a movie review by: Marc Andrew M. Maranan

November 14, 2009

 

ORO, PLATA, MATA- a movie review by Marc Andrew M. Maranan BBrC 3-1D(irreg) 

Executive Producer:

Charo Santos-Concio

 

Cast of Characters:

            Manny Ojeda as Don Claudio Ojeda

            Liza Lorena as Nena Ojeda

            Sandy Andolong as Maggie Ojeda

            Cherie Gil as Trining Ojeda

            Fides Cuyugan-Asensio as Inday Lorenzo

            Joel Torre as Miguel Lorenzo

            Mitch Valdez as Jo Russell (as Maya Valdez)

            Lorli Villanueva as Viring Ravillo

            Ronnie Lazaro as Hermes Mercurio

            Abbo De La Cruz as Melchor

            Mely Mallari as Estrella

            Mary Walter as Yaya Tating    

            Agustin Gatia as Lucio

            Robert Antonio as Carlos Placido

            Benjamin Delina as Primo (as Ben Deliña)

 

Director:

            Peque Gallaga

Writers:

Jose Javier Reyes (screenplay)
Peque Gallaga,  Mario Taguiwalo, and Conchita Castillo (story)

 

Synopsis:

            Oro Plata Mata traces the changing fortunes of two aristocratic families in Negros during World War II. The Ojeda family is celebrating Maggie Ojedas (Andolong) debut. In the garden, Trining (Gil) receives her first kiss from Miguel Lorenzo (Torre), her childhood sweetheart. Don Claudio Ojeda (Ojeda) and his fellow landowners talk about war. The youngest guests mock Miguels refusal to join the army and brand him mamas boy. The celebration is cut short by news of the fall of the Corregidor. As war nears the city, the Ojedas accept the invitation extended by the Lorenzos, their old family friends, to stay with them in their provincial hacienda. Nena Ojeda (Lorena) and Inday Lorenzo (Asensio) try to deny the realities of war by preserving their pre-war lifestyle. Pining for her fiancé, Maggie goes through bouts of melancholy. Miguel and Trining turn from naughty children into impetuous adults.

 
Two more family friends a doctor, Jo Russell (Valdez), guerillas and Viring (Villanueva) join them. As the enemy advance, the families move to the Lorenzos forest lodge. A group of weary guerillas arrive and Jo tends to their injuries. The guerillas leave Hermes Mercurio (Lazaro) behind. Miguel endures more comments of the same kind when he fails to take action against a Japanese soldier who came upon the girls bathing in the river. It is Mercurio who kills the Japanese. Maggie comforts Miguel, who decides to learn how to shoot from Mercurio. Meanwhile, Virings jewelry is stolen by Melchor (de la Cruz), the trusted foreman. He justifies his action as a reward for his services. He tries his to break the other servants loyalty, but they force Melchor to leave. Later, Melchor and his band of thieves return. They raid the food supplies, rape Inday and chop off Virays fingers when she does not take off her ring. Trining goes with the bandits, despite all the crimes they have committed against her family. These experiences committed Maggie and Miguel closer together. Miguel urges the survivors to resume their mahjong games to help them cope. Miguel is determined to hunts the bandits down and bring Trining back. He catches them, but his courage is replaced with bloodlust, driving him to a killing spree. An epilogue follows the violent climax. The Americans have liberated the Philippines from Japan. A party is held in the Ojeda home to announce Maggie and Miguels betrothal. The survivors attempt to reclaim their previous lifestyle, but the war has changed the world, just as it has forever marked each of them.

Recommended areas for study:

Government:

Our country was under the government of  America as how it was shown in the movie. And as the Japanese reached our shores they immediately  took over. Ths just shows that the our country’s sake lies in the hands of other countries during that time and our country was very weak it can’t even have it’s own government system.

Millitary:

The movie showed how weak our armed forces during the 2^nd world war. It was shown through scenes that shows our soldiers going home wounded and exhausted.

 

Poverty:

The ojedas and lorenzos experienced great poverty when they moved in the deep part of the forest. All of their wealth was left behind together with all of the luxuries they have  before the japanese reached their place.  When they moved in to the forest they relied with the supplies they saved. It was melchor who showed the bad effect of poverty. It is when he stole vinings jewelries that made realize the bad effects of poverty to him.

