Watch Bwakaw

Bwakaw is a 2012 Philippine film directed by Jun Robles Lana. The film stars Eddie Garcia in the lead role of Rene, a retired gay schoolteacher who lives alone with his dog, Bwakaw. The film has a touch of humour and is also sombre, dark and reflective about aging, relationships and death. The movie takes off with a hilarious scene, where Rene has a difficult time in attempting to train his new pet Bwakaw. Rene stubbornly insists that his dog should respond to English commands, despite the fact that the dog only responds to Tagalog commands. Bwakaw serves as Rene's only companion, and the pair live a relatively quiet life, with Rene visiting his long-time friends at a nearby restaurant, reading his favourite books, and spending time with the locals of their neighbourhood.

However, life for Rene starts to change when he visits his doctor, who tells him that he may only have a few months left to live. This eventually leads Rene to evaluate his life, relationships, and sexuality. Rene initially struggles to come to terms with his own sexuality and the possibility of death, but eventually comes to embrace his true self.

Along the way, Rene forms close bonds with his neighbours, including his eccentric best friend, Soleng (Princess), and a local student named Jason (Rez Cortez). Through these connections, Rene is reminded of the importance of friendship and having meaningful relationships, even in the face of impending death.

Despite the film's overarching themes of aging, relationships, and death, Bwakaw is ultimately a celebration of life. The film's characters, despite their various struggles and imperfections, are a testament to the resilience and versatility of the human spirit. Through their stories, audiences are reminded of the beauty of life's imperfect moments and the power of love and acceptance.

Eddie Garcia gives an outstanding performance as Rene, bringing both humour and vulnerability to the role. His portrayal of the character showcases his impressive range as an actor, and his chemistry with his co-stars is palpable. Princess and Rez Cortez also deliver strong performances, adding depth and nuance to their respective characters.

Bwakaw's pacing is unhurried, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the film's world and characters. The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, with director Jun Robles Lana using natural lighting and location shooting to create a sense of realism and authenticity.

Overall, Bwakaw is a heartwarming and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of life and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. Through its relatable characters and affecting storytelling, Bwakaw is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.