It really hits viewers in the gut, not only because the delicious food on display are mouth watering. The scenes from the food preparation, as well as the stories behind them makes the audience yearn for the days that they can travel back to Ilocos to experience the dishes for themselves. The documentary gives faces to the people behind the extraordinary food that provides comfort and joy like no other. In the same vein, it is heartbreaking to learn of their challenges during this pandemic, which is ill deserved for these people whose joy is cooking.
Cinemalaya 2021
Its intended to be funny, true. But I was unsure what message filmmaker Kevin Mayuga wanted to get across. Humor can be kind of dangerous when it is taken out of context. Was the film promoting drugs as a means to escape the toils of life? Even though seeing their maid passed out from her high made the kids realize how they put her through the ringer, leading to their remorse and reform, was the proper ending to bond over a weed session?
Cinematography-wise, pacing-wise and storytelling wise, it was a lot of fun, especially with the filmmaker’s choice of background music that gave the film a eclectic retro feel. It was a well crafted film although it was also tinted with the director’s views. Again, its not going to be a film for everybody. So if you are sensitive about the issue of religion or faith, you might want to brace yourself before sitting down to watch Kids on Fire.
The film was simple but its main strength was its sincerity. It talked about something we can all relate to during this difficult time. At the end of the movie, we all want to reach out to give Lola and Eli a great big hug.
All in all, Ang Pagdadalaga ni Lola Mayumi was an effective tongue in cheek take on sex, virginity and everything in between. Bottom line, see a therapist when you need to so you don’t spend close to P10,000 for services not rendered. LOL.
Kudos to the cast for bringing their A game to each role, big or small. Even the extras looked creepy and untrustworthy. Overall, a thumbs up for Out of Body. Hopefully, this serves as a lesson for everyone to listen to their instincts against dangerous situations. It was harrowing to watch Kelley helpless and alone, all while feeling trapped in the same situation the entire 15 minutes that the film was rolling too.
additional scenes could have helped with telling a fuller, more complete tale. Still a good effort from director James Fajardo.
All in all, I loved that Crossing, like its title, straddled the gray area that connected good and evil, black and white. In its quiet approach, it compelled the viewers’ mind to run rampant with possibilities. This is something quite astounding to accomplish in such a short period.
It’s a good takeaway, that despite our sense of isolation, we can reach out to others and ease our burdens as we deal with this challenge together. Despite its heavy content, Maski Papano was fun. It was simple yet it held a power borne from creativity. I loved it. Congrats directors Che Tagyamon And Glen
