The Gigolo

The Gigolo is a mesmeric 2015 Hong Kong comedy-drama that guides the audience through the glittering yet ruthless world of Hong Kong's pleasure industry. This movie marks a noteworthy performance by its charismatic, multidimensional lead, Dominic Ho, who brings life to an incredibly relatable character. Is this young man really just about cute charm and unbridled machismo or is he a soul, lost and wandering in the deceptive allure of the night?

The film opens with Fung, portrayed by Dominic Ho, undergoing a transformation. Losing his job as an auto mechanic, Fung finds himself grappling desperately with the harsh realities of contemporary Hong Kong and is left bereft of hope. Thanks to Hung, played by charismatic actress Candy Ka-Man Yuen, he learns about a new profession; that of a gigolo or male escort. Hung, an experienced former escort-turned-madam trains Fung in the art of selling companionship to lonely, affluent women who seek solace in the company of attractive men.

Fung, driven by the ostensible glamour and easy money associated with this new field, dives headfirst into the trade, becoming an object of desire for insecure, wealthy women. The movie takes us on a journey through Fung's overnight transformation from a naive mechanic into a sought-after gigolo, navigating the empty glamour and hidden dangers of his new profession.

Throughout the film, director Au Cheuk-Man paints the world of gigolos in a variety of vivid shades, displaying the highs and lows of escorting with a bold and distinct narrative style. Despite the adult theme, Au does responsibly, avoiding overt sensationalism yet managing to showcase the nuanced reality.

Dominic Ho, in the main role of Fung, outshines in his most significant big-screen opportunity yet, infusing Fung with earnestness and vulnerability below a polished exterior. Ho’s calibrated performance beautifully expresses the tension of living a life tethered between the enticement of material success and the loss of personal integrity.

Candy Ka-Man Yuen delivers a power-packed performance as the seasoned Madame Hung, who leads Fung down this path. Her character acts as a significant catalyst, guiding Fung through the extravagances and the grim realities of her former world. Yuen captures the complexity of Hung splendidly, making it one of her most memorable roles.

Jeana Ho, portraying Michelle, one of Fung's clients, lends depth to her character and the narrative. Her portrayal of a lonely heart seeking solace adds another layer to the story, revealing the various societal factors that fuel the gigolo industry. Jeana Ho’s performance is emotionally potent, complementing the overall narrative arc of the film, showing a partially hidden yet significant side of the industry.

The Gigolo also explores the dynamics of friendship as it presents earnest relationships Fung shares with his fellow gigolos, particularly with one nicknamed Big Brother, played by Tony Ho Wah-Chiu. These relationships add both comic relief and intrigue to the movie, enriching the storyline.

The backdrop of Hong Kong's pleasure industry is portrayed with a much-needed realism that neither fully condemns nor glorifies it. Instead, the film chooses to provide an insight into how the industry functions, and the people it attracts, on both sides of the transaction.

Au Cheuk-Man directs this film maintaining a steady pace, balancing the intense drama with comic moments. He paints a gripping picture of the escort industry, offering a close examination of its participants, their motivations, and their consequences.

The cinematography is visually stunning, capturing the nightlife's glitz and glamour and the more subdued, solitary moments shared by its characters. The soundtrack is equally atmospheric, enhancing the tension and drama of the narrative.

Though brimming in risque content, at its heart, The Gigolo is an exploration of the human condition, shedding light on societal norms, personal choices, introspection, and redemption. It subtly poses questions around morality and materialistic success, leaving audiences with much to ponder long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, The Gigolo is a risqué yet thoughtful take on an often-misunderstood profession. It's an intriguing examination of life's cheaper commodities— lust, desire, power, and money, juxtaposing them against the more precious elements of self-worth and human connection. With stellar performances and realistic depiction, The Gigolo provides an engrossing watch for anyone intrigued by the amalgamation of comedy, drama, and social commentary.