Leave your notions of gender at the door

Shinjuku Boys
Mardi Gras Film Festival
Reviewed by Jen Crothers Shinjuku Boys is a revealing look into the lives of women who live as men in Tokyo. The women work in the New Marilyn nightclub, where they host their (presumably) heterosexual, female clients. To their clients, each host is a "special boyfriend". To the hosts, each client is "strictly business". The documentary explores the lives of Gaish, Tatsu and Kazuki. Tatsu is a spunk, who toys with the emotions of her numerous girlfriends/clients. Gaish is taking illegal hormone injections and lives with a woman. Kazuki lives with Kumi, a transsexual dancer. All western notions of gender and sexuality are put to the test in this film. The labels of man, woman and lesbian just don't fit. Familiar stereotypes do emerge, though: Tatsu thinks that girls are "weak and helpless". This is a fascinating film, and it screens with another interesting look at cross dressing, Three Hours in High Heels is Heaven. Screening Monday, February 19, at 5.15pm at the Academy Twin.

From GLW issue 219