Survival:

Survival was the main theme of this movie. Almost all of the characters showed their desire for survival. Their struggle for survival started when the Japanese made their occupation in our country. Among the characters it was Trining Ojeda(Cherrie Gil) who showed great desperation for survival. She was so desperate to the point that she used her body in seducing men whom she thinks could save her.

Battle of the sexes:

In the movie it is the men who are the dominant sex. But even if men were the strongest and dominant  the woman could still be their weakness as what was shown in the  movie. Trining, I guess, is the best manipulator among the characters of this movie.

Audience Stability: R-18

Cinematic focus:

Its an experimantal and plot driven film. It was experimental because the movie presented three different periods which are the ORO, PLATA and MATA. Although  the setting of the movie is during the 2^nd World War the movie didn’t focused on the war but instead it focused on how will the characters survive the effects of the war. The plot of the movie was about survival of the characters and it was shown by the characters.

Points for Observation:

The movie was really good showing how flexible filipinos are. It was shown in the movie that Filipinos can adapt to change even if the situation is really crucial. It’s a good thing that this film was able to show that Filipinos could still act based with  their values no matter what the situations is.

Should not’s

They should have done the grose scenes much lighter than how it was done. The scene wherein Hermes killed a wounded Japanese soldier was very unhuman. With these kind of scenes the audience could loose their interest in watching the film.

Should Be’s

The movie should have been shortened. It somehow bores the audience when a movie is too long.

 

Well presented

Scenes which show the characters struggle for survival were the best scenes of the movie. The desperation for survival of each of the characters was really felt and present.

Rating:

4 starrs

 

Jan Dara- A movie review by: Marc Andrew M. Maranan BBrC 3-1D (irreg)

Movie Production Output:

Cinemasia; Peter Chan Ho-Sun

Cast of Characters:

Suwinit Panjamawat as teenage Jan Dara

Santisuk Promsiri as Khun Luang, Jan Dara’s father

Christy Chung as Boonlueang

Eakarat Sarsukh as adult Jan Dara

Wipawee Charoenpura as Aunt Waad

Patharawarin Timkul as Kaew

 

Director: Nonzee Nimibutr

Writer: Nonzee Nimibutr (screenplay)

Sirapak Paoboonkerd (screenplay)

Utsana Phleungtham (original story)

 

Synopsis:

Widely considered Thailand’s leading director of the late ’90s, Nonzee Nimibutr spins this erotic drama based on one of that country’s most popular and controversial literary works. Jan Dara was cursed from the beginning when his mother, Dara, died during childbirth. His autocratic, libidinous father, Khun Luang, cursed and abused the child, calling him a bastard. Meanwhile, Khun Luang dealt with his sudden widower status by engaging in perverse, licentious behavior, often right in front of a portrait of his late wife. When his mother’s friend, Waad, comes to Khun Luang’s estate to look after the child, the patriarch wastes no time in seducing her. Soon Waad bores Kaew, who Khun Luang teaches to hate Jan Dara. Later, the old man marries his former lover, the nymphomaniac Boonlueang, who teaches the teenage Jan Dara his first lessons in the ways of love. Eventually, our abused hero is thrown out of his father’s estate when Kaew frames him for raping her. Years pass and the formerly powerful Khun Luang, ravaged by age and disease, is a shell of the man he was before. Jan Dara is asked to return to his ancestral estate to marry Kaew, who is now pregnant, and only does so when he is promised the deed to the house. Once ensconced, Jan Dara begins taking the same libertine pleasures as his father, unwittingly becoming the very person he loathes.

Recommended Subject Areas for study:

Family:

Though jan dara grew up without a mother and hated by his father he still found and felt the love of a parent through his aunt Waad. I have seen how aunt Waad learned to love Jan Dara and treated him as if he was her own child. I also saw how she cared for Jan Dara when she proctected him from Khun Luang.

Wealth:

Khun Luang showed how wealthy he is when he gave a house to Khun B. though and by having many woman though he doesn’t have a job anymore.

Power:

Khun Luang is the most powerful character in the movie.  Everyone feared him to the point that no one even dares to oppose his decisions. No one could stop him especially from bringing different girls in their house.

Love :

I’ve seen different side of love in this movie. I saw the love of a mother to a child. Though Jan Dara was not Waad’s real son she still treated him as her’s. the love of a husband to his wife was shown by Khun Luang. He had so much love for his wife that even though his wife is already dead he still want to be with her. He can’t accept the death of his wife that’s why to remember her he have sex with woman infront of his wife’s portrait and assumes that is was his wife he’s having sex with. Sex have been his way to move on with the death of his wife.  Jan dara showed the love of a guy to lady. He showed that admiration could turn into love. His moments with Hyacinth were very romantic, especially their first meeting. The music, the camera shot emphasized the feeling in that scene.

