PEP REVIEW: Sagwan aims to please viewers
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 02:06 PM
Sagwan is the opening film of the QUEERiosity Manila International Film
Festival, which will take place from February 11 to 17 at
Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Center.
The movie Sagwan
is set in a quiet town called Tatalon where boatmen make a living ferrying
tourists along its long winding river. Behind this scenic setting hides an ugly
truth. Boatmen succumb to prostitution to make ends meet. Finding himself at
the center of this harsh reality is the main character Alfred, played by
newcomer Ryan Dungo.
Alfred prides himself as the only boatman who has not resorted to the sex-for-money arrangement his comrades have grown accustomed
to. He is faced with pressure from all sides—from his friend Eman (Dennis
Torres) who tries to convince him of the benefits of the "trade," his father
whose gambling addiction requires financing, and even from his girlfriend, Cecilia
(Martina Wilson) who longs for a more sexually gratifying relationship.
As the movie progresses, Alfred finds a way to give Cecilia
what she wants and, at the same time, comes to terms with his confused feelings
for Eman. Even the dark specter that haunts his mind is finally laid to rest
with a surprising revelation at the end of the movie.
THE VERDICT. Sagwan is
definitely a well-made movie everyone should see. Kudos goes to the director,
Monti Parungao, who can be considered a master of the scenic setting. He adds
his unique touch by applying color manipulation to different scenes to evoke an
edgy and modern feel to an otherwise bland provincial location. Viewers will
notice a certain polish to the movie and Monti successfully transforms even the
gritty, and sometimes dirty, state of tourist spots into something charming and
attractive. This feat should clearly become a standard in indie movies where
panoramic spots like Tatalon are the usual setting for their stories. All in
all, visuals are crisp and clear, giving viewers an impression that they are
watching a movie with a decent budget.
Direk Monti also knows how to put up a good show for his audience. He knows who is watching and he aims to please. His close-up shots of the actor's physique left the audience satisfied and even craving for more. The uncut version offers viewers a feast of frontal nudity scenes. But Monti is crafty enough to know that glimpses are more exciting than full frontal. And here, he succeeds once again.
Allowance can be granted to the actors for their neophyte acting skills. Ryan Dungo, despite being the lead, needs more workshops on how to deliver his lines and project credible facial expressions. Surprisingly, Dennis Torres who plays Eman does a better job. His acting is more natural and his line delivery more convincing. His sex appeal is strong and can be felt by the audience.
A welcome addition to the cast are the gay support characters in the movie. Because of them, the movie becomes lighter and more enjoyable to watch. What's more, audiences can relate to them and identify with the various personalities projected onscreen.
As a moviegoer, I fervently wish that indie films forego the usual first- person narration. Sagwan uses the same tired device. Also, the script and storyline are not particularly original. People who have seen the international independent film Ken Park would see clear similarities. But do not let these minor faults prevent you from watching the movie. Sagwan is a good watch and is a definite welcome after the series of disappointing gay indie films that have recently opened in the metro.
Danio Caw is the team publisher of the home and entertainment titles of
Summitmedia.
Sagwan is the opening film of the QUEERiosity Manila International Film
Festival, which will take place from February 11 to 17 at
Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Center.
Here is the schedule of the films that will have their Philippine premiere in
the said filmfest:
February 11 7 pm Sagwan (opening film)
February 12 7 pm Into It
February 13 7 pm Hikbi
February 14 7 pm Mga Pinakamahabang One Night Stand
February 15 7 pm A Natural Thing
February 16 7 pm Night Scene
February 17 9 pm Showboyz (world premiere and closing film)
- PEP REVIEW: GMA News TV's Christmas station ID reflects its desire to share "balita ng pag-ibig"
- PEP REVIEW: ABS-CBN offers a Christmas station ID that touches hearts of Pinoys wherever they are in the world
- PEP REVIEW: In the Name of Love depicts the dark side of love
- PEP REVIEW: GMA-7's "Halo-Halo ang Summer Saya" is strategic and straightforward
- PEP REVIEW: TV5's Christmas station ID presents a magical world for viewers
Get showbiz news anytime, anywhere on your mobile! Just key in PEP ON and send to 4627. Available to all Sun, Globe, and Smart subscribers.
More from Guide
- PEP REVIEW: Pintakasi: How art saves
- Vaness del Moral tries the world behind the limelight via indie film Hantu
- Pinta*Kasi, starring John Wayne Sace, Erich Gonzales and JM De Guzman, will be screened starting February 8
- Brillante Mendoza's Captive will compete in the 62nd Berlinale
- SM's 1st Bigshot Film Festival will run from January 25-31, 2012
- Imee Marcos estimates production cost of Pintakasi at "15 to 20" million pesos
-
Looking Back
Star For All Seasons Vilma Santos looks back at her 50 years in showbiz
Vilma names her most memorable films and favorite leading men.
-
Music
The MYX Music Awards will take place on March 13 at the Music Museum with a '70s-OPM-themed event.
-
Hobbies
Marian Rivera hopes to take culinary classes while working on My Beloved
She prefers to take a full-time school program over a quick crash course.
-
Theater
Cirque Mother Africa will be presented from April 19-22 at Resorts World Manila
Dancers, percussionists, singers, acrobats and contortionists will impress audiences with a unique African-themed spectacle.
Most Popular
- Mara Yokohama assured a spot in Top 3 of Survivor Philippines; final Tribal Council to take place tonight
- Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez open up their dream house for GMA News TV's Powerhouse
- David Archuleta says Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Eula Caballero "are both beautiful inside and out"
- PEP REVIEW: Pintakasi: How art saves
- Converting an epic franchise into 3D: Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace
- Jessica Soho was elevated to the Gandingan Hall of Fame Awardees
- Get a sneak peek of the upcoming James Bond movie, Skyfall
- Sci-fi film John Carter was shot in Utah
- The Vow will open in cinemas by February 10
- Madonna collaborates with Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. for new single
Advertisement
