Bwakaw

Bwakaw is a 2012 Philippine drama film directed by Jun Lana and features an ensemble cast led by the legendary Eddie Garcia, alongside Rez Cortez, Princess, and other renowned Filipino actors. The movie offers an intimate, engaging, and poignant look into the life of its central character, throwing the spotlight on the themes of old age, loneliness, acceptance, and love.

Eddie Garcia plays Rene, the central character in Bwakaw, for which he received immense acclaim and numerous awards. Rene is a grumpy 70-year-old gay man who is extremely bitter and pessimistic about life. Many years ago, Rene had come to terms with his sexuality, but despite living in an open society, he decided to come out late in life. Garcia's portrayal of the elderly, closeted homosexual was lauded by critics as one of the most profound performances of his career.

Rene lives alone in a rural town, with only his dog Bwakaw for company. His life revolves around his daily routines and the companionship of his canine friend. The movie derives its name from this dog, which adds a distinct layer to Rene's life and the narrative of the film. Much of his past is spent in solitude, shunned by society, and handling affairs of his run-down ancestral house.

While the locals have always known about Rene, his choice to openly acknowledge his sexuality opens up a mixed bag of reactions from acceptance to cynicism. Yet among them, we meet characters who are open-hearted and compassionate towards Rene. Rez Cortez is superb in his role as a tricycle driver who shows compassion and understanding to Rene, an unexpected friendship that adds a light-hearted angle to the otherwise dramatic storyline.

“Princess”, a real dog who played Bwakaw, creates a loving yet melancholic atmosphere throughout the movie. She is more than just a pet to Rene; she is his confidante, friend, and family combined into one, giving him hope in his otherwise solitary existence.

The film's narrative brilliantly weaves in elements of humor, capturing the sense of community in rural Philippines, and effortlessly touching upon social prejudices. It's a careful, respectful, and affectionate exploration of a journey towards acceptance, both within oneself and from the society at large, while being a thought-provoking statement on senior citizens' experiences in the LGBT community.

Filmed in picturesque Filipino countryside landscapes, Bwakaw’s cinematography is beautifully appealing. The simplicity of rural life, combined with the complexities of modern society's thoughts and prejudices, is captured brilliantly. Director Jun Lana makes a compelling narrative, filled with rich tapestry of human experiences and emotions that unfold as the movie progresses.

The significant aspect of Bwakaw, however, is not just its exploration of a neglected niche – the elderly gay person’s life and the loneliness it encapsulates but also it is a commentary on life and the human capacity to find love and acceptance, regardless of circumstances. The movie allows viewers to reflect on life and its trials, the importance of companionship, and the pursuit of acceptance.

The character of Rene is well written and expertly performed, resonating with audiences long after the movie ends. It’s a rare film that remains compassionate without being overly sentimental – a balance that speaks volumes about Jun Lana's proficiency as a director and storyteller. It tackles universal themes that are transcendent of time, age, culture, and sexuality.

Eddie Garcia’s depiction of Rene was highly applauded and earned him the Best Actor award at the 2012 Asia Pacific Screen Awards and the 2013 Gawad Urian Awards. As a film, Bwakaw has been screened and recognized at numerous film festivals around the world, including the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Asian Film Festival.

Bwakaw beautifully captures the essence of life’s unpredictability and the nuances of an elderly but spirited individual navigating the complexities of life. It's an engaging, heartwarming, and thought-provoking movie that speaks to audiences worldwide about acceptance and companionship.