Movie No. 50 (2017): KIKO BOKSINGERO
Kiko Boksingero (2017)
Director: Thop Nazareno
Cast: Noel Comia Jr., Yul Servo, Yayo Aguila
In Tagalog, with English subtitles
Kiko (Noel Comia Jr.) is left under the care of his dedicated Nanny (Yayo Aguila) when her ailing mother died. In a picturesque neighborhood in Baguio City, Kiko is tied to an everyday routine, though aimless, while waiting for his relatives in US to adopt him. Then he tries to break the routine by frequenting an abandoned house with makeshift boxing implement after school, which his nanny would notice because he returns home later than usual. The empty house happens to be be his estranged father's. For an undisclosed reason, other than selling the house, George (Yul Servo), returns to Baguio. Father and son bond.
Director: Thop Nazareno
Cast: Noel Comia Jr., Yul Servo, Yayo Aguila
In Tagalog, with English subtitles
Kiko (Noel Comia Jr.) is left under the care of his dedicated Nanny (Yayo Aguila) when her ailing mother died. In a picturesque neighborhood in Baguio City, Kiko is tied to an everyday routine, though aimless, while waiting for his relatives in US to adopt him. Then he tries to break the routine by frequenting an abandoned house with makeshift boxing implement after school, which his nanny would notice because he returns home later than usual. The empty house happens to be be his estranged father's. For an undisclosed reason, other than selling the house, George (Yul Servo), returns to Baguio. Father and son bond.
Kiko Boksingero is a charming and sensitive coming-of-age movie. It's pure cinema, without the hysterics and unnecessary melodrama and twists. In fact, it is plotless. It is told in a way plain and simple. Noel Comia Jr.'s believable and truly-affecting performance make the movie memorable. Scenes showing father and son bonding, although tentative in some instances, are unpretentious and sublime. Yul Servo and Yayo Aguila's supporting performances complements Comia's sensitive portrayal of Kiko.
In my opinion, this is the best movie in this year's batch of Cinemalaya movies in competition.
Rating: 4.0/4.0
Date seen: August 9, 2017
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