Struggle & Mind

This is not a review of the Peque Gallaga's film Agaton & Mindy, rather it is my interpretation (or misinterpretation) of the title and its relationship to the film.

When I first saw the title of this film the name "Agaton" reminded me of the Greek word "Agon", which means contest or struggle. Agon is also the title of a ballet written by Stravinsky and choreographed by Balachine. It just so happens that the story for this film involves the relationship between two young dancers. Coincidence? Read the book.

As far as "Mindy" goes, a simple dropping of the Y gives us "Mind". I never claimed to be an intellectual.

Both of these characters seem to be struggling with their thoughts. Mindy suffers from depression and creates a rather tragic fantasy life. And whenever reality breaks through to she becomes almost suicidal.

Agaton is consumed with thoughts of his abandonment. And is obsessed with finding his parents, which leads to a confrontation with his birth mother in which she denies him. While such reality would crush Mindy it seems to strengthen Agaton.

In the end, with his struggle mostly behind him, he attempts to reach Mindy's mind.

This is a very basic interpretation and there is a lot more going on in this film than I can grasp at the moment. Still I have to say that I enjoyed it. In fact, I prefer Peque Gallaga's films that concern relationships. Films like Oro, Plata, Mata, Scorpio Nights, and Diliryo are all built around young lovers. None of those relationships ended well, but Agaton & Mindy's fate is left open. Maybe Peque is getting sentimental in his old age.