SIARGAO (2017): A FILM REVIEW
2:30:00 PM
Have you noticed how travel videos have become extra popular these days that people refuse to go to islands without their drones and the self-imposed need to upload a same-day edit? This is probably the bandwagon that Direk Paul Soriano had intentions of jumping on when he made the film 'Siargao'. So I understand why others complain that 'Siargao' feels more like a travelogue than a narrative film. But let's face it too, not every movie is for everybody. 'Siargao' is not for everybody, I must say.
I feel like it was not the best idea for Siargao to come out this Christmas and be in the MMFF lineup because I don't think it's the kind of movie that people will be talking about unless the subject matter of the discussions is limited to cinematography. I've watched many recent Filipino films that promote tourism of various places but I must say Siargao's cinematography is EXPENSIVE. The cinematography is so elegant that those who have not been to Siargao will elevate the island in their bucket list and those who have been there would think about going back. Sadly, apart from the cinematography and its OPM Indie Band-friendly soundtrack, nothing else seems outstanding in 'Siargao'. I'd be surprised if it wins awards outside the cinematography department.
I personally disagree with people who say that Siargao is a bad movie because the conflict in the plot is not heavy enough for a theatrical output. I wouldn't say it's a bad movie. But I could say that if I were to compare it to similar Filipino movies I have watched, the others are better. If we were to tag this as a surfing movie, 'Apocalypse Child' is so much better because the stakes are heavier and the audience is taken deeper emotionally. If we were to tag this as a travel-to-fix-or-mend-broken-hearts-in-couple-of-days film, 'I'm Drunk I Love You' is so much better because the characters let their souls out for the viewers to get a tighter grasp on the dialogues. Siargao on the other hand may seem conservative in terms of how the characters reveal their thoughts and emotions based on the screenplay. For others, it may be alienating but a part of me acknowledges that there's something poetic about this film's inhibition to share direct emotional connection. Perhaps it's the plot's basic liability. But it could be a subtle strength if you ponder on it differently.
As I think about how some people complain about the plot, it goes without saying that the actors couldn't show more than what they were required to. The musical Jericho in this film is better than the musical Paulo Avelino in I'm Drunk but the emotional Jericho is miles behind Paulo's Dio. His character in the movie has this hesitant vibe which he probably never fights off fully, not until the ending. Erich is too perfect for her role as Laura in this film. It's funny that people would see so much resemblance with her role and her real life, one would say "Effortless talaga sa kanya dapat 'to." And she proved here why she is Tanduay's 2018 Calendar girl (lol).
While Enchong Dee is a valuable addition to the film, let us all give the highest acting accolades to Jasmine Curtis-Smith. This woman has been unbelievably suited for every role she is getting in her films. Even in Siargao where she is on a supporting role, she steals the spotlight. If I were to make a movie, I wouldn't be certain who to cast as leads but I'm pretty sure I want Jasmine on it.
It'd be fine if people don't watch Siargao anymore due to time or budget constraints this MMFF (pare-pareho lang tayong di afford lahat mga bes) or because it's been pulled out. But if you'd feel extra poetic and would wanna go into a thematic debate over the decision made by Jericho's character at the end of the movie, watch it when it's available. And come back here for a lengthy discussion.
Rating: 7.5/10
xxx
@callmenorby
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