Lust:

Lust was present all through out the movie. Every sex scene and every scene showing Jan Dara is being tempted lust was greatly emphasized.

Cinematic Focus:

The movie is a character driven movie. If focuses on how Jan Dara grew up and how his environment along with it’s elements affects his development. The movie focused on the struggles that Jan Dara had gone through as he tries to live a normal life and be accepted by his family.

Points for observation:

Luscious and a little bit malicious. By having may sex scenes I think the movie went very far away from being luscious and had almost become a bold film.

Should Not’s

The sex scenes that involves child should be deleted or replaced. Though these scenes were important I really think that these were very immoral and very inappropriate.

Should Be’s

They should have lessen the sex scenes. Some of these scenes were unnecessary.

Well presented:

Each scenes were well presented. on each scene emotions were highly emphasized. Every aspect and element gives and emphasis to the feeling they want the audience to feel.

Rating:

4 stars

 HIMALA- A movie review By: Marc Andrew M. Maranan BBrC 3-1D(irreg)

 

Movie production output (Producer): Charo Santos Concio

 

Cast of characters:

 

Nora Aunor as Elsa

Spanky Manikan as Orly

Gigi Dueñas as Nimia

Laura Centeno as Chayong

Ama Quiambao as Sepa

Veronica Palileo as Mrs. Alba

Vangie Labalan as Aling Saling

Aura Mijares as Mrs. Gonzales

Ben Almeda as Baldo

Cris Daluz as Igme

Joel Lamangan as Priest

Ray Ventura as Bino

Pen Medina as Pilo (as Crispin Medina)

Joe Gruta as Mayor

Tony Angeles as Chief of Police

 

Director: Ishmael Bernal

Writer: Ricardo “Ricky” Lee

 

Synopsis:

 

In the forgotten town of Cupang in the Philippines, a young woman named Elsa (Nora Aunor) announces that she has seen the Virgin Mary — and then demonstrates a new-found ability to heal the sick. Soon the whole village has become the center of international attention as people come from all over for statues of the saints and bottles of the village’s holy water. Among the hordes of visitors is a skeptical film director intent on visually recording Elsa’s healing powers — and without his knowing it, some frames capture a secret Elsa has kept from the world for a long time, a secret which led to her sister’s suicide.

 

Audience Stability:  PG13 (Children should be accompanied by adults.)

 

There is a huge difference between this movie ( HIMALA)  and the movies I’ve watched before. This film depicts  the grim consequences when people use faith to advance themselves.

 

While I’m watching the movie, I am handling an original copy of the screen play then, I observed that there were many words and lines added and changed. I don’t know if it is because of the artist or if it is because of the director.

 

After watching this movie, the writer of the Himala, Mr. Ricardo Lee talk something about the film. He said that there were  many lines/scenes that were deleted. Like for example, the  “putang ina” word that were  deleted by the MTRCB.  According to MTRCB, “putang ina” can be shown in the movie only if the scene requires too but if not, it rather not showed.  Deletion and addition of scenes were only made for morale purposes.

 

DELETED SCENES:

 

In scene 29, as Mrs. Alba and Mayor were talking about their plans for Cupang, there must be a jeepney roaming around but it was not shown in the movie.

In Scene 31 there were deleted lines.

 

Nimia: Kelangan ganda-gandahan nyo nman an gang mga suot nyo. Para kayong mga taga-baryo.

Nestoy: Putang ina!        

Intong: Kuya, bat ka nagmura? Sabi ng inay, magagalit ang Diyos!

Aling Pising begging alms to Orly. But Orly ignored her and Aling Piling said, Pupunta ka sa impiyerno, kuripot?

 

Line of the Driver (Kina Elsa na lng libre pa. Halika makiusap tayo do’n sa Intsik) as he was helping Narding who pretended that he was being hold-up.

 

Opinion:

 

I think these lines were deleted because these were unnecessary. 

 

 

ADDED SCENES:

 

Aling Pising carried her slippers and Elsa’s slippers while running after the ambulance after Elsa’s death.

In scene 23, Nimia was supposed to be holding a blanket but in the movie it was Igmeng Bugaw who was holding it.

