Review Of Ang Lalake Sa Parola

The beautiful Philipine setting of this film is especially complemented by the equally attractive Mateo (Harry Laurel).

The film explores a burgeoning lust turned to love between Mateo and the tourist Jerome (Justin DeLeon), which is a bit problematic, given that Mateo is engaged to a beautiful young local woman. Following a rather predictable and familiar story arc whenever an out, proud gay man and a closeted, traditional man intertwine, there are no surprises in store for viewers. However, complicating the narrative (at least for Western audiences) is the structural ploy of an old man retelling his parallel life story which intersperses local folk lore.

I found the convention to be distracting and unnecessary. However, I shall forgive this by assuming that the role of the folk tale with its superstitions is central to the culture. It provides a sort of super-natural excuse for homosexual love.

My rating is somewhat generous at three stars, but two stars would be an insult to the beauty of the scenery--nature and human.

Trailer below:

Genre: Gay themed and bisexual themed drama

Director: Joselito Altarejos

Language: English sub-titles

Availability: DVD

99Gay-Men.us Rating: ***

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Extended Trailer for Ang Lalake Sa Parola