Without a doubt, "Burlesque King" is not an American movie. Well - yes, I mean - it's obviously not American. It's, after all, in the Philippic language, it's characters look Asian and it's setting is, after an initial set-up, Manilla. But what I'm talking about is it subject matter and plot. This film is, at times, so compelling because it's mores and ideals are far from what is considered typically American.

The film concerns a "macho dancer." The American equivalent might be called a "stripper," a "dick dancer," a "hustler" or even a male prostitute. But the really odd thing here is that the film has no shame or concerns about such a profession. It is treated almost entirely as simply normal. The climax of the storyline has the protagonist winning the title of "Burlesque King" of 1998 while his prostitute girlfriend, her mother and some friends look on in pleasure!

The main character, Harry (Rodel Velayo), who has an American father, is a really interesting and complex protagonist. First off, he's decidedly good looking and since he is in a profession, eventually, where he dances naked, there are plenty of ample opportunities to ogle his wonderful body. But even if these moments didn't exist, the film would still be a great story.

Reflecting Almodovar at his finest, director Mel Chionglo and scripter Ricky Lee take Harry through a character arc of novelesque proportions. Watching him grow and evolve, and get stalled, as a human being is quite remarkable. Another nice thing about this exposition is that many moments that would be emphasized in Harry's story in other's hands are glossed over by the filmmakers. For example, Harry initially does not want to dance, but soon, one night, we find him at center stage. There is no long, drawn out, dramatic angsting over this decision. It's just treated as the natural evolution in the character's story. Same thing for when he begins to turn tricks, gay and straight.

There are some stereotypical queens in the film and yet it never feels derogatory or mean spirited. No gay man is mistreated in any way in the film. Perhaps this mirrors the "macho dancers'" feelings that a client is simply a client, whether male or female; it's all the same. Also, other gay characters are not flitty queens, but writers and doctors and such presenting a panorama of gay males (and lesbians) of all types to populate the film.

Slightly erotic, highly interesting and wonderfully acted and brought to the screen, "Burlesque King" is a film that will draw you in. Because the (sub)culture represented by the film is so unique to American audiences, you will never see the plot twists and turns coming. Velayo is always alluring and watching what happens to him here is never, ever dull. This is one riveting story. And one unique film.

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