Not a few critics have written negative reviews about this film for being too melodramatic. What is so wrong about a film which makes its viewers shed tears because of its sheer beauty? This film about a young boy who has so much love to give certainly won the hearts of its viewers, to hell with the critics. Personally, I think it is one of the best Filipino films ever made, and its two awards from the Berlin Film Festival should serve as proof of its greatness. I'd like to think of this film as the Philippines' humble contribution to world cinema. I believe that viewers around the world should not be deprived of movies such as this, which offer the message of hope and love, as opposed to the depravity prevalent in today's cinema.
18 Reviews
its about time
charambo8 August 2005
Well its about time the Philippines made a movie and not stick to the old American formula, of the illness of the week syndrome.
This film did not shock you every few minutes, or give you eccentric characters. It went at a pace where life just goes on. We were shown the life in the village and the people living there.
I would of liked to see the reasons the older brother did not like school, and a bit more of Magnificoes friend, but overall it was a good film. Like Milan, the powers that be are thinking about the story a bit more. In the past Filipino films have been guilty of getting a thin story and stretching it for the film star. For example, do we have a role where Sharon Cuneta can cry? Ther was not a bad performance in the whole film, the father with his Rubic's cube, the mother with her pain, the grandmother who just wants to be a grandmother, and Magnifico who just wants to be a...boy.
This film did not shock you every few minutes, or give you eccentric characters. It went at a pace where life just goes on. We were shown the life in the village and the people living there.
I would of liked to see the reasons the older brother did not like school, and a bit more of Magnificoes friend, but overall it was a good film. Like Milan, the powers that be are thinking about the story a bit more. In the past Filipino films have been guilty of getting a thin story and stretching it for the film star. For example, do we have a role where Sharon Cuneta can cry? Ther was not a bad performance in the whole film, the father with his Rubic's cube, the mother with her pain, the grandmother who just wants to be a grandmother, and Magnifico who just wants to be a...boy.
Paying it forward on the Philipines!
Ryu_Darkwood9 June 2007
This title can best be described as a '' Pay it forward '' on the Philipines. Without the glitter and the glamor of a Hollywood flick, it tells the heartwarming story of a young boy from a poor family, trying to arrange the burial for his grandmother. Of course he teaches the so called adults around him that they have to break their lethargy around certain choices to get further in life.
I had to get used to the simplistic way of filming. It felt a bit cheap, comparing to most of the similar films made in the U.S. But as the story evolved, I also started to like this simplicity because of the authentic view it gives us of poverty in the Philipines. It never felt artificial, as most of the American movies with similar themes usually do. Its characters are humans of flesh and blood, and although their acting is stiff and sometimes uncharismatic, they feel natural.
But still, at the end I felt a bit hollow. This usually happens when I liked a movie but when there is some aspect that doesn't really fulfill my expectations. The ending is cheesy, predictable and far from original. It doesn't surpass the level of those cheap '' based on true stories ''- movies or anything inspired by the books of Danielle Steel. And to add more criticism; the soundtrack is incredible awful.
My conclusion: At the end it's not that great, but that doesn't mean that I couldn't like this cute story. Especially the scene in which our little hero measures up the size of his grandmother is truly heartwarming. This is for the sensitive moviegoers, cynics shouldn't even bother to try it!
I had to get used to the simplistic way of filming. It felt a bit cheap, comparing to most of the similar films made in the U.S. But as the story evolved, I also started to like this simplicity because of the authentic view it gives us of poverty in the Philipines. It never felt artificial, as most of the American movies with similar themes usually do. Its characters are humans of flesh and blood, and although their acting is stiff and sometimes uncharismatic, they feel natural.
But still, at the end I felt a bit hollow. This usually happens when I liked a movie but when there is some aspect that doesn't really fulfill my expectations. The ending is cheesy, predictable and far from original. It doesn't surpass the level of those cheap '' based on true stories ''- movies or anything inspired by the books of Danielle Steel. And to add more criticism; the soundtrack is incredible awful.
My conclusion: At the end it's not that great, but that doesn't mean that I couldn't like this cute story. Especially the scene in which our little hero measures up the size of his grandmother is truly heartwarming. This is for the sensitive moviegoers, cynics shouldn't even bother to try it!
This movie might be a turning point in my life
durai_sankarganesh24 August 2007
I am from India and I have never seen any Philipines movie. Without knowing anything about this movie, I borrowed it from library for my kid.
