Happy and Gay!

Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros

(2005)

Director: Auraeus Solito

Story and Screenplay: Michiko Yamamoto
Click here to show the movie's casts and crew: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0479506/fullcredits/

Not being a mainstream "gay film" full of cliches, this is indeed a must-watch!

Typical "gay films" merely depicts a story about identity crisis and being-a-gay-is-not-accepted-by-the-father issue, but in Maxi's case, it's not. Maxi (played by Nathan Lopez) plays the role of a very loving, responsible, and caring gay son. He takes care of his "siga" father (played by Soliman Cruz) and "brusko" brothers (played by Neil Ryan Sese and Ping Medina) just like a mother does and in return, they love and accept Maxi for who he really is. Maxi and his family's lives revolve in a slum area somewhere in the outskirts of Manila where everyday sceneries of crime and corruption can be seen. The presentation of the ironies and the conflicts are very genuine and realistic and for the "love story-ish" aspect of the film, it also portrays Maxi experiencing "puppy love" for the first time in his life with a policeman (played by J.R. Valentin) who he thought was his knight in shining armor but then later on became the one who triggered conflict -- the domino effect which affected the lives of all the characters. (Rated SPG -- contains adult and gender sensitive themes that may not be suitable for juvenile ages & minds)

Technically speaking, the scenes were heart touching but not too melodramatic and full of kaOAhan because the simple shots that were used in the film emphasized the straight-to-the-heart emotions and the exemplary acting prowess of the casts.

For the film production's good points, the production design, visual, and lighting effects were of big help for the representation of the setting, the issues, and the events. The actors - from the major characters to the supporting roles - really gave justice to the characters by the virtue of their great and natural acting skills and they also gave justice to the beautiful screenplay and delivered the dialogues well.

This film is a great example of "EXCELENT FILMS DON'T NEED MILLIONS OF BUDGET FOR PRODUCTION". It also tells movie makers, movie goers and movie enthusiasts that NO AMOUNT OF BREATHTAKING VISUAL 3D WHATSOEVER EFFECTS can be a hero that can save a bad script, a bad directing, and a poor acting skill.

For me, this film was successful in portraying issues about realistic societal problems and gender sensitivity in a new flavor. (deserves a two-thumbs up, or maybe, a standing ovation! *slow clap*) :)