Is Ang Laro ng Buhay ni Juan a good indie film? Or is it one of those indie movies pretending to be socially relevant but are nothing but male sexploitation movies?
We don’t know. Sadly, we won’t bother to find out anymore. Filipino indie movies used to be interesting and very watchable. These days, not so much. Some indie producers and directors still make gems like Kubrador and Ploning but more often than not indie filmmakers have become as bad as Mother Lily and Joel Lamangan in churning out formulaic movies. And the formula these days appear to be male-male relationships and its various permutations.
Anyhoo, if you watched the movie, maybe you can tell us if this movie is good or bad.
ANG LARO NG BUHAY NI JUAN
A Film by Joselito Altarejos
A BEYONDtheBOX ProductionAng Laro ng Buhay ni Juan explores two hours in the life of Juan Reyes (RAY AN DULAY), known to others as Erwin.Juan is a 25 year old Masbate native who just found his way to Manila three years ago. Erwin has tried his hand at many odd jobs and now works as a live-sex performer at an underground gay bar but has decided to leave Manila for good.
On the day of his departure, he will take us with him as he makes life decisions — big and small.
The movie features the daring newcomer ACE RICAFORT as one of the live show performers called TUPADA BOYS together with able actors like ANGELI BAYANI (2008 Cinemanila’s Asian Best Actress), PERRY ESCANO, RICHARD QUAN, MARK XANDER FABILLAR, MICHAEL CAYETANO, MAY-I FABROS, ANNELLE DURANO and DEXTER PELAGIO.
Ang Laro ng buhay shows how “ordinary Juan” distracts himself for him to survive.
SHOWING: October 21 Exclusively in Robinsons Cinemas.
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3 comments ↓
Yes, its a sad thing that there are a lot of not so good films.
We were one of those who were able to watch it at Mogwai Cafe in a Special Screening.
My verdict: Gay Characters but not a gay film!!!!
Very good though. It is actually the “laro” that ordinary “juan” plays to survive the vicious cycle of poverty. introspective film but not preachy. It had scenes that would have turned out exploitative and yet was treated with caution and prudence.
I heard a filmmaker who was also there said that it is at par with Kubrador. I seem to agree.
But, hey, you might want to see it for yourself.
Thanks.
I agree; gay films are too artsy and make no money. I am not sure what benefit is does especially in developing countries where a different more ‘machismo’ face wants to be put on. Anything that is too black or too white is too much like Bernie Madoff and his OCD for me. I do not watch many of these films but if one collects things are not always as they seem.
mather paking bakla boys!
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