Walang Kawala (2008) : distribution, intrigue et streaming

Released in 2008, Walang Kawala is a drame film directed by Joel Lamangan, running about 97 minutes.

What it’s about. Joaquin, an unassuming fisherman, is forced to confront his homosexuality when his sex-starved wife Cynthia returns from her overseas job eager to get pregnant. His young and impulsive lover, Waldo, flees to Manila in disgust. After a month of hesitation, Joaquin leaves his wife to follow Waldo. His search takes him on a seamy yet colorful trip through Manila's gay underbelly. He discovers Waldo's dangerous flirtation with Rufo, a bisexual rogue cop who holds the clue to Waldo's disappearance. Rufo lures Joaquin into his home and introduces him to his submissive wife, Beng. A sadist who beats up Beng regularly, Rufo turns Joaquin into a prisoner and sex slave as he did to Waldo. When Joaquin is finally reunited with Waldo, he discovers that Rufo is about to sell them like fish to an international sex trafficking ring, along with his personal harem of male and female captives.

Who’s in it. Walang Kawala stars Polo Ravales as Joaquin, Joseph Bitangcol as Waldo, Emilio Garcia as Rufo and Jean Garcia as Beng, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.4/10, Walang Kawala has proved divisive with audiences.

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

If you liked it. Fans of Walang Kawala tend to enjoy Les Évadés, Le Parrain, La Liste de Schindler and Le Parrain, 2e partie.