Bwakaw, Balintataw ng Lipunan: A Formalist, Historical and Sociocultural Examination of the Film Bwakaw
- deskvalor
- Mar 25
- 5 min read
By: Krizzia Mae Raymundo
Introduction
Bwakaw, directed by Jun Lana, is a critically acclaimed Filipino film released in 2012 (IMDb, n.d.). Through humor and drama, the movie emphasizes the complexity of society, making today’s conversations about inclusivity and mental health relevant. The title “Bwakaw” is a Tagalog slang for “greedy,” which can also imply arrogance or selfishness, reflecting Rene’s initial character (Tagalog, n.d.). Bwakaw addresses societal struggles faced by oppressed groups, particularly the elderly and the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines.
A combination of formalist, historical, and sociocultural approaches is used to analyze Bwakaw’s portrayal of Filipino societal norms and emotional isolation, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses in promoting empathy and understanding for marginalized individuals.
Body
The narrative centers on Rene, a grumpy elderly man who spends his days preparing for death, believing he has little to live for. As a gay man who only came out at 70, Rene believes it is too late for love or connections. His only companion is Bwakaw, a loyal stray dog that stays by his side. When Bwakaw suddenly falls ill, Rene’s structured life is disrupted, leading him to seek help from Sol, a tricycle driver who assists him in taking Bwakaw to the vet. Encouraged by Sol’s kindness, Rene eventually confesses his feelings for him, only to face rejection. Meanwhile, Bwakaw’s condition worsens, and despite Rene’s prayers to his miraculous statue of Santo Entierro, Bwakaw passes away. Though heartbroken, Rene gains a renewed sense of purpose. Rene embraces life again, unpacking his belongings and transformed his house into a loving home (Santiago, 2012).
The movie’s narrative highlights several themes: (1) aging and isolation, as Rene struggles with loneliness and pessimism; (2) LGBTQIA+ identity and acceptance, exploring stigma in conservative communities brought by the Philippines’ religious nature; (3) the value of companionship, showing how connection can break cycles of loneliness; (4) and coping with regrets and rediscovering purpose and self, reflected in Rene’s decision to embrace life despite his loss.
Critical Analysis
Bwakaw critiques how conservative societies force individuals to hide their identities, leading to prolonged emotional struggles (Drescher, 2004). The film addresses how such neglect exacerbates internal conflict for individuals like Rene, who lack support from their communities. The film challenges viewers to reflect as societal conventions and religious beliefs shape individual lives, offering a poignant commentary on the need for greater acceptance in traditional communities.
The Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country, has a complex history with LGBTQIA+ rights. Pre-colonial societies were more inclusive, recognizing gender-fluid leaders like the babaylan (Ang Babaylan Nga Nahimong Bayot, 2023). However, Spanish colonization introduced Catholicism, enforcing rigid gender norms and stigmatizing LGBTQIA+ individuals. The colonial legacy delayed societal acceptance of diverse identities, contributing to struggles like those depicted in Bwakaw. While the Philippines is relatively LGBTQIA+-friendly compared to other Asian nations, it continues to grapple with reconciling religious conservatism and LGBTQIA+ rights (De Guzman, 2023). The Philippines’ historical background provides essential context for understanding Bwakaw’s exploration of identity suppression and emotional isolation. The term bwakaw, meaning greedy or selfish, has been used as an insult in Filipino communities, often targeting individuals perceived as arrogant or self-serving. In the film, this term reflects Rene’s initial grumpy and self-centered demeanor. The label also mirrors societal pressures that force individuals like him to suppress their identities for fear of judgement and rejection.
Symbolism plays a central role in expressing Rene’s suppressed emotions. His dog, Bwakaw, embodies unconditional love and companionship, providing the stability Rene lacks in his relationship (Cole, 2019). The dog’s illness reveals Rene’s fear of abandonment, rooted in aging and years of concealing his true self. Additionally, the life-size statue of Santo Entierro emphasizes the tension between faith and identity deeply rooted in Filipino society’s religious conservatism (De Guzman, 2022). Rene’s reliance on faith reflects an internal conflict between self-expression and societal standards, as Catholicism often magnifies feelings of shame and rejection in LGBTQIA+ individuals (Rilveria, 2018). His purchased coffin signifies acceptance of solitude and preoccupation with death, while unpacking belongings represents self-acceptance and hope, showing that healing and embracing one’s identity are possible even later in life. Visually, the muted colors and slow pacing reflects Rene’s bleak emotional state and monotonous routine, immersing viewers in his isolation while emphasizing the loneliness faced by closeted LGBTQIA+ individuals.
While Bwakaw is a powerful commentary on societal norms, its slow pacing and the film’s heavy focus on Rene’s internal struggles limits broader discussions on systemic LGBTQIA+ issues in the Philippines. The narrative leaves limited exploration of collective advocacy or community-based solutions that could drive wider acceptance and inclusions.
Conclusion
Bwakaw stands as a thought-provoking exploration of aging, loneliness, and societal exclusion faced by marginalized individuals in Filipino society. The film reveals how cultural conservatism and religious dogmas contribute to these struggles while emphasizing the importance of acceptance and understanding. While its narrative effectively engages the audience, minor flaws such as slow pacing and lack of deeper exploration into Rene’s backstory limit its potential impact. Despite this, Bwakaw sheds light on the ongoing discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and the neglect of elderly in communities. It challenges societal constructs by advocating for inclusivity and empathy. By addressing these pressing issues, the film encourages viewers to reflect on their role in fostering a more empathic and supportive society, making this film a significant contribution to the Philippine cinema.
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