My thoughts on Cinemalaya's Purok 7

Finally saw Purok 7 last night! Caught the 9:00 PM show in Alabang Town Center after work. I disregarded the chances of puyat for it. LOL. I was that desperate to see it especially after reading numerous good reactions about the film. It probably didn't help because I expected too much and I ended up underwhelmed :/. My friend said that it's just like another episode of MMK and I agreed. It's  simple, heartwarming and bittersweet at the same time. It also didn't help that the film's sound in some of the scenes are inconsistent and uneven. It's definitely not bad though.

I think everyone would agree that its strongest aspect are the lead characters, Diana and Julian. Their sibling relationship is displayed quite well as they effectively showed a warm display of love and care for each other and their hopeful longing for a family. Scenes where they're the only characters on screen are my favorite part of the film as I thought most of the supporting characters are TOO comical and exaggerated particularly Diana's best friend who has cerebral palsy (Isabella de Leon in Magnifico did cerebral palsy way better). The quietest scenes of Diana and Julian together in their little home is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

I also appreciate the direction and screenplay. There is that one scene where Julian was lying on Diana's lap, holding a cellphone their father gave to him, hoping and waiting for a call from their mother in China who's in death row. No dialogue whatsoever yet I think it's the most touching part of the film aside from the last scene. As I've mentioned earlier, the film's most quiet scenes are the most potent parts of it.

The message is so subtle but powerful at the same time. I would have liked it more though if their relationship with their mother was furhter emphasized. I understand that other scenes already showed how much they're longing for their mother but I still feel like it's not enough that's why I wasn't that affected on the inevitable bad news these kids were about to receive while they're enjoying their precious moments together in the carnival.

In the end, despite its imperfections, the film effectively showed a light and loving relationship of two siblings regardless of their complicated condition. It's truly the most uplifting and redeeming part of Purok 7.