, political patronage, and the social divide still prevail. "BoY" attests to Solito's maturing talent and insight in filmmaking. It effectively showcases sexuality and social issues, entertaining and challenging its audience at the same time. Truly, "BoY" is an intelligent erotica which gives pride not just to the filmmaker, but to the entire Philippine independent film industry. - GMANews.TV