Magnifico

A Filipino cinematic gem that went largely unnoticed during its commercial run. Thankfully, it got the acclaim it truly deserves when it won both the grand prix and children's jury prize -- a feat never before achieved -- in the 2004 Berlin Film Festival.

A Palanca-winning story, masterful directing and great acting from just about everyone in the cast, but most specially child actors Jiro Manio, Isabella de Leon and the boy who played Manio's best friend, combine for a viewing experience you will remember long after the credits roll. Poverty and death do not beg for sympathy and tears in this movie, but they are likely to fall just the same.

Could be veteran (though nonetheless underrated) director Maryo J. delos Reyes' most heartwarming, uplifting film.

I am from India and I have never seen any Philipines movie. Without knowing anything about this movie, I borrowed it from library for my kid.

I never cry while seeing a movie especially if someone is around. But I could not hold the tears till the end. This is going to be the most favorite movie of my life time. Characterisation and screenplay are too good, that we don't realize that we are getting deep into that movie. My mother does not understand English. But she was also speechless at the end.

I thank all the artists involved in this movie for giving a wonderful movie (lesson) to the world.

I wish our Indian directors/producers also see this movie and try giving us good movies.

This movie "Magnifico" is one of the most extraordinary films of all-time and it's worth watching in a lifetime! There maybe a lot of sad stuff on this film, but hey: film is set to poverty.

Jiro Manio's character (as Magnifico) is one of the amazing characters on this film even though his character is the lead of this film. It has shown that his character has been responsible for his family and care, and it has made the audiences surprised. I'd say, Jiro Manio - Even though his a kid, he has played a very tough roll on this film but he act very awesome and his took parts very well.

This movie can be really sad to watch but this shows the life of people in poverty and what's the people like in the province in the Philippines. There are no negatives about this film, and there are no conflicts etc. This is the only drama movie that was made as the best and the extraordinary film that was made in the Philippines. This movie has also been the best picture in other Film Festivals as well.

I'd say, this movie is a 10/10 even though it's a really sad film to watch. But this is something to watch and this is something that no one has seen the best that was created in the Philippines.

Unfortunately, I never got the chance to watch this film in Germany when it won its awards at the Berlin Film Festival in 2004. I only had the chance to watch it when I came back to the Philippines and I never really expected what impact it would have on me.

First, it is obvious that Miss Yamamoto is a gifted screenplay writer and director de los Reyes will bring it far in his respective field if he will continue his great contributions for Philippine cinema. Maginifico is really an enlightment and inspiration towards the development of Filipino films. This is what the dying entertainment industry needs right now.

The story and the sound effects were good, the music really fitted very well to the setting. The beginning scenes of the story weren't really captivating at all so one needed patience to get attracted to its plot. The scenes are simple but they become touching once the story gears to an end. In this film, no character has to wail or shout to catch viewers' emotions, the reality and frankness of the film was so direct and impressive that the story simply forces you to cry at some point. I never really cry at movies, even Hollywood tear-jerkers have no effect on me. This one has just awaken so much truth and reality in the Philippine society of poverty and innocence of a child, it really is heartrending.

One thing that could have been improved are the visual qualities of the film, they are really not compatible to global standards. And there were too many scenes at the story that were really out of topic etc. but otherwise, this film really is a knockout. It is a great contribution to the local film industry and films like these with high quality deserve good production and not only support for the commercial mainstream in the Philippines but also in cinemas worldwide. It can really par with many Hollywood masterpieces.

i think Magnifico is really great.I cried while watching the movie.One of the best Filipino movies I've ever seen. The story is so simple but the message is so deep. It's nice to know that kids can think beyond everyday living even if his family is only poor. Jiro Manio's (Pikoy) portrayal of a young boy who took it upon himself to raise money in order for her grandmother's burial/death to be less hard on the family financially was so poignantly moving.The acting of the other cast were also really good especially for the seasoned actors and actresses like Lorna Tolentino (Pikoy's mother), Gloria Romero (who played the bedridden grandmother) and Albert Martinez (the father). Isabella de Leon, the girl who played the invalid sister, was also great in her role.