KUBRADOR

KUBRADOR IS A MIRROR OF SOCIETY
By Reymundo Salao

KUBRADOR is the independent film from director Jeffrey Jeturian and stars Gina Parreño, Fonz Deza, and Johnny Manahan. It chronicles three days in the life of Amy (Gina Parreño), a Kubrador (Bet Collector) for the illegal numbers game Jueteng. This indie film has so far won 4 international prizes: 2006 FIPRESCI (Fédération Internationale de la Presse Cinématographique) Prize, 2006 Moscow International Film Festival Best Picture, Best Actress (Gina Pareno) and FIPRESCI Prize, 8th Osian-Cinefan International Film Festival (New Delhi, India).

Sort of drama, sort of a satire, the film really is just a film about reality in the world of poverty and Jueteng. We follow Amy, the Kubrador in her daily life, collecting bets, and trying her best to dodge some of the hassles of life. Not only do we see her life, but we generally see the lives of the people in slum areas where Jueteng is a part of life. The film takes the main character as a sort of tourist guide in the world of the urban poor, and the not-so-notorious underworld of gambling. The film has powerful performances, it can pull out a jackhammer of emotions, but it doesn’t overdo it to the point of being over-dramaticized. Many of the characters are pitiful but the story never gets too unrealistic to the point that it becomes a tool for collecting pity. It never detracts and detours from realistic problems. You will not see characters falling into one misery after another, crying rhetorical speeches of poverty and despair. Because in the real world, people never waste time for rhetorics, they just shut up and do their best to evade and to outlive these miseries.


The film is politically-conscious and dares to ponder upon the political issues that are relevant in our times. There are also several "hidden" details in the movie that contain symbolic meaning. Little bits of satiric jokes for the audiences to figure out.

Gina Parreño certainly has won a grand slam with a project that started out as a mere indie film, but later was able to garner reputable awards internationally. Her performance in this movie was certainly a pure in-the-flesh portrayal of a Kubrador (or as in our local dialect, a "Koridor"). I’ve met some real life kubradors and I must say that Parreño does convincingly capture the essence of an actual Kubrador. The other casts of characters were portrayed by some unfamiliar actors and actresses who did a marvelous job with the film. Even the extras were well disciplined to contribute to the authenticity and the realism of the slum areas as captured by this film.

The film was shot with a handheld digital camera and many of the shots seem to have been made in "guerilla filmmaking style". The chase scene between a cop and a gambling operator at the early part of the movie was very real, making you fear for the actors if they make a wrong step or wrong fall in the rusty slum area rooftops. It's a short sequence but one which looks very raw, very realistic, and very painful. It tempts me to fantasize how director Jeturian could use such a talent in hard-ass police action films.


The only detail of err that I could point out was the handling of the scenes with the late military son of Gina Parreño's character. But that may arguably be a matter of strict opinion. Some viewers who aren’t very familiar with indie projects may also frown at the film's raw cinematographic approach; many scenes felt shaky that those who might not be used to it would feel that familiar kind of dizziness they got from watching "The Blair Witch Project". Nevertheless, the film does prove to be a shining gem in the history Philippine Cinema.


Because this movie really does not try to make an overrated dramatization of reality, one should not expect a flashy twisting ending. There is no ultimate crisis, there is no ultimate clash between good and evil; this is reality that glimpses in the life of a kubrador and those around her. The ending reminds me of how I felt during the ending of "Lost in Translation" It offers no grand closure, instead, it simply just ends our tour with the characters. Its ending is also left open for various interpretations. It is as if, one particular interpretation is not enough to be truly satisfying to all audiences.

KUBRADOR is a champion, but it's not grandiose. So don’t expect an overrated corny dramatic story or lavish sceneries. The beauty of KUBRADOR lies on its being a mirror of society. Its beauty is in its being totally realistic. We Filipinos, especially those unfamiliar with the grim realism of poverty and gambling, need to see a movie such as KUBRADOR. If you don’t watch good Filipino movies, you’re not supporting the Philippine movie industry at all; Watching BAD Tagalog movies really isn’t helping, in fact, it destroys the Philippine movie industry by breeding and cultivating bad filmmaking and promoting bad film taste among the masses. If you want our country's film industry to flourish, you should support films like KUBRADOR.
(Photos taken from Kubrador’s Multiply Website http://kubrador.multiply.com/)

KUBRADOR Preview Article

KUBRADOR IS NOW SHOWING
By Reymundo Salao

Well, thank God that they’re showing this movie now here in Iloilo. KUBRADOR has opened here in Iloilo this week. I believe it is now shown in SM City Cinema. To those who are not familiar with KUBRADOR, it is the indie film directed by Jeffrey Jeturian and stars Gina Parreño as the lead role. This movie has won 4 international film awards; 2006 FIPRESCI Prize, 2006 Moscow International Film Festival Best Picture, Best Actress (Gina Pareno) and FIPRESCI Prize, and the 8th Osian-Cinefan International Film Festival (New Delhi, India).

