The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (2005)

Just when everybody thinks that the Filipino Film is dead (or in a coma), once in a while a breath of genuis, passion and creativity comes to resurrect the moribund movie industry. In the recent years, quality films have been produced independently or by art-minded producers that have competed and won in international film festivals: a tribute to enduring legacy of Brocka and Bernal. Anino (Shadow), Mga Pusang Gala (Stray Cats), Ilusyon (Illusion) and The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros are just a random sampling of these artistic indies that have made names for the Philippines and earned the respect and admiration of international filmmakers and festival organizers.

And with the latter film's showing in various competition, the Filipino Filmmakers are once again given nod and notice. This could very well lead to more and more Filipinos (directors and producers alike) cashing in on local talents for inspiration. The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros is one of a kind in its time and its handling of the very sensitive issue on homosexuality in patriarchal and conservative Catholic Philippines.

Maxi, the lead role ably portrayed by Nathan Lopez, was not parodied and made an object of abjection and laughter in this film. Rather, the true personality, dreams and aspirations of the pre-pubescent male homosexual was allowed to emerge. Maxi was the youngest in a family of petty thugs and small-time fixers. His father, Paco, was respected in their community though he was known to be a criminal element. He loved his three sons (Boy, Bogs and Maxi) and was painted as a doting father especially to his youngest.

The two brothers protected their kid sibling as they would a very precious gem. They even went to the extent of mugging street thugs who tried to molest their brother. Meanwhile, Maxi's "blossoming" came when a rookie cop rescued him from his two assailants and an odd but intimate friendship developed between the two. However, when Victor's desire to be a good cop got into the way of the Oliveros' way of life, the real problem emerged and Maxi was put into a dilemma of siding with his family and being true for the love he felt for Victor.

In the end, Maxi's true "blossoming" happened when he stood for what he knew was right even though he had to sacrifice his personal love and affection. The film's strengths lie in the director's (Aureaus Solito's) able direction and the taut script and narration of the scriptwriter (Michiko Yamamoto of Magnifico). Commendable in the film is the flawless acting of the supporting actors (Soliman Cruz, Ping Medina and Neil Ryan Sese) and the believable portrayal of Maxi's character by Nathan Lopez and Victor's (JR Valentin) credible acting.

Wonderful soundtrack and the gritty and raw footages lend the film additional aesthetic appeal.
All in all, The Blossoming, is Filipino society, with all its color, pain, joys, ruin and redemption, captured in digital image.

Two thumbs up!!!


Original Title: "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros"
Country: Philippines
International Citations: Sundance, Singapore, Brussels and Montreal Film Festivals
Directed by: Aureaus Solito