 

Opinion:

 

They added this scene to show how they love Elsa.

 

Rating:

 

5 stars

 

FAME- A Movie review by: Marc Andrew M. Maranan BBrC 3-1D (irreg)

Director:  Kevin Tancharoen

Writers (WGA): Allison Burnett (screenplay)
Christopher Gore (1980 motion picture “Fame”)

 

Cast:

Kay Panabaker	…	Jenny Garrison
Naturi Naughton	…	Denise Dupree
Kherington Payne	…	Alice Ellerton
Megan Mullally	…	Ms. Fran Rowan
Bebe Neuwirth	…	Ms. Kraft
Debbie Allen	…	Ms. Angela Simms
Asher Book	…	Marco
Cody Longo	…	Andy Matthews
Walter Perez	…	Victor Taveras
Charles S. Dutton	…	Mr. James Dowd
Kelsey Grammer	…	Mr. Martin Cranston
Collins Pennie	…	Malik Washburn
Anna Maria Perez de Tagle	…	Joy
Paul McGill	…	Kevin Barrett
Paul Iacono	…	Neil Baczynsky

 

Synopsis:

 

This movie is based upon the 1980 film which follows NYC talent attending the New York City High School for the Performing Arts, (Known today as Fiorello H. Laguardia H.S.) students get specialized training that often leads to success as actors, singers, etc. In 1936, New York City Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia founded the High School of Music & Art in order to provide a facility where the most gifted and talented public school students of New York City could pursue their talents in art or music, while also completing a full academic program of instruction. In 1948, the School of Performing Arts was created to provide training in performance skills to students who wished to prepare for professional careers in dance, music or drama.

 

Recommended Subject areas fo study:

Family:

I saw in this film that family could sometimes be one of the hindrances from achieving our dreams.  Sometimes what we want is not what our parents want us to have.  Like for Malik, his mother has plans for his future and being a performer is not one them.

Youth:

The movie shows the stories of teenagers who are longing to be famous.  teenagers energy was shown in this movie and also the interpretaion of arts of our youths today was shown in the movie.

Dreams and aspirations:

The main theme of the movie was about achieving dreams and aspirations. Each character displayed their  desire to excel in their chosen form of art. Each character showed eagerness in achieving their dreams. Some even got desperate. Like jenny. Because of her desperation she ended up falling into the tricks of Andy Matthews. Joy also showed desperation on being famous when she worked and eventually neglected her studies.

Education:

The movie expressed how important and how essential  for a student to be guided by his/her teacher especially regarding their studies. In the movie, it was their teacher who have given them the motivation they to do good in their craft.

Arts:

The movie showed how the youth today expresses their perception of arts. It was seen through their usage of  different forms of arts.

Culture:

The movie showed that arts is always a part of any culture that even  time have passed art is still there. It also shows how the culture of the youth of this generation perceived and expresses arts.

Cinematice focus:

The movie is a story and character driven movie. The movie presented how each character achieves their dreams and aspirations.  Each character have their own story of success, sacrifices and tests.

Points for observatio:

Youthful that’s how I see this movie. with all of the songs played and the energy shown by the characters, there’s no doubt that this movie is indeed a movie that all youth should watch. 

Should nots:

They should have lessened the kissing scenes of the teenagers. I think that it would be better if they’ll keep this movie as wholesome and as conservative as they could so that lower age group could watch this movie.

Should Be’s:

They should replace the ending. Its better if they gave a different ending for each character.

Well presented:

The scene at the canteen was my favorite part of the movie. I love how a single drum beat became a very good music.  There were dancers and different music instrument players in that scene which was very entertaining because it adds variation to that scene.

Kadin- A movie review by: Marc Andrew M. Maranan BBrC 3-1D (irreg)

Title: Kadin (the goat)

A Cinemalaya Independent Film (2007) winner

 KADIN- A movie review by Marc Andrew M. Maranan BBrC 3-1D(irreg)

Producer: Adolfo Borinaga Alix Jr.

                Bicycle Productions with Ignite Media

Cast of characters:

Rico Mark Cardona as…………………. Peping (The young boy)

 Monica Joy Camanillas………………….Lita (The little sister)

Simon Ibarra…………………………….. Councilor

Angel Aquino…………………………….Councilor’s Wife

Director: Adolfo Borinaga Alix Jr.

