I Recommend: Ang Lihim Ni Antonio

Ang Lihim Ni Antonio (Antonio’s Secret) is the most intriguing gay-themed Filipino Indie film that i have watched recently. Intriguing, because to me:

1. The cinematic attack is schizophrenic (the movie seemed to be confused if it wanted to be light or heavy).

2. The story is cliche in every sense of the word (until the very disturbing ending).

3. The script is real life but it becomes a bit dragging at some parts.

And yet the film compels you to give it a second-look, it interests you and makes most of the earlier gay-themed Indie films poorly made and haphazardly done.

It is the outstanding ensemble cast performance and the beautiful setting and cinematography that becomes the movies salvation. All the actors in the cast were perfectly placed and chosen based on how they really fit into the characters, and mind you, most of them are virtually unknown names; so one can see that the producers/director aimed this to be one of the movies strongest points as I found out that rigorous screening (why, even the Philippines’ Indie Film Prince, Coco Martin did not make the cut) and workshops were done prior to the actual making of the film.

The three main characters (Antonio(Kenjie Garcia), the confused teen protagonist; Tito Joe(Josh Ivan Morales), Antonio’s uncle who became his obsession and gave him an ample experience of gay sex right at the comforts of his own bedroom; and Tere(Sharmaine Buencamino), Antonio’s nurturing and strong willed Mother) have been brilliantly characterized and developed.

Garcia (Antonio) and Morales (Tito Joe) gave surprisingly credible and deep performances despite them being beginners in the craft. But in a movie that is supposed to have the gay sex scenes as highlights, Buencamino (Tere), showcased flawless intensity and thespian skills and made her character stand-out and her scenes very important.

And these things, the actors’ performances and the beautiful cinematography, are enough to recommend the movie and henceforth brand it as worth watching.