Movie No. 60 (2014). Cinemalaya X: #Y
#Y (2014)
Director: Gino Santos
Cast: Elmo Magalona, Colleen Garcia, Slater Young, Kit Thompson, Chynna Ortaleza, Sophie Albert
The movie masks as a commentary to what preoccupies the time and psyche of some privileged youth today, the so-called Generation Y. The hash tag (#) in the title suggests how social media and electronic gadgets heavily affect the daily existence (not daily living) of these youth. In my humble opinion, the commentary can easily extend even to other social classes and even to youth in the western hemisphere. Prominently enmeshed into the chaos that includes social media, never-ending parties, substance abuse, casual sex, etc., is the topic of suicide and the helplessness that goes with it. Honestly, I don't understand what drives the Elmo Magalona character to commit suicide. Mental illness? He doesn't look like he has it. At least not obviously. The moment I realize his 'brother' has got something to do with it, that's enough for me. The mention of Catcher In The Rye, where the hate that consumes the protagonist has been depicted to be coming out of nowhere, is another attempt to justify the actions of the Elmo Magalona character.
Director: Gino Santos
Cast: Elmo Magalona, Colleen Garcia, Slater Young, Kit Thompson, Chynna Ortaleza, Sophie Albert
The movie masks as a commentary to what preoccupies the time and psyche of some privileged youth today, the so-called Generation Y. The hash tag (#) in the title suggests how social media and electronic gadgets heavily affect the daily existence (not daily living) of these youth. In my humble opinion, the commentary can easily extend even to other social classes and even to youth in the western hemisphere. Prominently enmeshed into the chaos that includes social media, never-ending parties, substance abuse, casual sex, etc., is the topic of suicide and the helplessness that goes with it. Honestly, I don't understand what drives the Elmo Magalona character to commit suicide. Mental illness? He doesn't look like he has it. At least not obviously. The moment I realize his 'brother' has got something to do with it, that's enough for me. The mention of Catcher In The Rye, where the hate that consumes the protagonist has been depicted to be coming out of nowhere, is another attempt to justify the actions of the Elmo Magalona character.
The movie is not without flaw. But, it effectively captures on screen what it really wants to show, with not much sugar-coating. The Best Ensemble Acting Award that the cast received is well-deserved.
Rating: 3.0/4.0
Date seen: August 8, 2014
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