A Quick Look: Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay

This blog's been dead for a while but I'm bringing out of hiatus for something that must be said. Here's a brief (for me) review of Antoinette Jadaone's Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay.


First, some history: Lilia Cuntapay can be described as one of the Philippines' top "that-guys" (or "that-ladys". With her long, straight hair and toothless maw she is recognized by children of the '80s and '90s as the bringer of nightmares. She is our aswang -our bruha, having played countless monsters or crones in various movies since rising to relative prominence in Shake, Rattle and Roll III as "Yaya".

But perhaps because there are only so many hag roles in television or movies, it's not been an easy life for Ms. Cuntapay. Roles have been few and far between of late and these have hardly been star-making turns for her.

However, writer-director Antoinette Jadaone believes it's Ms. Cuntapay's time to shine and so, with the backing of Cinema One Originals, that's exactly what they let her do in Ms. Jadaone's "Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay."

Finally, after 30 years of working as bit player in the movie industry, Nanay Lilia is finally in the spotlight. And I daresay this film, which follows Lilia Cuntapay playing a version of herself that's been nominated for a prestigious acting award, makes me think that she belongs there.

Now commence the review:

Several things made Six Degrees of Separation for me, namely: Lilia Cuntapay's charm and color; Director Antoinette Jadaone's use of language which is refreshing and witty, and her awareness of her character/actress' best traits and background; both of the leads' keen understanding of narrative/the narrative (there's a discipline involved in keeping from overacting and telling too much) and their ability to play off each other; the fact that it puts forward a cause without being exploitative of the slighted or heavily judgemental of people, and without pounding our heads with the message. 

Also, there is a blend of comedy, horror, drama and romance in the writing that is handled expertly. Most of all, it is a well-crafted entertainment and in this environment (and after having recently seen a movie where I could see the wires lifting a "flying actor), that is a welcome gift.

And though I may wonder about whether the black screens signaling the transition between interviews and the story feeling slightly extended in some parts is intentional, I cannot recommend this film any more than I already have. I've threatened dropping some very dear friends if they don't hop to Shangri-la Mall right now.

In fact, if has any failings at all, it's because its run is ending, and that there aren't more films like this one.

Hopefully though, the release of work signifies the beginning of a new, lasting zeitgeist of smarter, well-made Filipino films that make us think without sacrificing entertainment.

                                                                                                   - originally posted in my Twitter account.

Seriously, RUN don't walk to Shangrila Mall. You only have a day left.
       

Photos taken from the film's Facebook account.


Minutes after posting this I find out that the film has won the audience choice and best editing awards at the Cinema One Originals Awards Night. Congratulations to the cast and crew for the well-deserved win!