A Boy Named Maxi

After reading about it in newspapers & magazines, I was finally able to see the much-acclaimed and anticipated 'independent' digital movie Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros).

I was supposed to see this film months ago when a college friend (who came up with the film's concept) invited me to catch its Cinemalaya festival run, but was unable to due to my work schedule. Soon after, I learned that it bagged the top awards and won special citations from various film festivals here and abroad. Luckily, a major distributor was smart enough to pick up the movie and release it in major theaters. The public deserves this cinematic masterpiece! After seeing supposedly good digital movies that turned out to be just over-hyped pieces of trash, Maximo promises to be a refreshing breath of fresh air for the local film scene.



Ang Pagdadalaga is a sweet and funny story about Maxi, a gay adolescent whose father and two brothers make a living as petty thieves and crooks. Being left as the only 'girl' in the family, Maxi has taken on the role of mother by willingly and ably taking care of the household. Fortunate to have a family who has accepted his sexuality, his world revolved around his father and brothers until he met the first love of his life, Victor, an honest and idealistic cop. Soon, he was faced with the hard choice between protecting his family and that of pursuing the 'blossoming' relationship he thinks he's having with Victor.



The movie was effective in tackling issues of homosexuality, poverty, corruption, love and (most importantly) family in a humorous yet realistically poignant approach . It is really touching to see how Maxi's family maintain an admirable love and affection with one another amidst their depressing slums surrounding. It is also good that the film seem to not take itself too seriously with funny moments spread through out the movie aiding to get the message across rather than distracting from it.

The entire cast was superb, but the show was definitely stolen by Nathan Lopez, Maxi herself. That this is his first movie (and that he's actually straight) only highlights the very promising talent he posseses. I hope for greater things to come for this teen thespian.


After countless local gay films that center around the tired subject of male prostitution, I am glad that Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros is experiencing its own taste of success. It's only right that Filipinos would get to meet and appreciate Maximo before the rest of the world fall in love with him.


Little girl, dont run away so fast...



Movies
Gay