Boatman

Boatman is Tikoy Aguiluz’ début feature, an unflinching look at the world of the ‘torero’ (literally ‘matador,’ or ‘bullfighter,’ Filipino slang for a live sex performer). Aguiluz takes off from the classic storyline of the innocent ‘probinsyano’ (provincial) who comes to the big city, seeking work – shades of Lino Brocka’s best known film, Manila in the Claws of Neon/Maynila sa mga kuko ng liwanag, where a similar country hick arrives in Manila. Aguiluz’ eye for urban realism and understated storytelling, however, gives the premise an unsentimental intensity all its own; his sex scenes have the documentary-like accuracy and sweaty ambiance of a live act being performed right before your eyes, without apology or explanation. As the eponymous boatman, Ronnie Lazaro’s Felipe is an unsettling portrait of the ambitious newcomer, out to climb the ladder of success no matter what the price; Sarsi Emmanuelle as Gigi is Felipe’s lovely onstage partner, a cynical woman who gradually comes to care for her colleague. Compared with the other films made in this genre (Chito Rono’s Private Show, Lino Brocka’s Macho Dancer, Joey Reyes’ Toro, all of which presumably took off from the success of this film), this is easily the best. (NV)