FIREFLY: Luminous, powerful and compelling.

 

One of the most anticipated films in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival is GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs movie “Firefly".

The film did not boast of any box-office star but it highlights a compelling story and technical excellence as the main selling points.  Slowly but surely, it’s creating a buzz and drawing crowds in cinema through word-of-mouth reviews about the film. Rumor has it that Firefly is now one of the highest-grossing films in MMFF as of December 30.

Zig Dulay’s latest opus tells a heartwarming story of a mother (Elay played by Alessandra de Rossi) and her son (Tonton played by Euwenn Mikael). Elay narrates a creative tale of Isla ng Alitaptap (Firefly Island), how a Firefly can be brave, help a butterfly and beat a beast. Tonton makes a promise to his protective mother that one day, he’ll reach the Island of Fireflies and he’ll fulfill his dreams. Tonton becomes an award-winning children's book author (Dingdong Dantes in the present time) and recounts his childhood journey on this magical island of fireflies.

 

STRENGTHS

The screenplay is beautifully written by Angelie Atienza. The narrative's core is simplistic in nature yet moving and very powerful. It did not exaggerate the conflicts and twists to move audience’s emotions. The mother-and-son relationship in the story is cohesively established. No doubt Angelie’s screenplay wins the top plum in MMFF Best Screenplay.

There are so many symbolisms and metaphors used in the story about love, bravery, sacrifice and hope that the audience can easily relate to.

Aside from the story as its gem, the brilliance of the lead and support actors are undeniably noticeable.

Alessandra de Rossi is natural and consistent in her portrayal. Her best scenes are always shown with so much compassion towards Tonton.

Child Actor Euwenn Mikael’s acting is raw and authentic. Euwenn deserves to win his first Best Child Actor award. His memorable scene is when the ash of his mom is thrown in the ground and he slowly picks it up and puts it inside the box. That scene is heart-piercing.

Epi Quizon’s portrayal of an ex-convict father who helps Tonton in his quest to reach the Island of Fireflies is noteworthy. Kudos to Cherrie Pie Picache, Yayo Aguila, and Sparkle artists Miguel Tanfelix and Ysabel Ortega who are all effortless in their character portrayal.

Dingdong Dantes’ special participation as the grownup Tonton is remarkable. His facial expression when he delivers his lines reminiscing his childhood journey shows depth.

The cinematography of Neil Daza is a visual feast! Each sequence appears to be a perfect painting!

It also captures the grandeur of the scenic spots of Bicol. After seeing the film, one can’t help but dream of touring Bicol soon.

Len Calvo’s musical scoring adds to the fantastic nature of the movie and the heart-felt tone that each scene projects. The revival of Eraserheds classic “Alapaap” performed by Dilaw gives a new flavor to the 90s hit song.

Zig Dulay proves to be the next film director to watch out for. He started as an indie director, transitioned to mainstream TV via his top-rating teleserye Maria Clara at Ibarra, Sahaya, Legal Wives, and now directing his first MMFF mainstream film. He is an exceptionally brilliant filmmaker.

I look forward to seeing more movies directed by Zig.

WEAKNESSES

Personally, I can’t think of any.

Firefly deserves its Best Picture award and Box-Office results in MMFF.

I look forward to more powerful ,and brilliant movies similar to Firefly produced by GMA Pictures & GMA Public Affairs team.

Rating:

9/10

ctto GMA Pictures & GMA Public Affairs 

 

    

Becky and Badette: Entertaining and value-driven.

 

Becky and Badette: Entertaining and value-driven.

When the Metro Manila Film Festival committee released its official entries for this year's film festival, Becky and Badette topped my “to watch” list. From its teaser, I can’t hid myself laughing and re-watching it. When I finally get to see it on the big screen, Becky and Badette is entertaining and surprisingly value-driven. 

 Jun Robles Lana’s latest comedy foray Becky and Badette tells the story of two best friends Becky Naman (played by Eugene Domingo) and Badette Imaculada (played by Pokwang). Their friendship began in high school (the backdrop was mid-90s) and continued to the present time. They were not as successful as their batchmates such as mean girl Nirvana (played by Agot Isidro) and campus crush Pepe Feniz (played by Romnick Sarmenta).  Nirvana invited Becky and Badette to attend their high school reunion. On the night of their reunion, the two “besties” got drunk and did a scene which was recorded on video. The video went viral on social media and made them instant celebrity.

 

Strengths:

The comedic prowess of Uge and Pokwang is undeniably effortless. From their facial expressions to their punchlines, you will surely have consistent laughter.

But not only in the comedy scenes they excelled. The dramatic highlights of Uge and Pokie were commendable too.

The production design is grand and visually appealing. From the costumes in the musical prod numbers, beach scenes, and even the colors of office girls' outfits (guest stars Iza, Sunshine, Karylle), they are very flashy.

The narrative of the story is fluid and easy to follow. The twist of the story of why they went viral is unexpected.

Punchlines are witty, catchy, and relatable. It's well thought out.

The story is value-driven as it highlights the redeeming factor of integrity and honesty towards the end of the movie

It’s LGBTQA+ friendly too.

I love the revival of 80’s hit song Working Girls of Chona Cruz which was used in the opening sequence.   

The iconic Vilma Santos movie scenes and dialogues as points of reference for several scenes are remarkable.

Weaknesses:

Since the narrative of the story is easy to follow, some scenes come across as very predictable, especially on the part of the vengeance of Pepe Feniz and Nirvana.

The ending of the story could have been established more. I have a feeling that there’s a part two in the offing hence audience was quite left hanging.

Rating:  8/10

ctto to Idea First Company