70
Metascore
7 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasSophisticated in its ease and spontaneity, it was directed with clarity and rigor by Auraeus Solito from Michiiko Yamamoto's acutely perceptive script.
- 80L.A. WeeklyErnest HardyL.A. WeeklyErnest HardyNathan Lopez, armed with a diva's slinky cat walk and determination, is absolutely fantastic as Maximo.
- 75New York PostV.A. MusettoNew York PostV.A. MusettoPreteen sexuality is a sensitive subject, but director Auraeus Solito handles it with dignity, never becoming exploitative.
- 70Village VoiceDennis LimVillage VoiceDennis LimIn much the same fashion as Gregg Araki's "Mysterious Skin", Auraeus Solito's feature debut confronts the taboo of pre-teen sexuality with a startling mix of openness and sensitivity. No less than precocious Maxi, the film is alarming, endearing, and utterly unflappable.
- 70The New York TimesNathan LeeThe New York TimesNathan LeeDirected by Auraeus Solito from a screenplay by Michiko Yamamoto, Maximo has charmed film festival audiences from Sundance to Jerusalem with its refreshingly blasé handling of homosexuality, its amiable actors and its delicacy of milieu. Credit, above all, the talented Mr. Lopez, whose effortless charisma buoys the movie even when it goes heavy with contrivance.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterRichard James HavisThe Hollywood ReporterRichard James HavisA neatly observed take on Manila street life. Pegged to a gay theme, it works best as a character-driven slice of social realism.
- 60VarietyDennis HarveyVarietyDennis HarveyAn unusually low-key Filipino drama whose neo-realist air generally triumphs over the script's violent, tearful contrivances.