The Game of Life

Have you ever watched a film that compares child games to the cruelty of life? Well, if not,
you should watch Taya. It is a cinemalaya short film that talks about a 12-year-old boy named Junjun
who is a new resident of their place who later on found friends that taught him Filipino games. It is a
drama genre film directed by Adi Bontuyan with his assistant director Francis Beltejar. This short film
was released at Cultural Center of the Philippines from July 26-August 4,2013.

The main character of Taya, Junjun, was a young boy who just moved to their new home.
Sooner he learned how to play various games, like “BangSak, Bente Uno, Mataya-taya, Target, Luksong
Baka, and many more Filipino traditional games. While they are playing, the demolition team suddenly
interrupts them, then a series of flashback happens. It shows how the games played by children have
many similarities in real life situation.

The film is really great, It amazed me and at the same time gave me chills every time the
scenes suddenly changes from child games to real life events. The sound of the film is good, and the
actors voices are clear. Taya reminds me of my childhood, where all I think was to only play with my
friends. It makes me reminisce the happiest and stress free times of my life. I actually admire the
children who are the actors of the short film. Their acting skills were exceptionally great, and they act
naturally which made the film even more realistic.

The film shots really convey all the director’s wishes on what to show to his viewers. It gave
his viewers the idea what theme or mood the film is conveying. The background music is also
appropriate, like the scene were the children are playing the game Bente Uno. The game was really
thrilling, so they used up beat music. The film mirrored the harsh reality of life to the games the children
are playing. The children living in the slum of Quezon City represents the poor and powerless people
who keep fighting for their rights against the powerful one. As a viewer, I was actually saddened that
there are actually people experiencing such an unfortunate life. They are struggling to survive, yet they
are contented, happy, and striving hard to live in a world that is full of brutality.

At first, I was like, “why are the scenes suddenly changing from one scene to another? I’m
confused", but then, as I was analyzing the film thoroughly, I eventually got what the film was relaying.
Overall I highly recommend the short film. It made me think of different things that are happening in the
world. How innocent minds are affected by the cruelty of life and how they managed to keep going and
live life happily even though their homes are demolished. Taya touched and inspired me to do good
things to everyone, not because they are powerful or unfortunate but because we are all humans
created by God, breathing the same air and living the same world.
She show of her beauty at night,

Amazingly stunning with stars twinkling bright,

She's alone yet can embrace us with light,

A moon that can win a darkest fight.