This is a movie which focuses on the life of a KUBRADOR (Bet Collector) for the illegal gambling game Jueteng, and also the lives of the people around her. I watched the movie yesterday and it is very simple but very witty and profound, it is definitely filled with thought-provoking layers. Watch out for my full review on this movie tomorrow, but for now, let me urge you to please support and watch this movie. Let us strive to support filmmakers who really deserve to be supported.

The problem with the Film Industry in our country is that those who have the capability and the resources to promote their movies are those production companies who produce awful movies that seem to breed a culture of ignorance among the viewers. “White Lady” and “Sukob” and the rest of the romantic movies with titles taken out of promotional pop love songs have been so popular and so supported by the moviegoing masses because these production companies have the power to advertise their badly-made products, when in fact, their products are mere copycats of other movies, devoid of any manner of originality, and just a thrill idea of jumping on a current trend (such as the trend of Asian Horror Flicks as begun by Japan’s “Ring”).

Time and again, the great Filipino movies like “Crying Ladies” and “Magnifico” have been glorified in other countries which have given these movies prestigious movie awards. But these movies are not quite familiar with the masses because these have not been promoted well locally, they are usually overshadowed by the big local production companies which shove their corny projects unto the mesmerized consumer minds of the moviegoing masses. Some people would lack the motivation to go watch the good movies because all day their minds have been conditioned by the engrossing advertising power of the latest slapstick comedy garbage produced by the bigger companies.

This may sound a bit harsh, but I’m happy that Piracy has begun to do shake the temples of the local movie industry. So far those that are bothered by Piracy are the local filmmakers who see the movie industry as NOT an art form but a commercial machinery. Movies are ART. And those who strive to really make a good movie do it for the art and not the money. I am NOT saying that Piracy should totally be triumphant, but it did topple down the smaller production companies who made tacky “bold” movies. I mean, when was the last time you saw that a low-budget badly-made movie, like the bold movies starring unknown starlets and low-budget action movies starring some unknown newcomer? So far, the low-budget production companies that are still having their movies shown in cinemas are the indie projects and the small production company projects that make really good films.

KUBRADOR has won FOUR INTERNATIONAL AWARDS. THAT should motivate you to watch this movie. And I do urge you to watch this movie. This is the time to support a Pinoy product---WITH THIS MOVIE (NOT with those badly made movies named after pop love songs). Watch out for my full review on KUBRADOR tomorrow.

Screening Schedules This Week (08-30-06)

ROBINSONS MOVIEWORLD
Miami Vice
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM
You Are The One
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM
Little Man
12:45 PM, 2:55, 5:05, 7:15 PM
My Super Ex-Girlfriend
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM

SM CITY CINEMA
KUBRADOR
11:25 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:15, 5:10, 7:05, 9 PM
You Are The One
10:35 AM, 12:40 PM, 2:45, 4:50, 6:55, 9 PM
Miami Vice
11:40 AM, 2 PM, 4:20, 6:40, 9 PM
Click
11:25 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:15, 5:10, 7:05, 9 PM
Little Man
11:50 AM, 1:40 PM. 3:30, 5:20, 7:10, 9 PM
My Super Ex-Girlfriend
11:50 AM, 1:40 PM. 3:30, 5:20, 7:10, 9 PM

DILIM

DILIM
By Reymundo Salao


I wasn’t able to go out and watch a movie last week and this week. CLICK seemed okay, but not too interesting. THE BREAK-UP was also something that I had second thoughts of (romantic comedies depress me lately) watching it. It was unfortunate that I missed out on UNITED 93 and also unfortunate that both SM City and Robinsons seemed to have no signs that it will be showing the much-awaited sequel to CLerks "CLERKS II" I hope I'm wrong. Let this be an appeal to both theaters that CLERKS II is really a movie that has concrete following. I’m also hoping that “Kubrador” and “Cavite” will be shown very soon.

