Journey of Eros

My plans last Saturday, July 28, were predictable - get up early to catch the first film in Cinemalaya, invite friends to come over and watch the last day of the festival, spend the rest of the day in CCP and try to watch all the films in competition. Unfortunately, I missed two in the full-length category: Tribu and Endo. I’d have to catch Tribu’s rerun at the UP Film Center. I just wish it doesn’t conflict with my work sched.

A friend of mine was able to watch it  - she says it’s very dark and the director’s speech before the screening seemed to question the CCP ushers’ discrimatory behavior toward them. She adds she was bothered by the sporadic giggles and cheers from the audience. Later, she realized it was the group of actors of the film. Interesting.

It’s also interesting to watch this year’s ads - new breed of directors, cinematographers and writers in children’s form. Artistic.

Artistic. Word that will best describe "Still Life." I overheard someone from the audience that it’s like the Korean version of the overrated movie "The Lakehouse." The protagonist’s perspective being rendered in a painting form is very refreshing, a unique idea that’s never been used in other films. Ron Capinding deserves a citation in the best-performance-by-an-actor award. Memorable line: "Walang masayang art."

The lead actor in "Ligaw Liham" could have won the best actor award if not for the gross moment where he’s seen crying, sticky fluid cascading from his nose. I liked and dreaded the possibility of letters being held hostage by a corrupt public official. A friend of mine thinks the film is a miscast - Karylle is too pop, she ruined the film (this is not my idea). Seeing Peque Gallaga’s name in most of the credits made me think he’s the director. Memorable line: "Nakakaadik."  

"Gulong" ‘cycles’ in a common idea: the nobility of children. It’s like watching "Magnifico", minus the tears. A feel-good movie which you’ll easily forget afterwards. Memorable line: I couldn’t think of any. Memorable scene: when the child catches rats.

Pisay - an intelligent film. Audience choice. I’m sure after a month or two, this will be run-away hit in theaters. And my friend is a hundred percent sure, there’ll be no Aureus in the next Cinemalaya. Memorable line: "Baskayon na naman."

Most think that Tukso is a modern-day version of Rashomon. I quite agree. Different versions of truth from several characters is a reminiscent rendition of the Japanese tale. I’d like to know the reaction of feminists in this film. As someone from the audience aptly puts it, "Everyone’s life became better after the girl’s death. Where’s the justice?" By the way, Mr. Marasigan was my professor in Production Design in UP Manila.

Among the movie posters, "Sinungaling na Buwan" is my favorite. Reminds me of foreign language films I browse in Carriedo. Poster pa lang malupit na. It would have been my most favorite too if not for the weak confrontation scene toward the ending. It’s too sudden and the viewer is lost as to what is happening. Kalila Aguilus, due to her superb acting, was my bet for the best actress award. If fans of JR Valentin expects some flesh here, they’d not be at all disappointed. 

I’m not sure if I was the only soul in the Nicanor Abelardo theater who felt bored with the looooong opening scene in "Kadin", you’d wonder if it will ever end. Good thing it’s consistent for the most part - the trouble is it wastes time. Again, my friend reckons it shows how life goes in Batanes: slow.

If a friend reads this, she’d think it’s her blog. By the way, you can read her own review here

The next Cinemalaya is definitely something to be looked forward to.