Celestina: Burlesk Dancer (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Vivamax’s latest offering, Celestina: Burlesk Dancer (2024), directed by McArthur Alejandre, paints a vivid picture of resilience, familial love, and the cost of survival in 1940s Philippines. Starring Yen Durano as Celestina, the titular burlesque dancer, alongside Christine Bermas and Sid Lucero, the film provides a mix of drama, societal commentary, and Vivamax’s signature penchant for provocative storytelling. Here’s an in-depth review of the film, its strengths, and where you might soon stream it online.
Plot Overview
Set in a tumultuous era, Celestina: Burlesk Dancer tells the story of Celestina, a burlesque dancer struggling to support her family while contending with a gambling and womanizing husband. At its core, the film explores themes of sacrifice, motherhood, and the oppressive norms women faced in a deeply patriarchal society. Despite its poignant premise, the movie occasionally stumbles in balancing substance with its more salacious elements, a common critique for Vivamax productions.
Strengths: A Story Worth Telling
Yen Durano delivers a commendable performance as Celestina, embodying the struggles of a mother trapped in dire circumstances. While her portrayal lacks depth in certain dramatic moments, her charm and effort are evident. Christine Bermas and Sid Lucero shine in their respective roles, with Lucero delivering yet another powerhouse performance. His nuanced approach to his character raises the emotional stakes of the film.
The screenplay, co-written by renowned Filipino screenwriter Ricky Lee, provides glimpses of brilliance, especially in its depiction of Celestina’s inner turmoil and the societal pressures that define her journey. The film’s strongest moments are found in these introspective explorations, which highlight the tension between personal desire and familial obligation.
Weaknesses: A Mixed Bag of Execution
One of the primary criticisms of Celestina: Burlesk Dancer lies in its uneven pacing and over-reliance on explicit scenes. While the film attempts to delve into meaningful storytelling, the inclusion of unnecessary sensual content dilutes its impact. Many viewers feel that these scenes overshadow the narrative, making it difficult for the audience to fully engage with the emotional core of the movie.
Additionally, the film’s choreography and burlesque performances fail to evoke the sensuality and artistry associated with the genre. These sequences, meant to highlight Celestina’s craft and struggles, lack the vibrancy and connection necessary to captivate the audience.
A Cinema Experience or Wait for Streaming?
For viewers in the Philippines, the theatrical release of Celestina: Burlesk Dancer has drawn mixed reactions. The version shown in SM Cinemas, rated R-16, is heavily censored, removing significant portions of the film’s explicit content. Fans seeking the uncut R-18 version can catch it in select theaters such as Gateway, Fishermall, Robinsons, and Gaisano. However, the question remains—does this justify the higher ticket price?
The general consensus among fans is that the film might be better suited for Vivamax’s streaming platform, where subscribers can access it for a fraction of the cost of a cinema ticket. This sentiment reflects a growing trend where viewers prioritize convenience and value over the traditional cinema experience for such content.
Where to Watch Online
As of now, Celestina: Burlesk Dancer is exclusively available in Philippine cinemas. However, given Vivamax’s history of promptly adding its theatrical releases to its streaming library, fans can expect the movie to be available on Vivamax’s platform in early 2025.
For international audiences, streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, or Apple TV often feature Filipino films for rental or purchase several months after their release. While Celestina: Burlesk Dancer is not yet listed on these platforms, keeping an eye on updates from JustWatch (check here) is a great way to stay informed.
Personal Verdict
While Celestina: Burlesk Dancer attempts to weave a tale of resilience and empowerment, it struggles to fully realize its potential. The performances of the lead actors, particularly Sid Lucero, provide redeeming qualities, but the excessive focus on explicit content detracts from the storytelling.
For casual viewers, waiting for the film’s release on Vivamax or other streaming platforms is a wise choice. The home-viewing experience will likely offer the same, if not better, satisfaction at a lower cost.
Conclusion
Celestina: Burlesk Dancer (2024) is a film that appeals to fans of Vivamax’s style, but its potential to resonate as a powerful narrative is hindered by uneven execution. If you’re curious about Celestina’s journey and the performances that bring it to life, stay tuned for its streaming release on Vivamax or other platforms.
Visit JustWatch for updates on where to watch it online, and don’t forget to explore Vivamax for a collection of Filipino films that celebrate diverse storytelling.
