Kinatay Film Review by the Guy Who Drank All the Wine

the plot:

In the same vein as his past movies, the director again inflicts blatant Neorealism with his trademark use of handheld camera to capture everyday life as it unfolds. The narrative follows a day to night transition in which the “journey into the darkness” is realized. Dragged into a crime he never wanted to be in, the main character is both witness and instrument to a gruesome murder of a prostitute. Although he detests the act there is pretty much nothing he can do about it. He is caught between financial need versus morality. And at the end of the day, it was easier for decapitation to be stomached than to actually go home with an empty one.

the review:

I would like to say I enjoyed the film but not really. The butcher scene isn’t as appalling and gruesome as I thought it would be. A big letdown because the build up to that scene was excruciatingly slow paced, insinuating a glorious gore fest bound to happen. But no. A few chop chops here and there and that’s it. Protagonist contemplates and moves on, insert few symbolisms here and there and the film ends. Sad to say there is nothing special here. Obviously this is a social commentary, but you know we’re really tired of that. Great casting though. Bad-ass villain John Regala did great.

wise-ass remarks:

Kinatay as a film is certainly not something to new to me, or to most of the Filipino audience. The realism approach has been done countless times and is already a throwback to the films of the 70’s. Think Lino Brocka, only way less of many many great things. Come on now, we need something new. But I do have to say Mendoza is a good director above the class. He knows what he’s doing and he’s good doing it. Personally though, Kinatay isn’t just as good as his past films like Serbis or Kaleldo. Regarding the festival, the film absolutely has no chance of winning best film. Brillante as best director well, I don’t really know about that. It maybe the realistic grit and shock value that won the foreign body. That, or like what others are saying Inglorious Bastards really ain’t that good.

Anyway, congratulations to Brillante Mendoza. Check out who’s on this Wikipedia entry for Cannes Best Directors list. And everyone should get the chance of watching this.  Never mind what cynical, pompous, self proclaimed film buffs like me are saying. Our local directors need to keep on producing great films, award or no award.

at the screening:

strangely all wearing white: the guy who drank all the wine, Brillante Mendoza and Jody of JodyThinks.com

the awkward conversation:

TJ: “Direk, congratualions for winning Best Director at Cannes. What was the experience like?”

Dante: “Oh well its quite a memorable exper..”

TJ: “Were you able to meet Steven Soderbergh huh huh? How about Quentin Tarantino? Awesome huh?! *drinks wine*”

Dante: “……”

PS.

Thanks to Adobo Magazine for the event and especially for the wine (I had 10 glasses). Thanks Jody and Maicq for the pics and for getting me wine when I already had my hands full. That was the best film screening I’ve ever been to. LOL.