Death of Nintendo

Death of Nintendo is a Filipino coming-of-age period film that was released in 2020. Directed by Raya Martin, the film stars young actor Noel Comia Jr., seasoned actress Agot Isidro, and emerging talent Moi Marcampo. The narrative is based on the screenwriter's experiences growing up in the Philippines during the 1990s.

The title, Death of Nintendo, invokes a sense of nostalgic sentimentality. In this instance, it refers metaphorically to the end of childhood, as represented by the iconic gaming system that occupied a significant chunk of leisure time for many 80s and 90s kids. Though set in the sunny tropics of Manila, the film's central themes of adolescents crossing the threshold of adulthood are universally applicable and evoke a wistful longing for simpler times.

The film centers primarily on the life of fourteen-year-old Paolo, portrayed by Noel Comia Jr. Paolo is your typical young adolescent, grappling with the ordinary troubles of his age - from school pressures to puppy love to uncomfortable forays into the world of adolescence. He spends his carefree summer days with his group of friends - Kachi, Gilligan, and their leader, Paolo’s older brother Jim.

Among their favorite pastimes is playing video games, with their console of choice being the ubiquitous Nintendo. The boys' love for Nintendo not only plays a role in their blooming friendships but also stands as a symbol of childhood and escapism from the unsettling realities of young adulthood they have started to glimpse.

But this idyllic summer is disrupted when Paolo's older brother Jim undergoes a traditional Filipino pre-puberty ritual involving circumcision. This event shakes up the boys' dynamics, as it serves as their abrupt introduction to the realities of growing up. This motif gives Western audiences a unique entry point into a peculiar cultural rite unfamiliar to them, adding an interesting dimension to the narrative.

The film does justice to its female characters too. Agot Isidro convincingly portrays the strong-willed but aching mother to Paolo and Jim. Moi Bien shines in her role as the boys’ faithful Bangs, who is navigating through her own journey of womanhood with a sense of maturity her male counterparts hilariously lack. While the girls are growing up quietly, the boys are thrown into turmoil, clumsily fumbling their way through teenhood.

Visually, Death of Nintendo is abundant with the vibrant colors and sun-drenched landscapes of suburban Manila. The cinematography beautifully captures the sprawling tropical cityscapes and crumbling colonial architecture, providing a fresh palette for the audience's eyes. Director Raya Martin alongside the Director of Photography, Albert Banzon, effectively capture the essence of a Manila summer in the early '90s, making it another character in the narrative.

The film also brings out the times it is set in, drawing upon the social and cultural context of 1990s Philippines, a time fraught with natural calamities, political turmoil, and cultural shifts. Scenes of the imminent volcanic eruption, political upheaval, and the disruption of American withdrawal underscore the narrative, providing a historical context to the tale of young adolescence.

Complementing the powerful visual language is the pulsating music score featuring the best of Filipino punk and indie music of the era. It fuels the narrative, adding layers of intensity and emotion to significant segments.

One of the movie's strongholds is its well-rounded and layered characters, the performance of whom resonate with the audience. The chemistry between the group of friends is endearing, drawing in viewers and making them invest in their individual and collective journeys. Isidro’s portrayal of a fiercely protective and loving mother fits perfectly in the narrative and adds depth to the story.

Death of Nintendo is a charming mix of comedy, nostalgia, and apt social commentary. Its universal theme of growing up, nuanced character development, and a unique cultural lens make it a compelling watch. The movie’s strength lies in effortlessly combining the complexities of growing up with the perils of the era and weaving a narrative that is both relatable and peculiar.

Just like the fading of an era marked by the metaphorical death of Nintendo, the film beautifully explores the transition of its characters from innocent childhood to the onset of adulthood. It uncovers the complexities of this inevitable metamorphosis, leaving viewers with a bittersweet longing for the tamagotchis and gameboys of their past.