Bwakaw

This has got to be one of the most endearing, charming and poignant films of 2012. It's not your typical commercial Filipino movie which is often high on melodrama and low on subtlety. The first 10-15 minutes start a little slow, but then the story picks up and it quickly becomes utterly engaging and lovely up to the very end. This could have a very syrupy sentimental film but it's not. In this alternately funny and moving drama set in postcard-like rural Philippines, Eddie Garcia gives a towering performance, probably the best of his career, in a searing character study of an old man in his twilight years who has secluded himself from the world but eventually learns to live again due to his friendship with a stray dog. I was lucky to catch a screening at the Palm Springs International FIlm Festival with a packed audience in attendance. Believe me, not an eye was left dry when the film was concluded. Truly a fantastic film.

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

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?

At first I thought this would be boring but after watching this for 30 mins I realize this is watchable. Show accurate why some old people are grumpy and like their everyday life make me reflect on life is short and appreciate on life more.

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.