CINEMALAYA 2014 - Children’s Show Review: Master Showman

Pasintabi kay Kuya Germs kung nagamit ko ang titulo ng kanyang show sa title, but it seems legit to give it to the film. Indeed, I only have two words for it: DISGUSTINGLY BRILLIANT!

As I watch the film, I keep on hearing the words of award-winning and renowned director Mr. Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez when I attended his seminar about Independent Film-Making. He asked, how should we define an effective independent film? He used the metaphor of riding a plane. According to him, to identify the characteristic of an effective independent film of a certain country, we should peek at the window of the plane and observe the first things that we would see before the plane touches the ground. In the case of the Philppines, when the plane approaches NAIA, the first subject in our line of vision is the area of slums.

The Children’s Show did not only abide in the premises implanted on me by Sir Sig but it took a different level of film-making by not sticking to the formulaic cliché. Instead, it chose a unique, sensitive and heart-breaking subject: children ages 10-15 being used by syndicates in wrestling matches. 

Kudos to Derick Cabrido, the director, for his excellent and straightforward storytelling despite the danger of going overboard. Every scene was tailored to properly establish his characters, the conflict and the plot. He was able to capture the proper blend of the children’s innocence with the intelligent quips of the characters and their forced maturity that was brought about by child labor and poverty. More so, he made the film downright realistic.

I love how he effectively draws his audience into a blackhole of downward emotions without being didactic. The most notable is the juxtaposition of the ill conditions of the protagonists as they render service being pedicab drivers to students who are as old as them. Masakit sa dibdib, yet he does not give any pain reliever to set things right. Wow.

Moreover, I was amazed on how the action scenes were shot and beautifully re-mastered. The fight scene that I loved the most uses the effect of the slow-motion with just the background sound of the splashing water and sweat. That got me goosies all over!

If the film was an ice cream, Buboy Villar and Miggs Cuaderno were the cherries on top of it. It was incredible how these two young lads can portray dark characters yet still hold to the innocence of their age as required by the film’s storyline. They would still make you laugh and love them for their cuteness and immature acts yet cry with their unfortunate condition.

Cuaderno is superb that I could see a bright future ahead for this kid. His portrayal of cynicism was on the spot to think that this kid hasn’t had lots of experience. “Magsorry siya muna sa akin bago sa Diyos.” -  he delivered that line oh so well. Que genial! Cabrido did an excellent job in extracting all the creative juices from this kid. Bravo! Villar, on the other hand, did not hold his horses. I could still remember him as the sidekick of Marian Rivera in the teleserye Darna, but he completely turned the table for this film. He was very efficient and with the right opportunity, this kid would also go a long way. 

The characters of Gloria Sevilla and Allen Dizon added brilliance to the film as they portray roles of a caring grandmother and irresponsible father respectively. Divine Grace Aucina is the surprise element as she is the perfect fit for the character. (Despite being ridiculed by my co-viewers because of her looks, which I find annoying). Suzette Ranillo, even with a little screen time, delightfully delivered the goods. Walang tapon sa cast.

Do I need to say more about the film’s cinematography? Colors, filter, lighting, camera shots and angles were the condiments to a film that is not only palatable but the chef’s specialty. I HIGHLY recommend that you watch The Children’s Show. I really want to discuss the film more but if I get into the details, I am afraid I will spoil the experience. Just watch it.  150 pesos is worth it.

To check the schedules, please click this link: Cinemalaya 2014

Rating: 10/10

Photo credits: Cinemalaya, judebphoto.wordpress.com