Cuevas, Angelica Nehmyah F.

May 31, 2024

GED109/A5

Insight Paper

"The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros" is a film that really opened my eyes. It tells the story of
Maxi, a young boy who acts more feminine than most boys and lives in a poor neighborhood
where crime is a part of everyday life. The main issue in the film is Maxi's struggle with his
gender identity in a society that expects people to act a certain way based on whether they're a
boy or a girl. Maxi's family loves and accepts him for who he is, but the world outside his home
is less understanding, showing how tough it can be for LGBTQ+ people.

What I found powerful about the film is how it talks about gender and society. It shows that
gender isn't just about being male or female but can be more complicated. One specific moment
that stood out to me is when Maxi dresses up in his sister's clothes and does household chores
with joy. This scene highlights his natural femininity and how his family embraces him.
However, the film also shows the pressure society puts on people to fit into specific roles, like
when Maxi faces harassment from neighborhood boys who bully him for being different. Maxi's
experience shows the struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals in a world that often looks down on
those who don't fit traditional gender expectations. His family's acceptance stands out against the
broader rejection from society, showing how hard it is to be different in a world that doesn't
always understand.

The film is a coming-of-age story because it focuses on Maxi growing up and learning more
about himself and the world around him. As he develops a crush on a kind police officer named
Victor and deals with his family's criminal activities, Maxi learns about love, loyalty, and the
harsh realities of life. A memorable scene is when Victor rescues Maxi from being beaten by the
neighborhood bullies. This moment sparks Maxi's admiration and crush on Victor, marking the
beginning of his emotional and psychological growth. This journey from being an innocent child
to gaining a deeper understanding of life is what makes it a true coming-of-age film

The way the film portrays homosexuality through Maxi's experiences is well done. However, I
think it could have been even better if it included more LGBTQ+ characters to show different
experiences. It would have been nice to see positive stories of LGBTQ+ people who overcome
challenges, giving viewers a sense of hope. The film could have also addressed the broader
acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals and their fight for rights to make its message even stronger.
For instance, a scene where Maxi meets other LGBTQ+ individuals at a local support group or
community event could have provided a broader perspective on the struggles and triumphs of
LGBTQ+ people.

At the end of the story, I liked how Maxi grows stronger and becomes more aware of the world
around him. He learns a lot about himself and his family, showing his resilience and strength.
One scene that illustrates this is when Maxi decides to confront his family's involvement in crime
after Victor starts investigating them. This moment of confrontation shows Maxi's internal
conflict and his desire to choose a different path, highlighting his growth. However, it was sad to
see him face so much hardship and that his life remains very difficult. While his growth is
realistic, I wish there had been more positive changes in his life.

My takeaway from "The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros" is that we should accept and support
people no matter their gender. The film challenges us to think about the strict gender roles and
stereotypes that society imposes and how they can harm people who don't fit into them. We
should work to create a society where everyone can be themselves without fear of judgment or
discrimination. This means being more open-minded and advocating for the rights and dignity of
all people, especially those who are different from the norm.