Picture an old man and a young boy looking out at a picturesque golden-hued sunset only for it to disappear into blackness. That’s how it feels to watch Lolo and the Kid. A heartwarming tale of an elderly man and his grandson, running around town scamming people. Yes, you read that right. The film’s beginning is slightly rocky because it takes a good amount of time to establish one basic truth. Lolo and Kid use their acting skills to cheat wealthy people in search of a child. I’m not sure this is a very realistic concept, but it definitely works in the very “made for slice-of-life” kind of way. It is not easy to write this review without spoilers; I mean, even the Netflix description gives away the whole film in one simple line, but if you haven’t read that and want to watch a cute movie, then read this review and decide for yourself.
This is among the three Filipino movies I’ve seen this year, all thanks to Netflix. I think in terms of sentimentality, Southeast Asian films are quite similar to South Asian films. The importance of family, going from rags to riches, emotional bonds, and finding friends in strangers are all quite common themes in our side of the world. I think it’s quite a breath of fresh air on the occasion when you’ve been saturated by emotionally disconnected action films or dramas that have complicated philosophical messaging. This is not to say that all Western filmography fits in either of these two categories; I’m only trying to make a point here: sometimes, simplicity can do you wonders. I’m not sure I can call Lolo and the Kid original; I feel like it’s not necessarily a new concept, but it definitely feels somewhat freshly packaged. It’s colorful, moving, and a good family watch, barring some profanity and themes here and there.
Directed by Benedict Mique’s Netflix film is about an hour and thirty minutes. I think with about 15-minutes edited out, this film could actually be really enjoyable, but some parts definitely tend to drag because it’s like repeating the same sentiment multiple times. However, the final act of the film is beautifully moving and will definitely tug at your heartstrings. I would urge you to watch the film in Filipino rather than dubbed because oftentimes the emotions don’t come through with voice acting alone. Still, if you’re afraid of that one-centimeter gap that is the subtitle, you can watch the dubbed version. I thought it was well done in English, except for certain drunken parts. However, even so, watch the last bit in the original anyway.
I definitely think both “Gramps” and “Kid” did a fantastic job of keeping this movie rolling. Sure, we all find sentimentality in a grandpa and kid’s story, but the acting has to be emotionally powerful to match that feeling, or you’re likely to turn it off in seconds. 63-year-old Joel Torre is certainly a good fit for this film, and his nonchalant attitude and fun expressions are ideal for the role of Lolo. However, Euwenn Mikael Aleta, who plays Kid, has definitely done a fantastic job keeping pace with Lolo. Though I’ve got to admit, it’s the elder version of Kid who has a mere 10 minutes in the film (giving Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs) who really steals the show, or rather makes this film worth watching. 23-year-old musician and actor Juan Karlos is effervescent in this role, and I’ll definitely be interested in checking out his other work after this one. I’m not sure if the supporting cast is popular Filipino actors, but everyone goes together in the film like birds of a feather. Nothing seems out of place.
Visually, the film is nice and pleasant. It almost feels like a montage of videos your grandpa would make of you to show you as an adult. I don’t mean it’s cut in that way or anything; it’s just that it feels quite raw and comforting. I think Filipinos excel in this kind of filmmaking. I’m not sure if Lolo and the Kid is a high-budget film, though some of the houses definitely look luxurious. Still, I think there is simplicity in the presentation as well.
I will admit at the beginning of the film I was quite skeptical because the premise seemed lacking in depth, and I wasn’t sure I needed another mediocre run-of-the-mill coming-of-age film on my roster, but eventually, I caved and I started to quite enjoy the film, so if you feel the same way, give it some time and you might end up finding a gem. Sure, this isn’t an award-worthy film, or even one that you have to pay much attention to to comprehend, but it’s definitely got an emotional impact nearing the end that is certainly worth your time. If you’re not the kind of person who experiments with international films but wants to try something new, this could be a great start, because it’s not rotten to the core, but it’s also not so transcendent that you’ll be giving bad reviews to every other Asian film you see next.
I suppose in conclusion I’d like to say that Lolo and the Kid is a good lesson in emotional films made in simplicity. The performances are excellent and carry the film, which also delivers in other aspects, for a silly little drama to add to your weekend watchlist. Or maybe if you’re feeling funky, put it on this Wednesday evening and excite your emotional buds for whatever’s coming next at work. I’d give the Filipino Netflix original Lolo and the Kid 3 out of 5 stars because I definitely had fun with it. I’ll be looking forward to more of Benedict Mique’s work because this one has definitely piqued my interest. On the other hand, if this film doesn’t make you at least tear up or feel a lump in your throat, you’ve got a heart of stone. I kid, to each their own.