Anyway, I was thinking twice of watching SUKOB. Because it is in my humble experience that movies from VIVA, REGAL, and SEIKO have a great possibility of turning out to be GARBAGE. I do not trust Chito Roño's directing because it has become stale and overly pretentious. I saw the trailer for SUKOB and it does not show a glint of originality or impact in it. From the looks of it, SUKOB looks like a mere product of the Asian horror popularity, a project that cashes in on the fad or the "uso" of horror movies. Sure, I may be wrong, but Viva and Regal have long had a history of disappointing me with their projects. I spend lots of money time and again to "give it a chance" but no, Viva, Regal, and Seiko have been responsible for putting the local industry down on its knees. Funny part is they go blame it on Piracy.

On the other hand, there has been a rise on Independent Digital Films. Projects of up and coming movie makers who make movies, not for profit, but simply to create art, simply to make a movie that can be enjoyed, and at the same time, does not take the audience for a dumb-ass. I went to the video rental shop and curiously picked up “DILIM”. Directed by Topel Lee, and stars Rica Peralejo, Emilio Garcia, and Mario Magallona.


DILIM is the story of a dark vigilante roaming the streets, brutally killing criminals. Yes, it does sound a little “old story” but there are many things to be discussed about the film. There were numerous moments where DILIM felt very tacky and corny because it employed the overly-used bullet-time graphic style pioneered by the Matrix. There were two distinct scenes which were straight out of the Matrix movie. The film also employed a very raw rendering of special effects. The insistence to use CGI on this project seems like it is a stubborn effort to create a work which is beyond their funding or skill. But then again, the producers of this project may have hoped that a big studio would pick their project and fund them properly to clean and polish the bad effects. It also had a very ridiculous theme song on the intro which immediately lessened the credibility of the film. At which point, you'd want to laugh out loud and turn off the movie, jumping to the conclusion that it was going to be another badly-made silly Tagalog film.

But it really is not. At least, DILIM manages to be deserving of your attention. A cleaner, more tight movie than most of the works of popular Tagalog films that you get from Regal, Viva, or Seiko. The very few errors or faults of this movie make it a masterpiece compared to all of last year's MMFF entries.

DILIM attempts to make a sort of a dark superhero movie the likes of The Crow or Punisher. But what makes DILIM better than the other local superhero movies or TV shows that have recently gone out is that it employs a very Filipino concept, without making it too corny or without adulterating it too much. The very sad superhero creations of late such as GMA's "Capt. Barbell", "Darna" and ABS-CBN's "Kristala" have all proved to be creations worse than what may be considered low-quality production. Those shows may have the funding and the production resources, but a production of DILIM makes them so little. Even the action scenes were more convincing than most of the old Tagalog movies. I'd like to see director Topel Lee make a serious action movie.

The plot, concept and storyline may seem to be a great big cliché, but it certainly has its excellent points. The flaws are very minimal in terms of consistency, the impact is more or less amusing, but not outstanding (too bad the VCD cover reveals a spoiler), and the originality is emphasized only in the usage of Filipino supernatural concepts. I most especially admire the concept that the main villain played by Emilio Garcia is a criminal underworld thug who drinks a potion that grants him supernatural strength. I also am amused by the usage of the police officers who investigate the DILIM vigilante. The concept is cliché, but it was delivered well without making it look fake and un-interesting. I didn’t like, however, the predictability and the inconsistency of the twist in the end as far as the policemen are concerned.


DILIM is a raw project, rough and amateurish. It may have been crammed with pretentious scenes, but it somehow makes up with its consistency. It manages to be FAR more BETTER than most of the popular Tagalog movies that have come out lately. In its cliché image, it can still manage to brag as having a bit more originality than the rest of the Tagalog films that big companies like Viva, Seiko, and Regal can produce. It may not be the best Tagalog movie you’ve seen, but it certainly is worth your attention. You can find and buy DILIM on CD & DVD shops and/or rent it on Video Rental Shops as well.

