The Masseur
The Masseur is a 2005 Filipino psychological drama film directed by Brillante Mendoza from a story he co-wrote with Boots Agbayani Pastor, who solely wrote the screenplay.
Plot
Iliac is a young masseur who works in Manila. One day, he travels back to his home in Pampanga and finds out that his bedridden father has passed away. Iliac assists in the preparation of his father's burial, and discovers a new relationship with one of his massage clients.Cast
- Coco Martin as Iliac
- Jaclyn Jose as Naty
- Alan Paule as Alfredo/Marina Hidalgo
- Katherine Luna as Tessa
- R.U. Miranda as Lorena
- Aaron Christian Rivera as Maldon
- Arianne Camille Rivera as Faye
- Ronaldo Bertubin as Manager
- Norman Pineda as Edmond
- John Baltazar as Anthony
- Jan-el Esturco as Errand Boy
- Erlinda Cruz as Jean
- Rose Mendoza as Rose
- Mary Anne dela Cruz as Jean
- Maximiano Sultan as Rodel
- Josefina Punzalan as Funeral Parlor Directress
- Jayson Colis as Axel
- Randel Reyes as John
- Paolo Rivero as Andrew
- Kristopher King as Lester
- Marvin Bautista as Dennis
- Adan Bolivar as Gabriel
- Kim Relucio as Louie
- Jaypee Basco as Edwin
- Joe Armas as Jay
- Jetro Rafael as Ferdinand
- Joel Ilagan as Masseur
- Domineek Almoete as Client A
- Odsz Molina as Client B
- Ferdie Lapuz as Client C
- Monti Parungao as Client D
- Ino Amoyo as Client E
- Lou Veloso as Client F
- Paolo Cruz as Client G
- Orly Myco as Mason
- Janice Fernandez as Nurse
- Ador Dincol as Photographer
- Neth Mendoza as Mourner
- Jean Tubal as Mourner
- Auring Manguerra as Mourner
- Nenita Manguerra as Mourner
- Juliet Santillan as Mourner
- Brando Mendoza as Mourner
Reception
The film has received a mixed reception, with Lucas Pistilli of Dirty Movies and Jay Weissberg of Variety giving a negative review, criticizing the film for its story, visuals, and the characters' lack of depth.Panos Kotzathanasis of Asian Movie Pulse gave a positive review, praising its "intriguing narrative" and Coco Martin's "great performance."
The film's juxtaposition editing technique was also given praise, with both the funeral procession and massage scenes mixed together.