I never cry while seeing a movie especially if someone is around. But I could not hold the tears till the end. This is going to be the most favorite movie of my life time. Characterisation and screenplay are too good, that we don't realize that we are getting deep into that movie. My mother does not understand English. But she was also speechless at the end.
I thank all the artists involved in this movie for giving a wonderful movie (lesson) to the world.
I wish our Indian directors/producers also see this movie and try giving us good movies.
I never cry while seeing a movie especially if someone is around. But I could not hold the tears till the end. This is going to be the most favorite movie of my life time. Characterisation and screenplay are too good, that we don't realize that we are getting deep into that movie. My mother does not understand English. But she was also speechless at the end.
I thank all the artists involved in this movie for giving a wonderful movie (lesson) to the world.
I wish our Indian directors/producers also see this movie and try giving us good movies.
Every Filipino must see this!
necromanticangel15 April 2007
I am very overwhelmed to even type out a constructive comment on such a wonderful film. This was not expected, for a Filipino film at least. Never mind the quality of the picture, it's all that we can afford. One will hardly notice it unless he or she is a videophile. This is the type of film that, although it is not heavily marketed (I was in the Philippines in 2003, all year, and never have I seen an ad for it), will spread its magnificence through people. Heck, I'd even say that this can go in par with ANY François Truffaut film. My incoherency is annoying even myself, so let's cut this short. Magnifico is truly a magnificent film, no exceptions.
As good as it gets.
straightalks200319 January 2008
The best movie i have ever seen in my entire life.
The actors, characters, cinematography, storyline are as good as it gets for this particular genre.
Truly inspirational.While most families around the world worries or complain about not having the best of everything, and their lack of appreciation to the simplest, or basic essentials in life, this movie will show how lucky you really are.
I've read some comments that down played the integrity of this movie, and in for obvious reasons, these comments came from people who's never been to the Philippines, who's never experienced poverty, and a complete slave to the "Hollywood" stereotypical way of depicting drama in the movies. The portrayal of the day to day hardships of this Philippine family in this movie is as real as it gets, or worse to some.
If this movie didn't touch you, then look for meetings that can help you.
The actors, characters, cinematography, storyline are as good as it gets for this particular genre.
Truly inspirational.While most families around the world worries or complain about not having the best of everything, and their lack of appreciation to the simplest, or basic essentials in life, this movie will show how lucky you really are.
I've read some comments that down played the integrity of this movie, and in for obvious reasons, these comments came from people who's never been to the Philippines, who's never experienced poverty, and a complete slave to the "Hollywood" stereotypical way of depicting drama in the movies. The portrayal of the day to day hardships of this Philippine family in this movie is as real as it gets, or worse to some.
If this movie didn't touch you, then look for meetings that can help you.
the best!!!
chelez1722 October 2005
i think Magnifico is really great.I cried while watching the movie.One of the best Filipino movies I've ever seen. The story is so simple but the message is so deep. It's nice to know that kids can think beyond everyday living even if his family is only poor. Jiro Manio's (Pikoy) portrayal of a young boy who took it upon himself to raise money in order for her grandmother's burial/death to be less hard on the family financially was so poignantly moving.The acting of the other cast were also really good especially for the seasoned actors and actresses like Lorna Tolentino (Pikoy's mother), Gloria Romero (who played the bedridden grandmother) and Albert Martinez (the father). Isabella de Leon, the girl who played the invalid sister, was also great in her role.
just beautiful
vanilla_tenshi16 October 2004
I can't believe that it took me year before I had the "experience" of watching Magnifico. Never had I seen a Filipino movie which moved me to tears that I almost found it hard to breathe..This is one of those Filipino cinematic gems.. The story is simple yet unforgettable..this movie is unpretentious, subtle and humbling. One scene that really made me cry was when they did a slow motion of Jiro walking out of the house carrying his sister on his back to take her out to the "perya" Lorna, the mother, just crying there silently watching her two children was just one of the many unforgettable scenes in the movie. The movie's happy atmosphere in the beginning will cleverly prepare you to a tragic and yet what I consider "beautiful" ending. This movie is one of those stories that will prove that in this world where people consider Me, Myself and I as most important, there is still what we call selfless love.
Worthy of its name?
alexistioseco17 April 2003
This is the best filipino drama movie ever been made!
conradz5824 January 2007
This movie "Magnifico" is one of the most extraordinary films of all-time and it's worth watching in a lifetime! There maybe a lot of sad stuff on this film, but hey: film is set to poverty.
