Movie No. 53 (2016): TUOS

Tuos (2016)
Director: Roderick Cabrido
Cast: Nora Aunor, Barbie Forteza, Flor Salanga, Ronnie Martinez, Ronwaldo Martin
In Kinaray-an dialect, with English subtitles

Synopsis: A woman chosen to keep an age-old tradition alive must choose between her granddaughter's life and a belief that shackled her in solitary confinement. (from the Cinemalaya brochure)

This movie is so different from the other competing movies in this year's Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. I mean different in a good way. 

The movie's pacing is deliberately slow, which is a good decision because it can absorb the attention of the audience for a good viewing experience. In my case, I get to know the characters and feel the mise-en-scene well. The rituals look authentic.

The decision to use live action narrative for essaying the story of Pina-ilog and her family and tribe and animation to tell the myth of the spirits that are supposed to be in agreement with the tribe is brilliant. The parallel narratives, told in alternate succession, are carefully written and edited.

However, the best parts of the movie are the exquisite cinematography and performances. While it's quite obvious that every scene is this movie is a feast to the eye, there are also some scenes that are suggestive of the opposing views and beliefs of the main characters. Yes, I'm referring to the scenes involving the split mirror. The expected succession is beautifully staged (as suggested) in the scene at the dining table. Nora Aunor's tribal dance is mesmerizing. Both Nora Aunor's and Barbie Forteza's performances are commendable. I hope they both win acting awards for this movie. While there are no highs and lows that require intense acting, the consistency of being into character of these actresses are worth praising. What we see on the screen is an acting masterclass. No hysterics.

The movie is not perfect. There's one brief scene that I hope to be cut although it doesn't actually ruin the movie. The movie's final scene is open for interpretation. But, it doesn't matter.

Rating: 4.0/4.0

Date seen: August 6, 2016