uwmasianfilm-1
I can't figure out why people are saying that this film isn't melodramatic, because it really lays on the sap. It follows a formula we've seen before of inspiration and tragedy, all just to get a few cheap tugs at the heartstrings. The story's evolution is not convincing and the dignity of the poor aspect is overplayed for what it is worth.All that said, there are redeeming aspects. Most notably is the cinematography. The images are all well lit for depth and contrast of cool and warm colors. Also, the camera shots from low angles with wide lenses give an overall visual perspective that rings true as the way a child would see the world. There is also some good scenes between the protagonist and his grandmother and his sister. These three were probably the best actors to boot.In the end, it is not something worth going out of your way to see though.
vanilla_tenshi
I can't believe that it took me year before I had the "experience" of watching Magnifico. Never had I seen a Filipino movie which moved me to tears that I almost found it hard to breathe..This is one of those Filipino cinematic gems.. The story is simple yet unforgettable..this movie is unpretentious, subtle and humbling. One scene that really made me cry was when they did a slow motion of Jiro walking out of the house carrying his sister on his back to take her out to the "perya" Lorna, the mother, just crying there silently watching her two children was just one of the many unforgettable scenes in the movie. The movie's happy atmosphere in the beginning will cleverly prepare you to a tragic and yet what I consider "beautiful" ending. This movie is one of those stories that will prove that in this world where people consider Me, Myself and I as most important, there is still what we call selfless love.
eeeky32000
Not a few critics have written negative reviews about this film for being too melodramatic. What is so wrong about a film which makes its viewers shed tears because of its sheer beauty? This film about a young boy who has so much love to give certainly won the hearts of its viewers, to hell with the critics. Personally, I think it is one of the best Filipino films ever made, and its two awards from the Berlin Film Festival should serve as proof of its greatness. I'd like to think of this film as the Philippines' humble contribution to world cinema. I believe that viewers around the world should not be deprived of movies such as this, which offer the message of hope and love, as opposed to the depravity prevalent in today's cinema.
bsg-7
A Filipino cinematic gem that went largely unnoticed during its commercial run. Thankfully, it got the acclaim it truly deserves when it won both the grand prix and children's jury prize -- a feat never before achieved -- in the 2004 Berlin Film Festival.A Palanca-winning story, masterful directing and great acting from just about everyone in the cast, but most specially child actors Jiro Manio, Isabella de Leon and the boy who played Manio's best friend, combine for a viewing experience you will remember long after the credits roll. Poverty and death do not beg for sympathy and tears in this movie, but they are likely to fall just the same.Could be veteran (though nonetheless underrated) director Maryo J. delos Reyes' most heartwarming, uplifting film.
AD