Jiro Manio's character (as Magnifico) is one of the amazing characters on this film even though his character is the lead of this film. It has shown that his character has been responsible for his family and care, and it has made the audiences surprised. I'd say, Jiro Manio - Even though his a kid, he has played a very tough roll on this film but he act very awesome and his took parts very well.
This movie can be really sad to watch but this shows the life of people in poverty and what's the people like in the province in the Philippines. There are no negatives about this film, and there are no conflicts etc. This is the only drama movie that was made as the best and the extraordinary film that was made in the Philippines. This movie has also been the best picture in other Film Festivals as well.
I'd say, this movie is a 10/10 even though it's a really sad film to watch. But this is something to watch and this is something that no one has seen the best that was created in the Philippines.
Jiro Manio's character (as Magnifico) is one of the amazing characters on this film even though his character is the lead of this film. It has shown that his character has been responsible for his family and care, and it has made the audiences surprised. I'd say, Jiro Manio - Even though his a kid, he has played a very tough roll on this film but he act very awesome and his took parts very well.
This movie can be really sad to watch but this shows the life of people in poverty and what's the people like in the province in the Philippines. There are no negatives about this film, and there are no conflicts etc. This is the only drama movie that was made as the best and the extraordinary film that was made in the Philippines. This movie has also been the best picture in other Film Festivals as well.
I'd say, this movie is a 10/10 even though it's a really sad film to watch. But this is something to watch and this is something that no one has seen the best that was created in the Philippines.
An unforgettable look at poverty and death
bsg-722 February 2004
A Filipino cinematic gem that went largely unnoticed during its commercial run. Thankfully, it got the acclaim it truly deserves when it won both the grand prix and children's jury prize -- a feat never before achieved -- in the 2004 Berlin Film Festival.
A Palanca-winning story, masterful directing and great acting from just about everyone in the cast, but most specially child actors Jiro Manio, Isabella de Leon and the boy who played Manio's best friend, combine for a viewing experience you will remember long after the credits roll. Poverty and death do not beg for sympathy and tears in this movie, but they are likely to fall just the same.
Could be veteran (though nonetheless underrated) director Maryo J. delos Reyes' most heartwarming, uplifting film.
A Palanca-winning story, masterful directing and great acting from just about everyone in the cast, but most specially child actors Jiro Manio, Isabella de Leon and the boy who played Manio's best friend, combine for a viewing experience you will remember long after the credits roll. Poverty and death do not beg for sympathy and tears in this movie, but they are likely to fall just the same.
Could be veteran (though nonetheless underrated) director Maryo J. delos Reyes' most heartwarming, uplifting film.
A lot of sap and some good cinematography
uwmasianfilm-13 May 2005
I can't figure out why people are saying that this film isn't melodramatic, because it really lays on the sap. It follows a formula we've seen before of inspiration and tragedy, all just to get a few cheap tugs at the heartstrings. The story's evolution is not convincing and the dignity of the poor aspect is overplayed for what it is worth.
All that said, there are redeeming aspects. Most notably is the cinematography. The images are all well lit for depth and contrast of cool and warm colors. Also, the camera shots from low angles with wide lenses give an overall visual perspective that rings true as the way a child would see the world. There is also some good scenes between the protagonist and his grandmother and his sister. These three were probably the best actors to boot.
In the end, it is not something worth going out of your way to see though.
All that said, there are redeeming aspects. Most notably is the cinematography. The images are all well lit for depth and contrast of cool and warm colors. Also, the camera shots from low angles with wide lenses give an overall visual perspective that rings true as the way a child would see the world. There is also some good scenes between the protagonist and his grandmother and his sister. These three were probably the best actors to boot.
In the end, it is not something worth going out of your way to see though.
A Filipino classic that will definitely make you cry!!
anusince8726 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
The magnificence of "Magnifico" is just undeniable. After watching it, everything else I watched seemed so bland. This was the first Filipino movie I came across, and it instantly struck a chord. The movie was a welcome change after I had viewed scores of Hollywood flicks.
"Magnifico" is the best example of how a movie can work just based on fine & natural performances. The child artist is brilliant as an actor and so is the rest of the cast. It's hard for me to believe that just 260 something viewers at IMDb have voted for it (probably only a small number has seen it).
It's probably one of the finest movies in recent years. Highly recommended, a must watch: 10/10.
"Magnifico" is the best example of how a movie can work just based on fine & natural performances. The child artist is brilliant as an actor and so is the rest of the cast. It's hard for me to believe that just 260 something viewers at IMDb have voted for it (probably only a small number has seen it).
