Bwakaw

Good film to reflect on old age, illness, loneliness, death, love and sexuality. This film does so from the perspective of a generation that is already leaving, and that many of its gay members could not live their lives fully, or only did so towards the end of their days. During their "best years", they were denied the right to have a partner, marry, have or adopt children and in some way, they were condemned to live with self-shame and to grow old alone. In this way, the later generation, (those of us who are now adults), although many of us were able to come out of the closet from a young age, and we were also able to live a fuller life, gaining, in many countries, rights that were previously impossible to imagine, now we lack of clear and positive references for our approaching old age. Well, I think there is a need for many more films on these topics, approaching the subject from new perspectives.

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

Bwakaw"(2012) might be a movie more suited for mature audiences, and it is quite a treat. Based in rural Philippines, the pace seems slow, but even in this stillness and quietude, life forces itself out and blooms. The protagonist is a retired man, who is finally coming to terms with the fact that he is gay.

Wonderful unforced performances, rural verdant locales and abrupt humour add to a fulfilling movie experience. Recommended, especially if you like glimpsing into different cultures.

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.