Writer: Adolfo Borinaga Alix Jr.

Synopsis:

A goat named Gami was stolen from the Ivatan family of the young boy named Peping (Rico Mark Cardona). It was a goat that has been a part of the family – a care and a duty because it reminds them of their deceased mother. Gami was named and cared by the mother of the young boy because it easily get cold, until one day the both the goat and the mother got sick and eventually leads to the mother’s death. The movie was about the pursuit of this young boy to find and bring Gami (the goat) home before night falls. It has never been a good journey in finding Gami – hardships and failures came along, but like the resilient island of Batanes, the pursuit paid off.

Recommended subject areas for study:

Family:

It was Peping who have shown his love for his family. He looked for Gami because their family has treated this goat as one of its members. The movie shows how the Filipino culture values the preservation of love among the members of the family.

Values:

There was a great emphasis on the Filipino values in the movie.

Audience Stability: PG-13

Cinematic Focus:

It is more of a Technical and Experimental Driven story. The movie showcased the beauty of Batanes, not only the place itself but including the wonderful tradition and culture that some of us fail to even recognize. The beauty of batanes enhances the beauty of the whole movie. There was not enough emphasis on the story of the characters.

Points for Observation:

The movie was a little bit boring, there were scenes which I think are unnecessary and can be already deleted or shortened. I also wish that the tradition that was continually shown in the movie was somehow explained. The experimental way of making this movie is very subjective and can’t easily be understood. The shots are great though I really commend them for making the province of Batanes as their location. And also I like the way the story end because somehow in a way their great and long journey was worth it.

Ratings:  3 stars

Masahist- A movie Review by: Marc Andrew M. Maranan BBrC 3-1D (irreg)

 

Title of the Movie:

Masahista

 

Executive Producer:

Fedelyn T. Geling

Ma. Lourdes Geling

Marissa Cua

Dante Venus Mungcal

 

Cast of Characters:

Coco Martin as Iliac

Jacklyn Jose as Naty

Allan Paule as Alfredo / Marina Hidalgo

Katherine Luna as Tessa

Paolo Rivero as Andrew

Kristoffer King as Lester

 

Director:

            Brillante Mendoza

 

Writers:

Boots Agbayani Pastor (screenplay)

Boots Agbayani Pastor (story)

 

Synopsis:

Iliac (Coco Martin) is a young guy who has moved from the country side to Manila, and is now working in a gay massage house in Manila in order to earn a living. His job as a masseur includes catering to the whims of his clients, which often include sexual favours. The movie introduces us to the seedy world of gay massage parlors, where we see the masseurs servicing their clients in adjacent cubicles.

In the movie, Iliac meets Alfredo (Allan Paule), a romance novelist who is his first customer of that evening. Over the massage, they each share a little of their stories and we soon find out that Iliac must return home to prepare for his father’s funeral, who has died after a long illness.

The masseur examines the roles that Iliac has to fulfill – as a masseur who needs to fulfill his professional obligations to his clients; and as a son who needs to fulfill his family responsibilities. As the movie progresses, we find our love lorn protagonist trying to win the affection of Alfredo.

Recommended subject areas for study:

            *Society – The situation in our society was reflected in the movie. Stereotypically, men are usually the breadwinner, and they really struggle to earn a living.

*Lesbianism/Homosexuality – The movie shows the man man to man sex scenes. And this also happens in reality.

*Family and Culture – In our culture, the men are usually the breadwinner. In order for them to earn a living, some of them are engaged in doing different jobs. Some of them would sell their own body just to earn money and to support their family.

*Poverty – This is the main cause why people are engaged in doing jobs such as offering massage and sexual services.  The scene where iliac gave had sex with a gay shows how desperate he is to earn money.

 

Audience Stability:

            R18

 

Cinematic Focus:

            The movie is character driven and an experimental driven movie. There’s this scene where he moves from the protagonist life as a masseur, doing his thing in the massage parlor then intertwining to his life as a dutiful son consoling his mother and helping in preparing his father for burial then intertwining it again to the massage scene. The movie showed us on how he faces all the challenges in life and he kept his secret from his family.

 

Points for Observation:

            Should Not’s – Some of the scenes showing masseurs are not really needed. especially the scene wherein an old man was being foreplayed by a masseur.

            Sould Be’s – Lessen the sexual acts in the film.

            Well Presented – Pictured the family life and the consequences of distance between father and son.

 Rating:

4 stars