Movie spotlight
Niño
The once illustrious Lopez-Aranda family has faded. Celia, once the darling of Philippine opera, and Gaspar, a distinguished ex-congressman, lacked the shrewdness to maintain their once elegant status. Saddled with a failed marriage, a vanishing career and mounting debt, Celia sold her share of their house to Gaspar, now bedridden. She managed to stay for free in exchange for being Gaspar’s caregiver. Gaspar loves listening to Celia’s arias. This idyllic arrangement is shattered when he slips into a coma. His daughter, Raquel, comes home from the US, determined to sell the house to salvage her own economic woes abroad. This signals Celia’s impending homelessness. With only a few heirlooms to sell, she is at her wits’ end. A fervent believer of the Sto. Nino, she hopes for a miracle. She dresses up her grandson, Antony, in Sto. Nino robes to prepare him for the coming fiesta.
Insights
Plot Summary
A hitman's life takes an unexpected turn when he is tasked with a job that forces him to confront his past. As he navigates the dangerous underworld, he must also deal with the emotional consequences of his actions. The film explores themes of redemption and the cyclical nature of violence.
Critical Reception
Niño received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmospheric direction and strong performances, particularly from lead actor Paddy Considine. Some critics found the plot to be somewhat predictable, but generally appreciated its gritty realism and emotional depth.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its tense atmosphere and compelling lead performance.
Some found the narrative predictable, but the film's emotional impact was noted.
The crime drama elements were well-executed, offering a gritty look at the underworld.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but those available suggest a generally positive reception for the film's dark tone and character-driven story.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in Spain, adding to its authentic and gritty atmosphere.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources