A kid had to face the world in his own animated version and conquer life's biggest monster. ANI (The Harvest) It's as if a child's imagination is a safe haven, a place where the world is a playground for all the possibilities the mind could think of. And even the tight and humble space called home, situated on a busy Metro could not hinder the inquisitive headspace of a young Mithi (played by Zyren Dela Cruz), a boy who accomplishes the day by playing with his colorful toy robots that perform a vital role in his imaginary narrative. With a loving father and a mother that sings him a self-assuring lullaby, Mithi is blissfully unaware of the harsh reality. But life decided to toy with his fate, and Mithi's perfect little world is now showing its cracks, putting his vulnerability to the test and slowly depriving him of his happiness he thought would last forever. And through his eyes, the world suddenly transforms itself into a menacing monster. Set in a lush ...
"Hintayan ng Langit" Review - To the Heavens and Beyond
A woman waiting for her divine clearance, met a familiar soul at the Purgatory. Together, they reminisce their waking life and all of its forlorn memories.
When it comes to romantic entanglements, filmmaker Dan Villegas sure knows how to pull at one's heartstrings. Most of his work centers around a more grounded narration of amorous relationships, including the likes of English Only Please, She's The One and That Thing Called Tadhana among others.
Villegas' portfolio doesn't limit itself with just casting younger stars though, as proven by his 2018 underrated hit Hintayan ng Langit, lead by seasoned actors and cinema legends, Gina Pareño as Lisang and Eddie Garcia as Manolo.
Originally from Juan Miguel Severo's one-act play, Hintayan ng Langit follows Lisang, a grumpy but kindhearted soul, servicing her time at a hotel-like interpretation of Purgatory, as she looks forward for her long-awaited transference to heaven.
On Lisang's second year, she met a newly arrived Manolo, an old-time pal who was assigned to share the room with her.
As the two traces their accounts back from when they were alive, both brought themselves closer to each other and rekindled a long-forgotten bittersweet baggage.
Life After Death
It is important to note that the film doesn't just rely on skinny kilig tropes and romantic zealotry. Instead, it effectively uses that mantra to forward a compelling under-plot that sends a powerful message — one that will revolt a thoughtful reflection of the reality of tainted relationships and its quandaries.
Gina Pareño was such a class act. Her decades of cinematic experience was exploited elegantly in this film, especially with her impeccable portrayal as Lisang, which was akin to her previous roles but more evolved and emotionally moving. Pareño hammers her every scene and made sure she's not just delivering but killing the game.
Eddie Garcia on the other hand doesn't underwhelm either. Famous for his formidable and anti-hero roles, Garcia puts his charm and versatile acting prowess as a calm and collected parallel to Pareños crazy antics. His composure and humorous retorts reminds me of his famous banters from his early films.
Both actors complement each other's presence and formed a congealed but not coarse lovey-dovey bond which elevates Juan Miguel Severo's screenplay, transforming it into a charming and creative representation of one's life after death.
Let's Be Reel
Hintayan ng Langit is a post-modern poetic prose that uses a lofty genre as a basis to tell a relatable narrative that wasn't trying to be bigger than itself, but rather treats the audience as if they are part of the whole.
This is the love story that should be told — an ageless tale of forgiveness and boundless love.
Wow! Ganda ng review. 👏
ReplyDeleteOo nga eh. Sino kaya gumawa nito? Hmm
Deleteay wala ba sa introduction ng review yung information ng tanung mo? Ahh english pala. Tanung pa more. Si Steven Spielberg yata gumawa, hmmm,
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