Bwakaw (2012)

Overrated and overhyped

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

I really like how the story reflects a portion of Philippine society and culture.Even though Sol is homophobic, the issue of homosexuality isn't taken as really big deal which is good because it somehow implies that sexuality isn't really a big deal when you're trying to be human.The slow pace of the story aligns with the way Rene perceives time, since he is an old man waiting for his death, time couldn't have gone slower.The cinematography isn't more about capturing beauty but more about trying to keep the eyes of the viewers on the screen. But in one particular scene where Rene kissed Sol out of curiosity, there was much camera movement which added suspense that maybe Sol would wake up.The sound was also great. It really captured the silence of the provincial areas in the Philippines.Overall the movie is great! It's a must watch for a Filipino and I rate it 8/10 because of its social relevance and accuracy of cinematic techniques in portraying this Filipino story.

Bwakaw (2012) is a movie from the Philippines, written and directed by Jun Lana. Rene, played by Eddie Garcia, is a misanthropic older gay man. Rene lives in a semi-rural area, not too far from a larger city. He has no real friends, because he repulses people who try to engage him in friendship. Eddie's great love in life is his little dog, Bwakaw, played by Princess.There are two threads to the plot--a serious illness suffered by Bwakaw, and a developing friendship between Rene and a younger man. The movie is worth watching to see how these plot lines develop.We saw the film at the Little Theatre as part of Image Out--The Rochester LGBT Film Festival. It will work well on the small screen.

Rene (in a career-topping performance by superstar Eddie Garcia) spends his days revising his last will and testament, grousing to neighbors and colleagues (at the post office where he continues to work even though he is no longer on the payroll), ever in the company of a scrawny mutt with the onomatopoeic name Bwakaw.Rene shares his bed with a santa entiento inherited from his devout mother, which has grown miraculously over the years but is unable to deliver miracles when they are most needed.In the film's most tender and heart-rending scenes, Rene journeys to a nursing home to visit Alicia (Armida Siguion Reyna), whose dementia lifts in a brief moment of lucidity that illuminates the years lost to both of them because of Rene's long journey to knowledge about his sexuality.Shot in San Pablo Laguna. Dedicated to the playwright Rene O. Villanueva. Another entirely original film from the Philippines. What is in their water?

Bwakaw embarks upon the life's journey of Mang Rene, a cranky old homosexual man. I've seen other gay movies but this is so far the most natural, every-day-scene, or could-be-my-neighbor kind of setting. The delivery of lines are so natural that it didn't feel scripted at all. But of course! This was a powerhouse cast! Led by none other than one of the greatest actors that has ever graced the Philippine Cinema – Mr. Eddie Garcia himself! Add to that another classical icon in the industry – Ms. Armida Siguion-Reyna. Now, who could possibly top these two actors who are, to quote a line from the movie, "older than the Philippine Constitution??? And I mean that in the most positive way, that their length and quality of service to the Philippine movie industry is already immeasurable. So, it is only right for us to give honor.Other good actors who graced this film are: Gardo Versoza, Soxie Topacio, Alan Paule, Luz Valdez, Rez Cortez, Beverly Salviejo, Jonathan Neri, May-I Fabros, Soliman Cruz, Roni Bertubin, and Joey Paras. I will not detail who played who, so as not to preempt other would-be watchers of this movie. Go figure that out yourself! ;) Or just go to their Facebook Fanpage. Actually, I'm just too lazy to write it down because it would just be a waste of time and space when you can find it in their Fanpage already. Am I right? Now, moving on to what I liked about this movie… click here for full review, go to: http://heblogs-sheblogs.com