Movie No. 62 (2016): RINGGO: THE DOG SHOOTER

Ringgo: The Dog Shooter
Director: Rahyan Carlos
Cast: Sandino Martin, Janice De Belen, Liza Dino, Bembol Roco, Bodjie Pascua
In Tagalog, with English subtitles

In this year's Cinemalaya, this is the only out-of-competition film that I saw. The reason: a movie about dog-shooting (i.e., "assisted" and "paid" dog sex) is more than interesting than it is weird. I have to say, my time and money didn't go to waste. I really liked the movie.

The dog-shooting is the lead character's means of income. He was battered as a child and, still, is battered by his adoptive father at 19. In one dog-shooting engagement, a lesbian couple offer him an extra job that is to take care of their dogs to which he agrees. The couple become fond of him; they develop a bond with them. The relationship become deep, though never sexual. The back stories of the main characters, including that of the rescued dog, now in the care of the couple, are sufficient to understand and care for the characters. Even their mannerisms, some of which are awkward, are effective vehicle to understand how their fast affects their present.

Sandino Martin was believable as Ringgo. He's perfect for the role. Janice De Belen gave a performance of a lifetime. I had goosebumps whenever Janice De Belen appeared on screen. What she did was definitely outside her comfort zone. It paid off.

Rating: 3.5/4.0

Date seen: August 8, 2016