It's probably one of the finest movies in recent years. Highly recommended, a must watch: 10/10.
A revolutionary film for Philippine cinema!
misterphilippines30 June 2006
Unfortunately, I never got the chance to watch this film in Germany when it won its awards at the Berlin Film Festival in 2004. I only had the chance to watch it when I came back to the Philippines and I never really expected what impact it would have on me.
First, it is obvious that Miss Yamamoto is a gifted screenplay writer and director de los Reyes will bring it far in his respective field if he will continue his great contributions for Philippine cinema. Maginifico is really an enlightment and inspiration towards the development of Filipino films. This is what the dying entertainment industry needs right now.
The story and the sound effects were good, the music really fitted very well to the setting. The beginning scenes of the story weren't really captivating at all so one needed patience to get attracted to its plot. The scenes are simple but they become touching once the story gears to an end. In this film, no character has to wail or shout to catch viewers' emotions, the reality and frankness of the film was so direct and impressive that the story simply forces you to cry at some point. I never really cry at movies, even Hollywood tear-jerkers have no effect on me. This one has just awaken so much truth and reality in the Philippine society of poverty and innocence of a child, it really is heartrending.
One thing that could have been improved are the visual qualities of the film, they are really not compatible to global standards. And there were too many scenes at the story that were really out of topic etc. but otherwise, this film really is a knockout. It is a great contribution to the local film industry and films like these with high quality deserve good production and not only support for the commercial mainstream in the Philippines but also in cinemas worldwide. It can really par with many Hollywood masterpieces.
First, it is obvious that Miss Yamamoto is a gifted screenplay writer and director de los Reyes will bring it far in his respective field if he will continue his great contributions for Philippine cinema. Maginifico is really an enlightment and inspiration towards the development of Filipino films. This is what the dying entertainment industry needs right now.
The story and the sound effects were good, the music really fitted very well to the setting. The beginning scenes of the story weren't really captivating at all so one needed patience to get attracted to its plot. The scenes are simple but they become touching once the story gears to an end. In this film, no character has to wail or shout to catch viewers' emotions, the reality and frankness of the film was so direct and impressive that the story simply forces you to cry at some point. I never really cry at movies, even Hollywood tear-jerkers have no effect on me. This one has just awaken so much truth and reality in the Philippine society of poverty and innocence of a child, it really is heartrending.
One thing that could have been improved are the visual qualities of the film, they are really not compatible to global standards. And there were too many scenes at the story that were really out of topic etc. but otherwise, this film really is a knockout. It is a great contribution to the local film industry and films like these with high quality deserve good production and not only support for the commercial mainstream in the Philippines but also in cinemas worldwide. It can really par with many Hollywood masterpieces.
one of the best Filipino films in years
hazpafis2 January 2005
This is by far one of the best Filipino films since, I believe, Mike de Leon's Bayaning Third World.
Directing - Maryo J is very proud of this movie and why shouldn't he be? It captures the Filipino heart and character fully.
Script - Surprising to find out that a young person like Yamamoto wrote this. It makes you realize that the best works aren't the big production movies but the movies that come from the heart.
Acting - What do you get when you put Lorna Tolentino, Albert Martinez, Gloria Romero, Celia Rodriguez, Mark Gil and (now) Jiro Manio in one great movie? A great movie with great actors. You can't get anything better than that.
It's such a shame this movie wasn't well-appreciated in our land. But I'm glad this movie is still getting the appreciation it deserves.
Directing - Maryo J is very proud of this movie and why shouldn't he be? It captures the Filipino heart and character fully.
Script - Surprising to find out that a young person like Yamamoto wrote this. It makes you realize that the best works aren't the big production movies but the movies that come from the heart.
Acting - What do you get when you put Lorna Tolentino, Albert Martinez, Gloria Romero, Celia Rodriguez, Mark Gil and (now) Jiro Manio in one great movie? A great movie with great actors. You can't get anything better than that.
It's such a shame this movie wasn't well-appreciated in our land. But I'm glad this movie is still getting the appreciation it deserves.
MAGNIFICO - Worthy of it's name.
dosflame8 June 2003
Magnifico, magnificent! this story was very well-written. acting was superb. it's a common story but it's still extraordinary. i must commend the acting, emotionally,the story was simple,but it's worth the tears. it's worth watching again too! congratulations to everyone who's responsible for making this movie. movies like "magnifico" tells me there's hope in the local movie industry.
