Cinemalaya 2019 reviews: Part 1

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Reviews of “John Denver Trending,” “Iska,” “Belle Douleur,” “Malamaya,” and “F*bois”

“John Denver Trending” brings us down from the cloud and exposes us to the fallout of our collective online behavior — actions we may have all been guilty of at some point in our lives. Screenshot from CINEMALAYA FOUNDATION/YOUTUBEA film festival is often defined by its line-up. And, for this 15th edition of Cinemalaya, things are actually quite decent.

“John Denver Trending” brings us down from the cloud and exposes us to the fallout of our collective online behavior — actions we may have all been guilty of at some point in our lives. Magpusao evokes a vulnerable innocence wrapped in a tough exterior. Though by no means a boy scout, John Denver’s violent tendencies are understandable, shaped by an impoverished upbringing and a constant need to defend himself. Magpusao carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, a beaten weariness you’d expect in older, more seasoned performers. Soriano, on the other hand, carries this sad sense of determination, desperate to defend her son amid her limited means.

In most part, “F#*@bois” keeps you glued to the screen as it delivers serviceable thrills. You’re never quite sure where the plot is going. With some elements half-baked and plot threads left hanging, “F#*@bois” could have benefitted from some “dagdag bawas,” trimming the setup at the start, and devoting more time to its actual plot.

“Belle Douleur” is pleasant if not out of place. It is crowd-pleasing, has palpable chemistry between its two hot leads, and has loads of steamy PG-13 sex. It’s really the kind of film that would have felt right at home as a major studio release or even an entry at the Metro Manila Film Festival . And that’s not really a bad thing.I’ve always had a hard time articulating my feelings about films that revolve solely around poverty.

Directed by Theodore Boborol , “Iska” is about the titular grandmother, Iska, and her struggles in caring for autistic grandchild Dongdong . It takes a slice-of-life approach, establishing how Iska balances being a loving grandmother while working as xerox lady at the University of the Philippines, doing odd jobs on the side, and, on top of all that, dealing with an abusive husband whom she lovelessly calls “asungot” .

 

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