One of a handful of films from the Philippines to survive the Second World War, "Tunay na Ina" is melodrama in quaint and charmingly archaic fashion. An attractive young woman is taken advantage of with the unfortunate result in a time where such misfortunes are unacceptable. With the fruit of her bad luck wrenched away from her she desperately takes a road of bitterness, pain, disappointment and eventual redemption in the myriad paths life has in store for her. Good acting and impressive singing keep this vintage artifact afloat amidst the slow pace of the film brought on by the outdated style of filming. The glimpse of the wartime era with its distinct fashion, cars, houses and interior design amidst a leafy and breezy tropical setting is quite the breathtaking time travel that's a feast for the senses. I watched this primarily because of Rosario Moreno and it's a sad and haunting experience to watch the attractive and talented actress/singer from long ago knowing the fate that would befall her not long after. An appreciation, a tribute, a memorial of art in history viewing these antiquated remnants of a bygone age remind us of our shared history and the depth of humanity.
