Jarryl Chia
Set in a slum district of Manila, The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros is the tender, heartwarming coming-of-age story of Maximo “Maxi” Oliveros (Nathan Lopez), a gay, pre-pubescent boy of 12. Maxi is the youngest child in a family of petty crooks who sell stolen mobile phones and take bets for a living. His life revolves around taking care of his family, consisting of his father Paco (Soliman Cruz) and his brothers Boy (Neil Ryan Sese) and Bogs (Ping Medina).
He cooks, cleans and mends for them and, in return, they love and accept him for who he is. Though they occasionally tease Maxi about his sexuality, they are fiercely protective of him. Everything goes fine for them until Maxi meets Victor Perez (J.R. Valentin), an idealistic and broodingly handsome policeman. Their friendship is put into jeopardy when Boy accidentally kills somebody in a botched robbery attempt and Maxi is forced to choose between protecting his family and jeopardising his newfound friendship with Victor.
What sets The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros apart from other gay- themed films such as asBrokeback Mountain and Macho Dancer, is the notion that an effeminate and gay person can be so readily accepted, and loved, by society. Call it an avant-garde gay film that challenges the perception that homosexuality is wrong and undesirable if you like. In addition, the relationship between Victor and Maxi is platonic, unlike other gay-themed films as mentioned above. However, it has its romantic moments, such as when Maxi kisses Victor on the cheek.
The film is also a startlingly honest look at the corruption and poverty in the Philippines. Indeed, the adage “Absolute power corrupts absolutely” holds true as we see how Victor is transformed from the idealist with a strong sense of justice to being just another conformist and victim of circumstance when he is given orders, and a promotion, to clamp down hard on crime in Maxi’s slum. In a way, it shows the harsh reality of life finally crashing down on both Maxi and Victor, a loss of innocence.
It is at once both bitter and sweet, leaving one with a dull ache in the heart and the promise of a better future.
Indeed, the strength of the film lies in Director Auraeus Solito’s knack for casting the right people. There is both strength and vulnerabilities in Lopez’s Maxi that makes us feel for him and respect him at the same time, young though he is. The scenes of him crying are very emotionally charged, so do get your tissue paper ready. Deservedly, his debut performance in The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros won him the Best Actor award for the Cine Festival Las Palmas, 2006. Thespian and veteran actor Cruz’s performance is also praiseworthy as he plays the loving father to Maxi. His devotion to his family is very worthy of respect, despite his being a petty crook. He is a reassuring presence throughout the film and keeps it grounded and real with his adult sensibilities. Memorable scenes include him slapping Maxi to warn him against seeing Victor, him caressing his deceased wife’s picture lovingly and his brutal murder at the hands of the police chief (Bodjie Pascua).
The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros is a crowning achievement for Filipino cinema as it pushes the boundaries for films exploring sexuality. It also proves again that an excellent film doesn’t need a big budget and a star- studded cast.
All it needs is a good story that’s close to the heart. Of course, the distinct Filipino flavour present throughout the film is of great interest to us who are unfamiliar with Filipino culture. It is an absorbing and immersive aural and visual experience as I took in the sights and sounds of the Philippines, a country near to us but with a culture that is so different after years of Spanish occupation.
It is destined to go down in history as one of those rare gems of a film that have touched many people deeply. It is set to win hearts and tears the world over, as 12 international awards have proven.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Movie Details:
Opens: July 5
Running Time: 100mins
Cast: Nathan Lopez, Soliman Cruz, Ping Medina
Director: Auraeus Solito