Cinemalaya 2013 Series: A "Purok 7" Review

To be honest Purok 7 (said as “Purok Siyete”, in case you’ve read that as “Purok Seven” as I initially did), wasn’t one of my top picks to watch in this year’s Cinemalaya. I mean c’mon, the trailer doesn’t look as exciting as Babagwa and Porno *ahem* or as fun as Ekstra and Instant Mommy. But I decided to watch anyways because the lead actress intrigued me. I don’t remember seeing her in any film before but her look and the way she acted in the trailers were so natural that I decided to give this one a shot – and I’m glad that I did.

Diana (Krystle Valentino) is a 14 year-old girl who lives in a remote purok in the countryside with her younger brother. They live by themselves when their mother went abroad to work and their father went to live with another woman. They live a simple but happy life in their small town, but they must get-together as a family to face an issue that may shatter their relationships with each other.

Purok 7 Trailer

Purok 7 fully captures the essence of countryside living, showing us the humble but satisfied lifestyle of the townsfolk, and how the kids find joy in simple things that are part of their daily routine. The film was light and quiet, a feel-good movie which effectively depicted rural life, that at some point it made me reminisce of my childhood that I spent growing up in the province. It shows us a different perspective of not being rich, one where it is easy to find joy in the simplest things if you just know how to appreciate what you have.

Afternoon walks like this one is what I miss about countryside living.

And stealing mangoes too (I hope our old neighbor doesn't see this)!

"Feel it in your heart, son! Feel it in your heart!"

Krystle was loveable and moving as the young but liable Diana, who took it upon herself to take care of her younger brother when their parents were not around. Krystle is able to make you feel the conflict within the character, and effectively project to the audience that behind the façade of a reliable older sister who is a bit too mature for her age, is an innocent child who would have wanted to enjoy her youth. There were instances though that her acting was becoming unnatural particularly with the way she delivers her lines, but for the most part she efficiently portrays the role.

Makes me want to take her to Jollibee :'( *sniff sniff*

The film uses an emotional approach to engage the audience. It was a real tear-jerker, able to make you feel the grief of the characters even when they’re not speaking lines. Amidst all the innocent fun that the siblings have as they try to live the day by, there are hints of sadness when focus turns to their family. The remarkable scoring reinforced all of these. Of course, there’s also Diana’s budding crush for Jeremy (Julian Trono) which can make you giddy and giggle at their puppy love scenes, although I should say that dance number was a bit out of place.

Seriously, that dance number had more screen time than it should have had.

"I knew it was you who farted back there!"

This movie also reminded me of Maryo J. de los Reyes’ Magnifico. The way that the townsfolk empathize with the children, the town fair scene, and of course the emotional and filial approach, was very reminiscent of the 2003 film.

And here I am, thinking that all stepmothers are evil witches.

See? I told you it's reminiscent of Magnifico.

Purok 7 was unexpectedly one of the best entries I have seen in this year’s Cinemalaya Festival. It was light, innocent, and most of all real and relatable. It’s a feel-good movie that stands out from the other louder and heavier entries.

PUROK 7 CAST

Krystle Valentino  

Miggs Cuaderno

Arnold Reyes

Angeli Bayani

Julian Trono

Carlon Matobato

Sheenly Vee Gener

DIRECTED BY: Carlo Obispo

Credits to the images and videos used in this post go to "Purok 7" and/or to their respective owners. I do not own these materials. No copyright infringement intended.