Time for my annual Cinemalaya post. It's something I look forward every year. It's a tradition for me.
Liars by Gil Portes
The film tells the story of a journalist (Eloisa) whose expose’ of the truth results in life-changing consequences to a baseball team of poor boys. Inspired by a true story.
This film reminded me of what I learned in my Ethics class with Prof. Montana. The climax of the film comes to the heart of utilitarian ethics. The nation rejoicing over Smokey Mountain All-Stars team success. On the other hand, Eloisa, rationally believes that revealing the fraud schemes would be more honorable action. This can be understood if one grasps how much influence lying and manipulation have on our lives. The primary question asked in this movie is, does she make the right choice?
Debosyon by Alvin Yapan
Mando, a Bikolano devotee of Ina, Virgin of Peñafrancia, Patroness of Bikolandia, injures himself in the middle of the forest at the foot of the Mayon Volcano. He will be nursed back to health by a mysterious woman, Salome. They will eventually fall in love with each other. But when Mando invites her to come with him to the plains, Salome refuses, saying a curse prohibits her from leaving the forest. Salome holds a secret that will devastate Mando’s love for her. Meanwhile, Mando relies on his devotion to the Virgin of Peñafrancia to lift the curse, making him realize just how inextricably linked are the virtues of love and faith.
Oh, where to begin. Dry, drab, a little dull and difficult to describe film. Fails to exploit the suspense of the spooky elements. It needed to be more gripping and cinematic. It’s hard to see why Mando fall for Saling. May hidden meaning ba tong movie na to? After watching the film all I could say was "Wait, what the hell just happened?"
