Over the weekend, Iselle and I went to CCP to attend the prestigious Cinemalaya tourney to watch our friend Paul Sta. Ana's film, Huling Pasada. Because we know of Paul's battle to finish this project, his lifelong dream, I thought it fitting to give the film an objective review.
Huling Pasada, written and co-directed by Paul Sta. Ana (with Alvin Yapan), is the story of a woman hoping to restore order in her life after a tragic event. She takes whatever she can through all the cab rides she gets, and she slowly comes up with the story that will help her cope with normalcy. Starred by Agot Isidro, the story-telling is not unique as there are components that we've seen somewhere else, but the strength of the movie is its subtle yet magical approach towards revealing what evidently was the glue that holds everything together.
At the onset of the film, the audience struggles to catch the drift of the story, and yet, in timed and deliberate dozes the story unfolds for them and everyone is left to their own "Eureka!" Another directorial triumph was the depiction of Manila realistically - solvent boys, takataks, snatchers, etc. The writer and director was not afraid to show the world that this is what is truly happening in the country, but amidst all of the dirt, Filipinos are still capable of true and absolute passion.
The movie also required fantastic performances from Dimples Romana and the male lead, Neil Ryan Sese who was absolutely brilliant. The two's chemistry was so obvious and strong that it was easy to believe the plausibility of their relationship. Sese, who has starred in another critically acclaimed movie (Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros - The Blossoming Of Maximo Oliveros) was nothing short of perfect in his role as a cab driver. He was the typical Filipino prototype, and he was an integral component of the story - one that requires exactly what Sese offered to the role.
The lighting and cinematography of the movie were jaw-droppers. My mouth was left agape at some shots, and it'll be a real treat for the audience to find the subliminal messages within them.
All in all, the movie achieved what it wanted to bring across, and it offered an in-depth insight into the current Filipino psyche that leaves the viewer relating to it completely and heaving sighs on their way home. Although some of the dialogue's timing seemed unnatural at first, the actors and actresses were able to give the audience a preview of what is relatable without compromising the story's message.
Watch Huling Pasada in CCP, and ponder about what your life's story is on your way home. The film screentimes are found at
http://guides.clickthecity.com/movies/movie.php?id=11513.
*** Movie poster taken from
http://jac8.deviantart.com/art/Huling-Pasada-poster-design-2-91846697**** Kudos to you Paul! Well done!
