Watch Death of Nintendo

Death of Nintendo is a coming-of-age movie set in the summer of 1991 in Manila, Philippines. Directed by Raya Martin, the film revolves around four teenagers who spend their days playing video games at an arcade in their local mall. The lead character, Paolo, played by Noel Comia Jr., is a quiet and reserved boy who has a crush on his childhood friend, Kachi, portrayed by rising star Kim Chiu. Kachi, on the other hand, is interested in another boy, the charismatic and confident Atari, played by Jiggerfelip Sementilla. Completing the quartet is the curious and cheerful Gilligan, played by John Vincent Servilla.

As the film progresses, we see the teenagers navigate their way through a range of experiences that define their summer. They fall in love, they experiment with sex, and they discover darker sides of life such as death and betrayal.

However, Death of Nintendo does more than just depict the typical teenage experiences. It also takes us on a nostalgic journey through the world of video gaming in the 1990s. The arcade is where the teenagers spend most of their time and is a source of both entertainment and refuge for them. Their fascination with arcade games like Street Fighter 2 or Final Fight is interspersed with commentary on the social, economic and political issues that are prevalent at the time.

Moreover, the film manages to balance this nostalgia with the portrayal of a unique Filipino identity that has been shaped by colonialism and globalisation. There are subtle references to the ongoing political turmoil in the country, such as the protests against President Corazon Aquino's administration in the background. The music, costumes, and the way the characters interact with each other, all reflect the cultural milieu of the Philippines during this era.

Death of Nintendo is an indie film at its core, with a shoestring budget and a largely unknown cast. However, it's this very sense of rawness that makes the film poignant and relatable. The performances of the cast members, particularly the teenagers, are realistic and heartfelt. They don't shy away from showing the awkwardness, insecurities, and fleeting joys of adolescence.

One of the most engaging aspects of the movie is how it depicts the dynamics of teenage friendships. There are instances where the four friends argue with each other, even getting into physical fights, as they deal with jealousy, envy, and misunderstood intentions. Yet, they always find their way back to each other, driven by a shared passion for gaming and a desire to make sense of their place in the world.

The cinematography in the film is also notable. The use of natural light and minimal artificial lighting makes every shot look like a snapshot of real life. The director's choice of camera angles creates a feeling of intimacy and immerses the viewer in the lives of the characters.

Overall, Death of Nintendo is a refreshing take on the coming-of-age genre. It captures the essence of what it's like to be a teenager trying to find their way in the world, amidst a backdrop of societal and cultural changes. It's a movie that celebrates both the joys and the difficulties of growing up, and how the experiences we have during that time shape who we become.

Death of Nintendo is a 2020 comedy. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.