Moneyboys
Moneyboys

Moneyboys

2021Movie116 minMandarin

Fei works illegally to support family, but they reject his lifestyle. Through Long, Fei finds hope, until encountering Xiaolai, his past love, who makes him confront his guilt.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic73/100
Google Users88%
Director: C.B. YiGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Fei is a young gay man living a double life in Taipei, working as a sex worker to support his family while navigating a clandestine relationship. When his father discovers his secret and disowns him, Fei is forced to confront his past and search for a sense of belonging. His journey intertwines with the lives of other sex workers, exploring themes of family, identity, and the pursuit of love in a society grappling with tradition and modernity.

Critical Reception

Moneyboys received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its sensitive portrayal of its characters and themes, its visual style, and its exploration of complex social issues. Some found the narrative occasionally slow, but the performances and emotional depth were widely commended. The film was particularly noted for its honest and non-judgmental depiction of sex work and LGBTQ+ experiences in contemporary Asia.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visually striking cinematography and sensitive direction.
  • Commended for its honest and empathetic portrayal of sex workers and LGBTQ+ struggles.
  • Noted for strong performances, particularly from the lead actor.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's emotional depth and its brave exploration of taboo subjects. Many found the story moving and relevant, highlighting the performances and the film's visual artistry.

Awards & Accolades

Selected to compete in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director C.B. Yi drew inspiration from personal experiences and observations while crafting the story of 'Moneyboys', aiming to provide an authentic glimpse into the lives of young gay men involved in sex work in Taipei.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

There are three quite solid performances at the heart of this comparatively sex-free sex drama, as we follow the life of “Fei” (Kai Ko). He has left his rural village and headed to the town so he can earn some money to send back to his moth...