Finally, I got the chance to watch Cinemalaya in cinemas. Thank you, Cinemalaya and Ayala Malls for that. I watched 5 of the feature films of Cinemalaya 2019. And each one was special and memorable. Of the 5 I watched, Thop Nazareno’s Edward is the film that really stood out. Lucky you, you can watch Edward in cinemas nationwide starting Wednesday, October 2.
Edward is perhaps the best coming of age film I watched in recent years. I went in without any expectations. To be honest, I watched it because there was hype around the movie. I read that it was good and the screening time was convenient.
Other than the blurb on the Cinemalaya brochure, I did not know anything about it.
A public hospital serves as a witness to a young boy’s rite of passage when he is stuck to take care of his ailing father.
– Cinemalaya Site, link
I expected a gritty, sad film. Heart-wrenching. What I watched was heart-warming. Feel good. Funny. Thrilling. And yes, sad at times. With a little bit of kilig. It was not a rollercoaster of emotions, as one would say. Rather, it was a steady cruise through life’s realities. It is quiet and simple.
The Story of Edward
The story, all told within the walls of a public hospital, is really the star of the film. At the center is the titular Edward, a young boy forced to live in the hospital to take care of his father. Day in, day out he lives to serve his father, earning by doing errands and engaging in small time gambles. Along the way, he meets friends, other caregivers and watchers of patients, and a girl who will change him in many ways.
It might sound stereotypical of coming of age films. But the setting, the ambiance, the entire feel of the film stands out. The premise alone is unique for a film. However, the situation is not unique to the film’s main character. There are many like Edward who spends days and nights in public hospitals around the country.
The Actors
Former child actor Louise Abuel is perfectly cast as Edward. The first moment I saw him as Edward, I instantly forgot that he is an actor. From start to finish I was convinced he is Edward. I laughed when he laughed. I felt sad when he felt sad. And I definitely cried when he cried.
Character actors Dido dela Paz and Manuel Chua as Edward’s father and brother, respectively were also flawless in their performances. But the one who really stood out for me, aside from Abuel, is Elijah Canlas as Renz as Edward’s hospital BFF and mentor. His rapport with Louise Abuel is really good. And what I love about the two characters is how they are both neither good or bad. The characters and the acting are edgy but loveable. I want to know more about these two characters. A short digital series of these two’s adventures in the hospital would be interesting.
And yes, I am also now invested in the careers of the two actors because they are that good and deserve more acting opportunities.
Not to be missed is Ella Cruz as Agnes. She is, as the PR of Viva publicizes, Edward’s love interest. But she is also more than just that. I am not a fan of Ella but she was stellar in this film.
And you know what also impresses me in this film, even the actors with smaller roles and the extras do well. I find it annoying and distracting when good films and tv series are destroyed and downgraded by an extra who seems out of place.
Thop Nazareno
Kudos and lots of applauses go to the film director Thop Nazareno. This is his first film I am able to watch. Upon research, I saw that his past films are those I was interested in watching but never got to for various reasons. The story, the acting, and all the other elements that make the film good come together so well.
The film takes you on an enjoyable yet uncomfortable journey. It shows the grim realities of our public health system without being too much. The film puts the story of Edward at the forefront. It gives us a character to love and journey with. It made me laugh, love, cry, and feel sad in just a few minutes.
Edward is not didactic or preachy. The characters are grey, real, and human.
Why You Should Watch It
You might ask me, why then should you watch it? It does not have big actors. There are no big fantastical sequences. The story seems plain and boring. No twists and big surprises. Nothing special. And coming of age films are a dime a dozen.
There is only one good reason I could tell you: IT IS AN EXCELLENT FILM. It has a simple story, yes. But it is well-written. The actors perform well from Abuel down to every small character. There were times when I forgot that it was just fiction. Edward successfully transported me to the hospital and brought me along every step of the journey. The film is not without faults. But right now… I honestly could not think of a single flaw.
I am not film critic. Obviously. But I do hope I convince at least one of you to watch. Because it deserves to be watched. It is a film, a story that people must watch. If not for anything else, but because we all deserve a beautiful, well-made film.
Edward will be screened nationwide starting October 2. Check out the schedules of Davao Cinemas on MyDavaoCity.com.
Related Link: Film Reviews by Ria
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