http://www.donsolmovie.com/donsol/index1.htmlThis is a prime example of an independent feature that mixed together interesting elements of both mainstream pinoy pop culture and a decidedly independent vision to produce a commercially viable feature.
For an indie production, the cast was particularly star-studded with thespians of critical acclaim. Angel Aquino was, as always, luminous and expressive in demonstrating her restraint amidst pain. Her portrayal of a widowed breast cancer patient was overwhelming -- the primary tearjerking agent in the entire flick. Sid Lucero was convincing as a homegrown Sorsogueño Butanding Interaction Officer complete with the "punto" and mannerisms of a man who grew up in a coastal community. For some strange reason, I had to suspend disbelief that this guy wasn't a showbiz persona. Cherie Gil was a bit insensitive at times but perhaps, that was what her character was all about. Bembol Roco's turn as Sid Lucero's father reminded me of Orapronobis... I even thought initially that he was a member of the NPA, not a pirate engaged in illegal fishing practices. Jaclyn Jose as Sid's mother was also reflective of the long-suffering rural nanay who's eking out a simple existence on what the ocean brings.
As expected, there would also be characters thrown in for comic relief: Aaron Junatas as the pa-cute childstar, who, of course, is instrumental for drawing the lady to the guy, and Kenneth Ocampo, who elicited the most guffaws from the audience with his declaration of being, "the only baklang butanding," in Donsol. I can't help but think of how comic relief must always be attributed to the token gay friend -- isn't it, in a way, pandering to society's cruel intolerance of LGBTs?
As a whole, "it didn't break new ground," said my friend whom I watched the film with, as we sauntered out of the theatre of CCP. There were high points and equally low points. The music, I must say, started beautifully with the sound of waves and the instruments playing a decidedly melancholic melody. The credits would of course, have Pinikpikan's Butanding song as the bed music. The other parts, though, sounded like the cue to a melodramatic teleserye confrontation waiting to happen. The colors were also a bit on the dull side (my friend later on explained that it's the CCP telon's fault since they haven't washed the screen in decades) and some parts were a bit dragging.
But if the hankies drawn out and the teary-eyed audience's eyes were any indication of success, I suppose this film is really worth watching while holding hands with someone special, if only for the chance to see the sights of an underwater paradise and the opportunity to prove that indeed, love is an ocean of emotions.
