Movie Review: Kid Kulafu

Emmanuel lives a hand-to-mouth existence, surviving from one day and one meal to the next – in their mountain home in Mindanao where his family gets caught in the crossfire between rebels and paramilitary troops, then down to the provincial city where his mother works in a factory and his father later abandons them. But one day, he discovers the one thing he can own, his one true talent, and his family's way out of poverty - boxing. So he goes on the long hard journey of fighting from town to town, then leaving home to battle it out in Manila. As a teenage boxer, he must endure all the hunger, the bruises and the heartaches. He must risk everything, even his own life, to become a champion – for himself, his family and his country. This is the real story of a boy named Emmanuel, who has risen as one of the world's greatest boxers -- Manny Pacquiao. 


Paul Soriano clinched direction combined with knockout performances from Buboy Villar and Alessandra De Rossi - help Kid Kulafu to transcend its cliches, and the result is deeply heartfelt and moving.Technicality of the film is commendable including the cinematograpy and editing for giving us a fresh take of a modern bioepic sports drama featuring the childhood and humble beginnings of our own pride Manny Pacquiao.

This impressive film makes for a tearful cry, which is rare in a sports dramas, and it also says a lot about a character that remains an example of complex storytelling in films. Without stressing the twists and turns of the plot, and the obvious inclination at spoiler alert, this film is easy to clarify. The supporting performances of Alex Medina, Jomari Angeles, Mike Macapagal, Kokoy De Santos and Khalil Ramos helps the film to be remarkable one. Kid Kulafu is heartfelt, creditable picture. A masterpiece, plain and simple. A total knockout of a movie right to the heart of Filipino.

My Verdict: 4/5

PHOTOS DURING THE SPECIAL SCREENING OF KID KULAFU

Jomari Angeles, Alvin Anson, Alex Medina, Alessandra De Rossi, Khalil Ramos, Kokoy De Santos and Igi Boy Flores at the special screening of Kid Kulafu at Power Plant Cinema

The cast of Kid Kulfafu with the director Paul Soriano at the special screening of Kid Kulafu at the special screening of Kid Kulafu at Power Plant Cinema

Dominic Roque, Bb. Joyce Bernal, Daniel Padilla Kathryn Bermardo support and grace the special screening of Kid Kulafu at Power Plant Cinema

Khalil Ramos, Buboy Villar, Direk Paul Soriano and Kokoy De Santos