Tagged as the sibling-movie of "Maximo Oliveros," this coming-of-age film actually deserves better appreciation as it is a completely (a bit better, actually) different work of art that explores delicate themes in an entertaining and experiential manner. (On one hand, "Sarong Banggi" complements the technical imperfections "Maximo" suffers from.)
This glossy digital film (you may actually mistake it for celluloid, did they cheat at the Cinemalaya 2005?) features impeccable direction and well-executed acting by not just the leads but the extras as well. (Hey, there should be some accolade for Best "Extra" Performance). Jaclyn Jose actually acted best when she was not acting. (gets?)
"Sarong Banggi" (or "Isang Gabi") features perhaps the best monologue (voice-overed) moments in Philippine cinema. What makes this experiential are its extended sequences where nothing actually happens, yet these subtle seconds are the better parts of the run. The dialogues are real, the scoring is surreal.
However, "Sarong Banggi" could have been more brilliant if it ended at an earlier part. The last few minutes for me were a bit disturbing and troublesome, even somewhat contrived. However valid, the conclusion is something that I didn't appreciate. What I'm talking about? You better watch it yourself. It's so much worth the time and money and the thinking afterward.
