STORY
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It is actually more than an HIV story. It tackles not only the prevalence in the Philippines, but also other like it shows how normal having an extra-marital affair is, getting pregnant without being married, substance abused, making ends meet. And Kalel's father. These social issues are more rampant in the poorer sector of the country, but it ain't exclusive to the sector.
This film shows a slice of each to the social issues mentioned above. Raw, unadulterated, rustic way by the use of black and white color scheme will give you a sense of how grim, dark, challenging a person needs to go through every single day. It able to show and concentrate on Kalel, both the protagonist and antagonist, as he make his way through a teen life full of hardships and uncertainty. Why is he the antagonist? You can clearly see how conflicted he is, how inconsistent magnified by having the disease. Until in the end, he succumb what he needs to do to survive.
The film depicts from Kalel's point of view. No heartaches and heartbreaks. Just pure struggle. I heard and know similar stories, but with different circumstances, all with different outcomes.
Make no mistake, this ain't your HIV advocacy film per se. It shows one of the many faces of a Person Living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Philippines is like. The struggle, the stigma, having a sense of dignity, of what left of it, for having the disease. Raw, unadulterated, rustic.
ACTOR
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Elijah as KALEL - definitely hold his own here despite being supported by 2 of the most decorated and veteran in PH entertainment industry. He definitely deserved to win the Best Actor.
MUSIC
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Is there any? Or am I just focused on the story too much? I guess it doesn't need to as Kalel is not the music type of guy, it will be off to include one. There is no heartbreaking scene as well.
REWATCH VALUE
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I am the type of guy that rarely do a rewatch, not unless it am dying of boredom. Even I'm in that mood, this won't be the top of my list to rewatch.
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A movie worth watching and reflecting.
The movie was whole black and white and it didn’t bother me. The cinematic experience was unique and it tackles the HIV issue well as it showed the real perspective in a creative way for us to bring attention and be serious about this topic. This movie does not romanticized as it showed sensitive content but I hope this film will change the point of view of HIV, poverty and discrimination etc. In the Philippines.I like the movie. The way the actors portrayed their character is great and honest. It truly showed the harsh reality where a lot of people are experiencing these days. The movie does not only focus with the HIV issue but also to irresponsible parents, poverty, toxic family, politics, life choices, pedophile and drugs. A lot more actually, the small details in the movie speaks a lot that connects the life of Kalel. Knowing that he’s just 15 years old, pains me. Realizing how many young people are experiencing the similar way are just hard to take in. This should bring major awareness for us to open about this topic and to help prevent, not just the HIV but the other issues as well, through the suffering of Kalel which is even not his fault but the toxic relationship of one’s society we live in.
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This review may contain spoilers
This Movie is worth watching. Realistic and Amazing.
|| May contain Spoilers || Overall this is just My Opinion. ||I LOVED This Movie. It needs more Popularity. It Expresses how it is to be young and dealing with Diseases/Disorders/Infections, Such as HIV Perfectly. Just to have HIV In general and accept it is really hard, Elijah acted so well in this Movie. I Am so happy i decided to watch this Movie. It opened my mind more and helped me understand certain things easier and better.
I hope this Movie makes people see HIV differently. So many people are disgusted by it and judgmental about it. I hope some people that feel that way watch this Movie and see someone that has HIVs’ perspective. This Movie also showed a ton of poverty issues and discrimination going on in the Philippines. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼!!
I Loved this Movie, As i said in the beginning of this Review. I think the way the actors portrayed their characters was truly amazing! I love how this movie doesn’t just focus on HIV but it focuses on many other things, Which is truly amazing to see more awarness to other things as-well, HIV, Irresponsible parenting, Toxic family, Abuse, Politics, Life changing situations, Pedophilia, Drugs ETC!! In my opinion it makes the movie way more eye opening and amazing.
The small details in this movie makes it so much better.
Highly recommend. Watch it to see an amazing and REALISTIC story and perspective of having HIV And going through the other things this movie represents.
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Downright Depressing
"Kalel, 15" - A Thought-Provoking Journey into the Depths of Youth and Stigma
At just fifteen years old, Kalel finds himself grappling with a reality that most teenagers never have to face. As the son of a priest and HIV positive, he navigates life amidst a sea of tensions, secrets, and societal stigmas. "Kalel, 15" is a poignant exploration of the multifaceted issues surrounding HIV, Filipino youth, dysfunctional families, and the complexities of Christian morality.
From the outset, the film captivates with its brilliant storytelling, acting, and cinematography. Within the first five minutes, viewers are drawn into Kalel's world, which feels refreshingly unique and authentic. The decision to film in stark black and white adds a layer of grittiness and darkness that perfectly complements the film's themes.
Yet, amidst the film's visual and narrative prowess lies a stark truth: the lack of dialogue surrounding HIV in the Philippines. Kalel's journey serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of societal silence and stigma. In a Catholic nation where discussions about sex are often taboo, HIV is treated as a dirty secret rather than the urgent epidemic it truly is. The film unapologetically exposes the hypocrisy and shortcomings of a society unwilling to confront uncomfortable truths.
The cinematography further underscores Kalel's isolation and despair. As the film progresses, the frame gradually shrinks, symbolizing the suffocating pressure and confinement of his circumstances. Despite his attempts to find hope in a world devoid of color, Kalel is continuously let down by those around him.
However, amidst the film's palpable anger lies a deeper sense of insight and urgency. "Kalel, 15" channels its rage into a powerful examination of societal neglect and the dire consequences it inflicts upon vulnerable individuals like Kalel. Through his experiences, the film forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about sex, stigma, and the failure of empathy.
In its entirety, "Kalel, 15" is a mind-blowing and thought-provoking cinematic experience. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of open dialogue, empathy, and action in addressing issues like HIV and youth sexuality. This film is not just important; it is essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of stigma and the resilience of the human spirit.
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Some realities are black and white
Kalel, 15 is the story of a boy who looks in the mirror to assess his attributes. But unlike boys his age, he doesn't do it for vanity, but to survive. Surviving in a dysfunctional family, surviving with HIV, surviving others' judgement, surviving poverty, surviving being abandoned, surviving institutional indifference. Behind his impassive mask, Kalel's motto is to survive with dignity, the dignity he gives himself, not the dignity that results from others' endorsement.His story is a sad one, but the way it is told doesn't want to bring tears to our eyes, we are here to contemplate someone else life w/o judgement. It's a life journey whose details I'll forget, but when I'll encounter a boy his age on the street with that same gaze, I'll wonder if all is well in his life.
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