Martes, Agosto 5, 2014

CINEMALAYA 2014 - S6parados (Separados) Review: So-so



I was having second thoughts in watching S6parados because honestly, it is in the bottom of my list for this year’s Cinemalaya. I mean, who would choose the story of 6 men having marital problems as a subject for an independent film to be competed in a festival? Unfortunately, one director was brave enough to do so.

Before the film started, Alfred Vargas, one of the male leads in the flick, left a strong plea to the audience that aside from supporting the festival, we should put efforts in bringing the entries into the mainstream. This made me happy and afraid at the same time – happy because it means reaching out to many people and afraid because it offers the danger of giving in to the usual formula of the mainstream films to gain profit (Because indeed that is the goal of mainstream films – to earn money). With that fear, I was nervous on how the Separados would run its course.

Ambitious as it may seem but I would like to commend the director on how he has sewn the six stories efficiently. However, being ambitious is not enough since it is a risk to have multiple stories in a film. The development of the characters and the plot might perish like what’s happening in the mainstream films. Unfortunately for S6parados, it is an infeasible risk.

The film looked promising when the storyline of Victor Neri and Angel Jacob was introduced. I loved how the director used different scenarios interlacing with each other trying to expound the conflict between the couple. Neri’s performance in the film was definitely a big statement of his comeback. You will absolutely love his character from the beginning until the end. Jacob, on the other hand, is not only a pretty face but a remarkable addition to the film. Despite the job well done by these pros, their characters were flat. The film did not give the opportunity to rediscover themselves and to progress (or regress) perhaps because of the limited screen time as there are other stories to be shown. More so, the narration of the film became too formulaic as it progressed.

Ricky Davao’s subplot was by far the most successful amongst the six because of the believability of its conflict and the character development. Davao was one of the factors of its success as he was very professional in portraying his role. On the other hand, I did not feel anything special on the storyline of Anjo Yllana as it has been presented many times and many ways by different films. Further, the attack was very cliché.

Moving forward, Jason Abalos’ narrative was also not new but it could have been promising had the film given more time to grow more. Kudos to Althea Vega as her interpretation was too real that she no longer resembles herself (She is very pretty in person!). On the contrary, Erik Santos’ story is fresh but it did not seem genuine to me. As far as I know, we are still in a patriarchal society (which is saddening) and it is quite impossible for a guy not to retaliate if he is overpowered by his wife. The “under-the-saya” premise is only used in the farce during the old times of the Philippine cinema to intensify the macho culture. His debut acting nevertheless was impressive. 

Lastly, Alfred Vargas’ storyline was OK. It is also not believable with the same ground of Santos’: macho culture. Yet, Vargas still has the acting chops (though his drunken acting was a fail).

As for the other characters, Ritz Azul is a breath of fresh air. Aside from being Venus-ly pretty, she was able to prove that she could match the acting of Neri. K-La Rivera is also one of the eye candies in the film who acts very well. Sharmaine Arnaiz makes it look like nagging is her hobby while Diana Zubiri proved that her hotness and acting prowess did not wane. I was quite disappointed thought of how little the role was given to Cris Pastor. 

Cinematography was good but it was not at par with other entries that I have seen. 

The film offered small bites of different flavors instead of allowing its audience to devour and enjoy a specific delicious meal. Though it would make you laugh, fall in love or in other words, be entertained, it still boils down to the question if this is the only role a film should have.

To check the schedules, please click this link: Cinemalaya 2014
Rating: 7/10
Photo credit: Cinemalaya

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