- “Tale of the Lost Boys” isn’t just another gay film, just like what director Jay Altajeros said.
- It’s a story about how one person can find friendship and solace with someone from a completely different culture and walk of life.
At one point of the film, one of the protagonists tells the other: “We were fucked for so long. We don’t know who we truly are.” This quote perfectly summarizes the theme of this touching drama from director Joselito “Jay” Altarejos.
Director Jay Altarejos has been known for his award-winning LGBT oriented films like UNFRIEND and Kasal which depicts the lives of gay men. But in his latest work, director Altajeros centers on something different from his past films.
Although his Sinag Maynila 2018 entry, “Tale of the Lost Boys”, still features a gay protagonist, the film focuses on a serendipitous friendship between a gay man and a straight man, and how they form new perspectives to their identities and begin to look into the wounds from each of their own pasts.
Part adult coming-of-age, part road movie, “Tale of the Lost Boys” is the story of the friendship between two men — Alex (Oliver Aquino), a Filipino mechanic, and Jerry (Ta Su/ Soda Voyu), a Taiwanese aborigine student.
The two meet randomly when Alex flees to Taipei from Manila, upon learning that his girlfriend is pregnant. A casual conversation develops into a surprising personal connection between them. Both realize that they yearn for a more intimate connection with their mothers since Alex’s abandoned him for a new family while Jerry is afraid that his traditional parents will reject him for being gay.
The two men went on a road trip and end up at Jerry’s tribe. The trip eventually made them reconnect with their mothers and both discover a certain sense of identity and freedom.
The film, directed by Jay Altajeros and from a screenplay by May de los Santos, also stars Joe Black Chou, Kristel Romero, Abai Bashang, Mona Hayung, Lex Bonife, Tiffany Tsai and Nataleigh Sitoy and is produced by BEYONDtheBOX, Portico Productions and Gagaoolala.
Compared to most of Altajeros’ previous film efforts, “Tale of the Lost Boys” is actually more tame and restrained. It sticks with its central focus which is the friendship between Alex and Jerry, and how each one of them helps one another in overcoming their fears and finding their-selves. In one of the most memorable moments of the film, the two characters talk about the similarities of their respective countries and how their nation’s history mirrors their lives.
Both Philippines and Taiwan have been occupied by different nations in the past. Because of this, both countries seem to have lost each one’s identity. “We were fucked for so long. We don’t know who we truly are,” Jerry concludes. This is also a metaphor describing the two characters. Jerry, who was raised in a very traditional upbringing and left his tribe to study in the city. His life in the city has completely changed him into a different person, and now, he is not sure if his family will still accept him.
On the other hand, Alex is distraught after his girlfriend’s pregnancy and ends up leaving her. This, in turn, makes him no different from his parents who left him.
These two characters are brought to life effectively by Oliver Aquino and Ta Su. Aquino, a previous Star Magic teen actor, plays Alex with enough angst that perfectly matches his character.
On the other hand, Taiwanese actor Soda Voyu also known in his screen name Ta Su, plays Jerry with charm and warmth that embodies the character’s tender personality.
Both Oliver Aquino and Ta Su are given enough moments to showcase their acting prowess in their respective roles. Although I must admit that the acting skill were still a bit rough around the edges, both actors are very capable of breathing life into these beautiful characters on screen.
The foreign supporting cast were also good, particularly Joe Black Chou who plays Simon, Jerry’s boyfriend, who serves as the film’s eye candy.
Technically wise, the film is one gorgeous picture. The film uses a lot of drone shots showing a large chunk of the landscapes of Taiwan as the two characters move or drive around the city and the countryside, mirroring how these two boys are lost in a big world while searching for each of their own identities.
The cinematography of the film uses the gorgeous locations in Taiwan to its advantage as the two boys move from one place to another. In addition to its scenery, the film’s music, mostly in Mandarin, adds to the film’s overall atmosphere.
“Tale of the Lost Boys” isn’t just another gay film, just like what director Jay Altajeros said. It’s a story about how one person can find friendship and solace with someone from a completely different culture and walk of life. It’s about finding one’s self-identity after losing one’s self, and bravely bracing everything that comes with it.
Despite its rough edges, “Tale of the Lost Boys” is a beautifully made, touching story of friendship, family and finding one’s self.
RATING: 4/5