EXCELLENT!!! Rarely do we get to see a Filipino film with a great cast, superb acting, touching story and positive message. This film just came highly recommended by a lot of friends who saw it. Luckily I was able to catch it. Thanks to the producer, director Maryo and the cast especially Jiro, definitely a natural. Hope we can come up with more films like this. No sex nor violence. A must see for the family. Don't let this film pass, go see it!!!
Magnifico, The Best Magnifico is a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL movie! It's the best Filipino drama movie I've ever seen! Congrats to the cast and crew! Jiro, Isabella and Joseph are great child actors! Keep up d good work! I wonder what was in the mind of screenwriter Michiko Yamamoto (did I get her name right?) when he/she wrote the screenplay? Probably, death? Anyways, thanks for contributing a great film to the history of Philippine cinema. You,guys, rock!
Finally, another quality Filipino movie Simply put, Magnifico is a movie worth watching. It is movie that is not just heartwarming but a shining proof that it is never too late for Philippine cinema to reform. The plot is excellent and the theme, centered on innate human goodness, is timeless. I salute Director Mario Delos Reyes and Violett Films for a job well done. The people behind this movie has proven that defying current trends can prove to be the right thing to do. I hope that Violett Films won't grow tired of producing quality films like Magnifico.
EXCELLENT!!! Rarely do we get to see a Filipino film with a great cast, superb acting, touching story and positive message. This film just came highly recommended by a lot of friends who saw it. Luckily I was able to catch it. Thanks to the producer, director Maryo and the cast especially Jiro, definitely a natural. Hope we can come up with more films like this. No sex nor violence. A must see for the family. Don't let this film pass, go see it!!!
Magnifico, The Best Magnifico is a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL movie! It's the best Filipino drama movie I've ever seen! Congrats to the cast and crew! Jiro, Isabella and Joseph are great child actors! Keep up d good work! I wonder what was in the mind of screenwriter Michiko Yamamoto (did I get her name right?) when he/she wrote the screenplay? Probably, death? Anyways, thanks for contributing a great film to the history of Philippine cinema. You,guys, rock!
Finally, another quality Filipino movie Simply put, Magnifico is a movie worth watching. It is movie that is not just heartwarming but a shining proof that it is never too late for Philippine cinema to reform. The plot is excellent and the theme, centered on innate human goodness, is timeless. I salute Director Mario Delos Reyes and Violett Films for a job well done. The people behind this movie has proven that defying current trends can prove to be the right thing to do. I hope that Violett Films won't grow tired of producing quality films like Magnifico.
One for the Heart...!
avocadess12 January 2013
I did not expect much of this film, (which can be viewed on YouTube with English subtitles), both because it looked low-budget and because I had not to my knowledge ever watched a film made in the Philippines before.
Boy, was I wrong!!! This film is chock full of charm, heart, interesting subplots, character development, surprises, laughing, crying, the works! The little boy who played the character "Magnifico" was just perfect for the part -- as were all of the actors. I have told friends and family about this film and both sexes have told me this film touched them deeply.
My heart was left with a tear and a bigger smile.
Boy, was I wrong!!! This film is chock full of charm, heart, interesting subplots, character development, surprises, laughing, crying, the works! The little boy who played the character "Magnifico" was just perfect for the part -- as were all of the actors. I have told friends and family about this film and both sexes have told me this film touched them deeply.
My heart was left with a tear and a bigger smile.
Highly acclaimed Filipino film of 21st century.
isabellelondon19 April 2006
This film was shown here in London during the Foreign film exhibition together with other remarkable Filipino films like Imelda, American Adobo...etc....the venue was a bit small( Riverside Cinema)thou the number of Filipinos base in London is quite large now but still of many reasons, Non Filipino viewers are more than our "Kababayans", i cant say that Filipinos are not movie goers cos it's not true. Maybe because most of them here are westernised now, so they prefer to watch English spoken films.....well thats a sign that they are so easy to adapt(positive outlook in life). The ticket is very reasonable and if you will rent a pirated DVD from Filipino supermarket they charge more and very bad reception. It was well advertised too that so many fliers and leaflets were given away in all Filipino shops, remittance office, Filipino beauty saloons and anywhere as long as there is Filipino......But why so limited of Filipino watched it????? It is because most of them(Filipino) has no culture and cant appreciate the real art.... its a shame and sad to admit but its true. where is the nationalistic campaign of us before that goes this way???....TANGKILIKIN ANG SARILING ATIN.....We need more films like this to uplift our country and people in the world map.
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