While at first it may seem like a typical pink film fodder, Auraeus Solito’s Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros) overcomes this fate and turns out to be one of the most endearing explorations of the life in the slums. Only twelve years-old, Maxi (an excellent Nathan Lopez) acts as the mother to his father and older hoodlum brothers. He cooks, cleans and runs errands for them. His blazing, colorful outfits might give away most of his character, but there is a silent insistence running deep within his mind, especially when he falls in love with a cop (JR Valentin) who happens to know his family’s dealings and schemings.

Maxi is a refreshing study on the slums of Manila. While it is always gritty, Maxi feels like an ode to the heart of life, with the characters’ desires and struggles portrayed through a bittersweet vitality. More than a coming of age film, Maxi reinstates the trappings of a Filipino melodrama by turning a low-key persistence. Maxi is more indiepop rather than an angsty rock outfit—lyrical, melodic, and charming. Don Jaucian

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5. sukhibear reblogged this from pelikula and added:

   (via pelikula) The first indie film that I watched ♥

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7. manikquin reblogged this from pelikula and added:

   dahil malapit na ang Cinemalaya. one of my favorite Filipino Films. And Rorie Fule, isn’t Ping Medina hot? haha!

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    i want to watch this indie film

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24. self-inflicted reblogged this from joserizal and added:

    I’ve always wanted to see this.

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33. kriskatalbas reblogged this from joserizal and added:

    this is where i saw and fell in love with Ping Medina. magiging akin ka rin. nyahahaha.

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35. danaeshmanae reblogged this from joserizal and added:

    one of my favorite Filipino movies.

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42. i-wore-a-gift-box reblogged this from joserizal and added:

    i love this movie. love the characters..especially kuya bok..

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