Magnifico (2003)

This is a short, belated review of the Filipino drama film Magnifico (2003). I've seen it in full only last night and it made such an impact to me that I felt I ought to write this piece.


Faced with life's difficulties at a very young age, Magnifico discovers that her cancer-stricken grandmother is about to die and that her funeral will likely push his family further down into poverty. Magnifico's parents, though very hardworking and caring, barely make ends meet as it is. So Magnifico embarks on finding ways to help her granny worry less about the burden of her own funeral, as he patiently looks after her mentally-ill little sister, too.

The story is told in a very simple fashion yet the film captures so much reality that I almost felt I knew Magnifico personally. What's amazing is that the film is a certified tearjerker without excessively dramatic scenes, and funny at the same time. It does not just make you cry a river but more importantly, it touches your heart and leaves you with something to ponder. It makes you wonder if you could ever be as loving as Magnifico who cares not only for his family but also for other people. Make no mistake though, Magnifico is no saint and he proves it when he fends off a bully friend of his older brother's, and when he disses his own pal for not sharing food with him.

The movie features great performances by the ensemble cast, led by Jiro Manio as the painfully nice kid Magnifico. Albert Martinez and Lorna Tolentino's acting as Magnifico's parents are so believable. Even Celia Rodriguez, who plays the grouchy old lady in the neighborhood and appears in only a few scenes, makes her own impact.

No doubt one of the best Filipino movies I've ever seen, Magnifico doesn't fall short of its title - it is a masterpiece and truly magnificent.