The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros) poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Nathan Lopez, Soliman Cruz, Jr Valentin, Neil Ryan Sese, Ping Medina ... see more see more... , Bodjie Pascua , Elmo Redrico , Ivan Camacho , Lucito Lopez , Sir Jett Desalesa , Anastacio Cruz , Roychell Torre , Peter Anthony Tumbaga , Edwin Pamanian , Rodney Luengu , Claudine Najena , Rebecca Padilla , Arnold Cruz , Julius Ray Caringal , Buck Harold Pago , Remedios Calinangan , The Community Of Gulpit Street

An effeminate 12-year-old who dutifully plays mother to his criminal father and older siblings experiences a crisis of conscience after befriending an honest Manila cop in the sophomore feature from d... read more read more...irector Auraeus Solito. A young innocent whose devotion to his family finds him taking the place of his own deceased mother, Maxi spends most of his days cooking and doing the household chores. In the evening hours, Maxi can often be found on the streets shopping and taking in a film at the local DVD stand with the many homeless children who seek a momentary escape from their bleak existence. When Maxi is rescued from a group of local thugs late one night by kindly rookie police officer Victor, his attraction to the kind-hearted and trustworthy Victor soon finds him torn between the criminal behavior of his family and his desire to follow a more honorable path in life. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Flixster Users

74% liked it

1,134 ratings

Critics

89% liked it

18 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 40 min.

Directed by: Auraeus Solito

Release Date: September 22, 2006

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: August 28, 2007

Stats: 135 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

Blossoming Still Blossoming Still The very cute Bodjie Pascua Blossoming Still Blossoming Still The very cute Bodjie Pascua Blossoming Still Blossoming Still Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Maximo Oliveros...
Upload a Photo | View All The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros) Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (135)

  • maymayasahan
    August 15, 2010
    maymayasahan
    Congested Manila slums project both the adorable and harsh everyday reality in the coming-of-age film Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros), a mesmerizing piece of actuality in the midst of poverty, crime, family, forbidden love and everyth... read moreing in between.

    The superb direction from Auraeus Solito brings to life the blunt and honest writing of Michiko Yamamoto that mainly revolves on the conflict between Maxi's affection for the young, handsome cop Victor and his family's criminal trade. Turning sharply from being light and charming into being brutal and sinister, the plot unveils Maxi's rather painful pursuit of his redemption.

    Amazingly, the film exhibits the acceptance and tolerance of his manly family and the unpleasant neighborhood for his homosexuality. Moreover, amidst the disagreeable society and culture, the Filipino virtues of family devotion and faith live on.

    It is also a picture of contrasts. The neighborhood remains in high spirits despite belonging to the third-world setting. Their apartment, though scarcely roomy, displays a cheery and relaxed atmosphere. The homosexuality is openly accepted despite the great influence of Roman Catholicism.

    Maxi is such a captivating blend of the cunning and the innocent, bubbly yet emotionally defenseless. Solito's knack for filmmaking that can actually stir such performance is incredible. Young, vibrant and talented Nathan Lopez carries out a performance that greatly fits the lead role and is splendidly complemented by the rest of the cast. In addition, the gripping cinematography from Nap Jamir and the compelling score from Pepe Smith essentially contributed toward the creation of a superior and exceptional feat.

    It is very uncommon for a film to pencil in an overpowering portrait of reality-based concept that truly lingers. What is even more gratifying is that this slice of brilliance Filipinos crafted is critically recognized around the globe. Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros is a jewel of the independent film industry that acts on each individual while instituting a humanitarian paradigm more than just of tolerance, but of nonbiased judgment.

View All The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros) Reviews

Critic Reviews

Kevin Thomas
September 28, 2006
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

One of the finest Filipino films, shimmering with folkloric charm without softening its view of the harshness and injustice of a life of poverty. Full Review

V.A. Musetto
September 22, 2006
V.A. Musetto, New York Post

Preteen sexuality is a sensitive subject, but director Auraeus Solito handles it with dignity, never becoming exploitative.

Nathan Lee
September 21, 2006
Nathan Lee, New York Times

The newcomer Nathan Lopez delights as the flamboyantly gay Maxi, the youngest son in a family of thieves who falls in love with handsome police officer.

John Anderson
September 21, 2006
John Anderson, Newsday

A unusual and potent portrait of the Filipino undersoul. Full Review

Dennis Lim
September 19, 2006
Dennis Lim, Village Voice

The film is alarming, endearing, and utterly unflappable. Full Review

Richard James Havis
April 19, 2006
Richard James Havis, Hollywood Reporter

This debut feature by Filipino director Auraeus Solito is a neatly observed take on Manila street life.

Dennis Harvey
January 27, 2006
Dennis Harvey, Variety

An unusually low-key Filipino drama whose neo-realist air generally triumphs over the script's violent, tearful contrivances. Full Review

John A. Nesbit
August 19, 2007
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews

captures the street life of Manila's slums like no other film Full Review

Don Willmott
August 15, 2007
Don Willmott, Filmcritic.com

Veering from adorable and light to bleak and tragic, Maximo Oliveros is all over the emotional map, but in a realistic way, sort of like life itself. Full Review

Phil Hall
August 5, 2007
Phil Hall, Film Threat

If this represents the best of Philippine cinema, I'd hate to see the worst! Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

This list looks lonely.
Add a suggestion!

Facts

No facts approved yet. Be the first

The Blossoming of... : Watch Free on TV

The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros) Trivia

Movie Quizzes

No quizzes for The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros). Want to create one?

Video Clips

No video clips yet. Want to upload one?

Meet Other Fans

Add The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros) to favorites

Recent News

No recent headlines. Got one?

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

No skins yet. Interested in creating one?