"In My Life"

I watched the movie event of the year yesterday and was happy with it. I wouldn’t say I was totally moved, but it at least exceeded my expectations. The plot was simple yet the characterizations were all superb! Ate Vi was still the actress we admired despite her age and her sagging cheeks. Luis Manzano got a passing grade for a first-timer. And yes, John Lloyd Cruz has cemented his status as the “Most Brilliant Actor of His Generation”. (Well, if we classify Piolo Pascual as JLC’s contemporary then Piolo is still the valedictorian for me; Lloydie is salutatorian with only a slight lose).

I wouldn’t be surprised if the movie would sweep awards come the next awards season. A Best Actress grand slam is not impossible for Ate Vi (though I want Sharon Cuneta, thru her Mano Po, to spoil Ate Vi’s winning streak), Best Supporting Actor or Best New Actor nominations for Luis is not too far from reach (and it’s again no surprise if he’ll grab one trophy), and of course, I’m giving a grand slam Best Actor win for John Lloyd Cruz. His portrayal of his gay character was simply natural ~ from his delivery of lines, facial expressions, movements and gestures. So are we to question his sexuality now? Definitely not! JLC is just one talented actor!

And of course, the much talked about confrontation scene between Ate Vi and John Lloyd was the winning part it made me grip my seat too tight! The scriptwriter was able to craft the best dialogue and put the best words as to how JLC would make Ate Vi realize her faults as a mother. It was also an enlightenment on the complexity of a gay relationship no matter how odd this may sound to many ~ the sacrifices made, the trust and loyalty bestowed and the unconditional love given. And of course, I was too surprised in JLC’s guts to slap Ate Vi in the face and drag her to sit. Oh come on! It’s no ordinary for a younger actor (or actress for that matter) to have the courage to smack a bigger and more mature star. That requires brilliance, and brilliant JLC was!

But in all honesty, I couldn’t see the movie as a would-be iconic and classic one. It was simply beautiful and that ends it. Its plot and its character may be forgotten. But at this time when only indies offer us the best and out-of-the-box movies that could reap awards here and abroad, it is comforting to know that Filipino directors, actors, scriptwriters and movie producers could still offer something as big as “In My Life”.

Ohh by the way, let’s all look forward to Sharon Cuneta’s Mano Po. And yes, now knocking on Ate Guy to stage a comeback.