The Masseur (2005): cast, story & where to watch

2005 · Film · ★ 5.8

The Masseur poster

Released in 2005, The Masseur is a drama and romance film directed by Brillante Mendoza, running about 76 minutes. “Into thy hands, I commend.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Following the death of his father and a chance meeting with an abusive romance novelist, a masseur working in a gay massage parlor struggles to make sense of his unfulfilling relationships while simultaneously assisting his mother in preparing his father for burial. Twenty-year-old Iliac may not be the best masseur in the parlor, but when he catches the eye of a cold and calculating romance novelist looking for a cheap thrill, the icy indifference displayed by his paying lover does little more to warm the spirits than his sexually charged but emotionally distant girlfriend. Despite the resentment Iliac feels towards his late father for abandoning the family and embarking on a suicidal alcohol binge, the lovelorn youth nevertheless makes the journey home to be there for his grieving mother in her time of need.

Who’s in it. The Masseur stars Coco Martin as Iliac, Jaclyn Jose as Naty, Allan Paule as Alfredo / Marina Hidalgo and Aaron Rivera as Maldon, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.8/10, The Masseur has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Masseur page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Masseur tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Masseur (2005)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Masseur change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Masseur worth watching?
The Masseur holds an audience score of 5.8 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and romance. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Masseur?
The Masseur stars Coco Martin, Jaclyn Jose, Allan Paule, Aaron Rivera and Roni Bertubin.
When was The Masseur released?
The Masseur was released in 2005, with a runtime of about 76 minutes.