Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Fuchsia Libre is about the tense relationship between a homophobic father and his gay son.
Oscar (Paolo Contis) is very close to his widowed father, Danilo (John Arcilla), who is a police officer. Oscar’s mother passed away when he was young and Danilo often re-watches the last video he has of her, which is from Oscar’s seventh birthday. When Danilo takes Oscar (a.k.a. Keon) to a martial arts class, it doesn’t go well. Because of that, Danilo buys a punching bag and teaches him how to box. Soon Oscar becomes good at it and his fighting skills bring him trophies and tighten the bond between father and son. Despite this, Oscar feels like he has to hide that he’s gay to retain his father’s approval.
Oscar, now an adult, is dating a man who wants him to come out to his father. While in front of his house, Oscar and his boyfriend kiss and are spotted by Danilo, who becomes furious and attacks Oscar. Danilo is spotted by his boss and let go from his job.
Oscar moves out of the house and opens a gym, where he employs a small group of close friends. One day Oscar is told that the building he rents for the gym is being sold and he’ll have to close up shop. The only way Oscar can save his business is to either relocate or buy the building for 5 million pesos. When Oscar’s best friend, Dadday Yo (Gian Magdangal), gets a mysterious tip about extreme fights that can net the winner enough money to buy the gym, Oscar decides to give it a shot. Although the fights are illegal and dangerous, Oscar is willing to give it a try.
Oscar and Daddy Yo go to the fight venue and watch as the extravagant syndicate leader, Patron (Khalil Ramos), struts around in the ring, addressing the crowd and introducing the fighters. When Patrol goes back to the sidelines, where he has a special seat, Oscar notices his father by his side. Not wanting to be spotted, Oscar and Daddy Yo leave.
Still eager to fight and win some cash, Oscar sews a mask and returns to the venue as Fuchsia Libre. Although he loses his first fight, he gains the adoration of the crowd and the respect of his father. But will he have to fight to the death to maintain his father’s approval?
Some Thoughts:
Fuchsia Libre is a highly entertaining movie. The story is over the top, with outlandish characters and some funny moments. The acting is decent, as is the pacing, and camerawork.
Despite some of the ridiculous elements, the story never feels forced or fake. This is mostly because the actors do a good job of bringing their characters to life. The story is also silly enough to accept the idea that Oscar would risk his life to raise enough money to save the gym.
It also helps that the film establishes Oscar and Danilo’s relationship early on. Their love for each other is obvious, as is the fact that Oscar is gay, and that Danilo is the only person who doesn’t realize it.
Both Contis and Arcilla do well with their characters. It would be easy to wright Danilo off as the bad guy, but the bond he has with his son rings true and makes you root for him to accept Oscar for who he is. Contis plays Oscar with a subdued sweetness that allows him to camp it up when necessary. Contis and Arcilla also play off each other very well, making their interactions heartfelt and sincere.
As Patron, Ramos gives a wild performance as the outrageous, fast-talking entertainer who knows how to motivate an audience. He also has all the moves, strutting around the ring as he talks about the upcoming fight, then dancing with glee on the sidelines. And as if that’s not entertaining enough, the edge that Ramos gives the character when he’s out of the spotlight or behind the scenes is ridiculously creepy.
The Final Verdict:
Everything about Fuchsia Libre works, from the family drama to the fight scenes. It’s incredibly entertaining and well worth your time.
