As much as I would like to write a review of the film, I can't because I am not good that way. All I can share with you now is why this film Boses is so close to my heart. Although I am in no way part of the film, I feel so connected to it mainly because of the location where the film was shot and two of the main actors.
When I lost my son, I had the privilege of meeting Sir Coke (who plays Ariel in the movie)and Julian Duque (who plays Onyok). They played the violin for Keith Ashley during his wake. At that time, I was not able to chitchat with either of them. I just watched them play and just listened to their conversations with Keith's Mama - until I visited Casa San Miguel and bumped into Julian again. He was 8 when he played Onyok and he was 11 when I met him.
Casa San Miguel is where Keith Ashley went for his art and violin lessons. For sure, he had a lot of good memories in that place.On our visit to Casa, Keith's Mama showed me where Keith would normally hang out while waiting for his lessons, where he would sit and watched Ma'am Plet do her mosaics and where he would play with his siblings and friends.
And so when I stumbled upon the film Boses on youtube, I became an instant fan. This time, not only because of Casa, Sir Coke and Julian, but because I knew from the moment I watched the trailer that this movie is going to make a difference through its advocacy and through classical music. I searched for the movie on the internet but I later found out that the film never went mainstream. I felt bad because I really wanted to watch the whole film.
Until one day, Sir Coke broke the news that Boses The Movie will be coming to London! I couldn't contain my excitement. Finally.....
So the screening happened last night at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith.
There were already people waiting when we arrived at the theatre. On our way to buy our tickets, I saw Sir Coke talking to some people. I simply said hi, but he recognized me and we hugged like we've known each other for years. That overwhelming feeling that I finally got to properly meet the person that Keith Ashley looked up to and wanted to become. It was certainly a mixed emotion (of sadness and happiness) for me. But I could only thank Keith because if it were not for him, I wouldn't have experienced all of this.
The film, from the beginning to the end is gripping. In other words, once naumpisahan mo na, hindi ka na bibitiw. (I became emotional as soon as I saw Casa. It suddenly all became too personal for me even if I have only been there once. It brought back memories. Perhaps the movie had a bigger impact on me because of my personal connection with the place.)
Anyway, what surprised me the most are the performances of Sir Coke and Julian. Both are not professional actors, but they portrayed their roles to a high standard. Lume-level kina Ricky Davao, Cherry Pie Picache and Meryll Soriano.
The film was full of emotions. Ang dami kong iyak. At the same time, napatawa rin ako ng ilang beses. I would consider the violin "bondings" of Onyok and Ariel as the highlights of the film, mainly because they were doing it so naturally. It felt so real. My favourite was the scene when Ariel had to "kidnap" Onyok and took him to the beach where Onyok finally had the freedom to express his anger. Then Ariel started playing the violin while Onyok was "nagwawala". That to me was perfect. But saying that, I think every scene was almost perfect.
It's a shame I am not good at this- I mean writing reviews. My heart wants me to say a lot of good things about this film, but I don't know how to express it through writing. I have decided to leave it up to those who can write way better than I do. But there is one thing, actually two things that I am sure of, that this film deserves a standing ovation......... and to be seen in bigger cinemas.
Maybe you are now quite eager to find out about Boses. I kept mentioning Boses, but I haven't really said what the movie is all about. Here's the trailer for you...
A film that will soften your heart and will make you love and protect your children even more.
Congratulations Miss Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil for a very inspiring film. Thank you Sir Coke for giving me the opportunity to watch such a masterpiece.
Boses is a MUST-SEE film. If you don't watch it, you will regret it.
tintin x