Screening Schedules This Week (08-09-06)

ROBINSONS MOVIEWORLD
The Ant Bully
12:45 PM, 2:55, 5:05, 7:15 PM
Sukob
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM
Click
12:45 PM, 2:55, 5:05, 7:15 PM
LADY in the WATER
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM

SM CITY CINEMA
Lady in the Water
12:20 PM, 2:30, 4:40, 6:50, 9 PM
PIRATES of the CARIBBEAN: Dead Man's Chest
12:45 PM, 3:30, 6:15, 9 PM
Sukob
11:25 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:15, 5:10, 7:05, 9 PM
The Ant Bully
12:15 PM, 2 PM, 3:45, 5:30, 7:15, 9 PM
Click
11:25 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:15, 5:10, 7:05, 9 PM
Nacho Libre
12:15 PM, 2 PM, 3:45, 5:30, 7:15, 9 PM

Lady in the Water

LADY IN THE WATER: UNUSUAL BUT CHARMLESS
By Reymundo Salao

I never read reviews of movies that I am about to watch. ESPECIALLY not if it’s for one of the movies of M. Night Shyamalan. Most of his works are shrouded with enigmatic elements, surprise endings and mind-bending twists. But if you're having second thoughts of spending your money for his latest work LADY IN THE WATER, then, you're welcome to read on.

SYNOPSIS
A modest building manager named Cleveland Heep rescues a mysterious young woman from danger and discovers she is actually a narf, a character from a bedtime story who is trying to make the treacherous journey from our world back to hers. Cleveland and his fellow tenants start to realize that they are also characters in this bedtime story. As Cleveland falls deeper and deeper in love with the woman, he works together with the tenants to protect his new fragile friend from the deadly creatures that reside in this fable and are determined to prevent her from returning home.(Synopsis from Warner Bros.)


LADY in the WATER is written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan who is known for his previous works like “Sixth Sense”, “The Village”, and “Unbreakable”. This film boasts the acting skills of the great Paul Giamatti and it also stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Jeffrey Wright, and Cindy Cheung.

The movie actually has an intriguing plot, the likes of a Stephen King creation, but the way it is presented is just an untidy mess. It has numerous plotholes and unbelievable situations. And by unbelievable, I do not mean the fantasy aspect; but what I mean are the character reactions and interactions. Keeping in mind that the story is set around realistic normal people with normal circumstances faced with a fantastic occurrence; but the story does not attempt to polish it thoroughly. In the movie, normal characters are being told of the fantastic occurrences surrounding the arrival of the Lady in the Water. They are told to join in on a bizarre ritual to help this strange lady. And they all do it, without much hesitation or skepticism. When normal characters are presented by fantastic occurrences, it is normal to inject them with a little skepticism. There was no opposing skepticism within the movie. Shyamalan may think he’s breaking a cliché. But it’s not cliché; it’s common sense. It is as if the characters were made to react conveniently in tune with its fantastic storyline. In effect, I think Shyamalan has made a breakthrough category with this movie, one that I would call “Slapstick Drama”

The relationship between the Lady and Cleveland Heep is too vague that it ends up uninteresting. Does he see her as a daughter? As a love? As somebody to protect? As a soul-touching friend? The movie teases on all aspects but it never gets to the point.
There was also humor in scenes where it felt inappropriate. The humor scene with the Chinese mother sharing the "bedtime story" with Cleveland Heep was tacky, corny, and extremely out of place. For me, it felt like it decreased the credibility of the "bedtime story" than by easing it into believability. Shyamalan also has an acting role in this movie, one that felt like an exercise in narcissism. It’s one thing for a director to cast himself for a minor role, it may be another thing to cast himself for a lead role but one that feels like a role that fits him; but for a writer-director to cast himself as a “great writer that would inspire the rise of a world leader” just seemed arrogant.

M. Night Shaymalan seemed to had lost his genius for storytelling. “Lady in the Water” presents itself to be a bedtime story, or at least, presents a bedtime-story-come-to-life. But it drags and bores with uninteresting plot details and boring creatures. There is no charm and wonder. It, at the very least, never gives enough sense of intrigue and mystery. By the middle of the movie, everything and every character becomes boring that you find yourself uttering "Just get on with it" with maybe a glint of hope that upcoming sequences would compensate for the film's lack of charm. But there is nothing great there. It's like a big joke to those who have stereotyped or have come to associate Shyamalan's works as something that always has a surprise ending. The only surprise here was there was no big surprise. Shyamalan would probably laugh at those who waited for a big surprise and got none. The look on their faces.

I do not stereotype Shyamalan's works that way. In fact, his movie "Signs" had no surprise ending. But it had an intriguing and enigmatic storyline your mind could wrap around on. "Lady in the Water" was just one big joke. Silly, dull and boring may be some words I can say about this movie, but to round-off my opinion on what the movie was... it was Unconvincing. I'm sure many would embrace the weirdness of Shyamalan's work here. But it didn’t convince me. Just go see for yourself; but don’t say I didn’t warn you. “Lady in the Water” was, well, just a lady in the water.