nono

 The entire premise of Nono is in itself, simple but also complex just like its characters: A young willful and charming boy with a cleft palate who wants to join a declamation contest, a gregarious lovelorn mother who raised her son the best that she can, a teacher who means well but is cautious, a bully, a young deaf boy, a flamboyant godfather and a well meaning Ilonggo.

I read a  good review from another cinemalaya afficionado and i decided to repost it in my blog.  so here it goes:


"Despite his speech impediment, Toto is not backing down as he strives to prove that he can do it. It may sound like your typical 'underdog' movie but this film does not emotionally manipulate the viewers to root for the kid because the script does not really put him under emotional torture. Sure his classmates laughs when he attempted to sing, sure there are kids who mocked him and yes there's even a bully (that became a friend later on) but they are all pretty harmless. Plus, Toto was never portrayed as a victim, he showed wisdom beyond his age but you could still the kid in him, a determined kid that will win your heart. Another thing I like about this film is the friendship Toto had with his deaf friend Ogoy and frienemy Badong. You could feel the children's innocence in every scene that these kids are in. Seeing them will make you remember of your childhood friends and classmates. I was particularly moved with Ogoy's story and how Toto & Badong looked after him. There's a scene in the film that really got me when former tormentor Badong carried Ogoy who fell asleep outside the school waiting for Toto to come out (Ogoy is an out-of-school-youth who sneaks in the school to help Toto but he got caught at that time).. Major kudos for finding these terrific kid actors. The adult actors also did fine, they gave great support to the kids especially Toto's wise-cracking supportive single mom Glenda. She had great rapport with the kids and his scenes with Toto felt natural and you would feel the love & support of a mom who motivates his son to never let his disability stop him from living the life he wants."