SPARKS - this word is enough to describe the film - FULL OF SPARKS.
When I first hit CCP I immediately asked for Hustisya and Dagitab - two films that are so close to my heart after seeing the trailer. I was contemplating then what would I be able to see in the movie aside from an amazing ensemble. YES, good thing I didn't kill myself on pondering and pondering what story should be seeing. Will it disappoint me as an avid fan of Valdez and Buencamino? Will it surprise me? Will I be seeing another film that clings to the same family issue? Out of my surprise, I was totally blown away. Am giving you FIVE reasons why;
1. Eula Valdez and Nonnie Buencamino they are both perfect for the role. Buencamino had a very subtle acting style in this film but he was able to channel it in various angle. I will never forget that scene when writing the preface of his book (that was an amazing close up shot) where he was engrossed to the words that he was saying. I am pretty sure that this acting will be given a special recognition. Of course the one and only Eula Valdez words are not enough to describe her performance. She was an amazing character all through out the film and not in a single blink she dropped it. What a couple! Gian Abrahan is now a PRO.
2. The gift of visual adventure was present. All the shots were taken seriously and perfected to a level where you will just keep your lips sealed but your eyes glowing. Here are some of the memorable scenes; The search for sundang. The Intersection, where in Eula and Martin are both lying on the sea shore and as if they are being enveloped by darkness. The comfort room scene where "Do you believe in sparks" line was shown. And my favorite of it all The Dusk where fireflies are flying which was just so apt to close the film.
3. The soundtrack. I was lulled by the beautiful mix of unexpected music. The scores were chosen well as to match every scene. I can just close my eyes and imagine am listening to a concerto. #ChampLuiPo of course just to mention because I am still a big fan of that band.
4. Wordplay was superb. I don't need to elaborate this further but I wanna say that of all my Cinemalaya experience since 2006 the screenplay of this film will always be in my heart.
5. Just to mention the funny yet compelling role of Martin del Rosario. His evolution as actor in this film should never be forgotten. He was able to carry such great emotions and throw some punches to the viewers. He is on his way to get his first acting awards and that will be on Sunday.
I just want to end my review with this, "Why do you want to shut out of your life any uneasiness, any misery, any depression, since after all you don't know what work these conditions are doing inside you? Why do you want to persecute yourself with the question of where all this is coming from and where it is going? Since you know, after all, that you are in the midst of transitions and you wished for nothing so much as to change. If there is anything unhealthy in your reactions, just bear in mind that sickness is the means by which an organism frees itself from what is alien; so one must simply help it to be sick, to have its whole sickness and to break out with it, since that is the way it gets better."
― Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet
