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Poster for The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros

The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros

2005 · 1h 40m · N/A Comedy, Drama
Directed by Kanakan-Balintagos

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Overview

Maxi, a boy on the cusp of his teens, is already comfortable with his homosexual feelings, with acceptance from his family. When Maxi is assaulted one evening, Victor, a police officer, comes to his aid. Maxi soon develops a crush on Victor, who shows a platonic affection for the young lad.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
89%
Tomatometer
Fresh

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

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Fresh

One of those all-too-rare films that handle preadolescent queerness with intelligence and unflinching honesty.

Ernest Hardy, L.A. Weekly
Fresh

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

V.A. Musetto, New York Post
Fresh

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.

Nathan Lee, New York Times
Fresh

A unusual and potent portrait of the Filipino undersoul.

John Anderson, Newsday

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