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This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by Tony Stella) is limited to 2,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Named after Yasujiro Ozu’s custom-made, tatami-level, crab-like tripod, Kani is a new home video label dedicated to leveling the gaze and furthering the understanding of Asian cinema in North America. Focused on genre-defying films, Kani aims to expand the canon, bolster up-and-coming filmmakers and reintroduce repertory classics in context. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!
One of Lino Brocka’s lasting successes, 1988’s Macho Dancer admirably blends the maestro’s flair for socially conscious melodrama and pulp provocation — setting the template for what would become Viva Films’ erotic niche to this day.
Upon losing a reliable American client, 18-year-old gigolo Pol (Allan Paule) leaves his native province to try his luck in the soapy gay clubs of Manila. As Pol learns the ropes alongside fellow stripper Noel (Daniel Fernando) and savvy prostitute Bambi (Jaclyn Jose), he discovers more than his young mind bargained for: an underbelly of protection rackets, human trafficking and political corruption.
Underlying the film’s astutely cynical outlook on systemic, class-based exploitation in the Filipino context is a neon-lit tale of sexual self-discovery gyrating between queer desire and heteronormative strictures, sensuality and grit, tenderness and violence. Heavily censored upon release and hugely successful overseas, Macho Dancer follows the recent re-discovery of Lino Brocka’s Bona and is presented here in a new 4K restoration from Viva Film’s original film elements.
directed by: Lino Brocka starring: Allan Paule, Daniel Fernando, Jaclyn Jose, William Lorenzo, Princess Punzalan, Timothy Diwa, Johnny Vicar, Lucita Soriano, Joel Lamangan 1988 / 133 min / 1.37:1 / Tagalog DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
2-disc Set: 4K Ultra HD / Region A Blu-ray
Interview with screenwriter Ricky Lee
Interview with actor William Lorenzo
Interview with actor Joel Lamangan
Macho Dancer: A Critical Look (Archival Featurette)
Theatrical Trailer
Reversible sleeve artwork
English, English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.875 / 5 from 8 reviews.
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Reviews
Excellent and sexy
"Kani can do no wrong! Slice of life story about a dominatrix who wants to be an actress, and her best friend, a call girl who wants to be married to a doctor. Most of the story takes place at night, both on the job and off, where they traverse Tokyo as fun 20-somethings in between all manner of other consenting-adult behavior. It's almost 2 hours long, so a slice-of-life can wear thin, but when the pace started to lag for me about halfway through the filmmakers re-engaged me pretty quickly with different scenarios and a storyline that does build a bit. The main actresses are both amazing, particularly the dominatrix (Sawa Suzuki). Special note goes out to the cinematographer as well, who creates one of the lushest, most creatively lit city-nightscapes (and leather dungeons) I've seen in a film recently. Lots of nudity also for those inclined. I loved this one."
— David H. (5/5)
Pink Cinema
"An interesting blend of drama, romance, and exploitation-era filmmaking."
— Chris T. (5/5)
Very Good!
"Surprisingly good blind buy!"
— Aaron M. (5/5)
Great
"Never saw Tokyo Decadence. Think there's a connection between the two but unsure. Anyway, even without seeing the first one still was a great time."
— nicolas e. (5/5)
Japanese Bizarre Romance Tale
"Great tale of 2 sex workers in Tokyo. Must watch for fans of the genre! 4/5 stars!"
— Stephen H. (4/5)
The Best
"An incredible sex-positive comedy from the director behind the underrated Door."
— Joe P. (5/5)
Great!
"Great!"
— Richard L. (5/5)
Sweeter than you think!
"A film about friendship, about relationships, and about S&M."
— Kyle G. (5/5)
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