Movie No. 132 (2013): TUHOG

Tuhog (2013)
Director: Veronica Velasco
Cast: Leo Martinez, Eugene Domingo, Enchong Dee, Jake Cuenca
In Tagalog/Filipino

This kind of movie is a sort of respite from inane blockbuster comedies or rehashed love stories with ridiculous story lines that major local film companies are force-feeding the general moviegoers in the country. The movie may not go down in the history of the local film industry as one of the greatest films ever made but it is something that can linger on one's mind for a while. It's structure is not original but that's the only plausible template for this kind of film. And it's executed well in the film.

"When a random bus ride with random passengers becomes a metaphor for life" is the central idea of the movie. Simple. But the simple yet realistic back stories of the three major characters that got caught up in the bus make the movie quite inviting. It has the magnet to involve the audience, even as a mere spectator of the goings on in every scene. This a well-acted film where even the support and bit players do their job very well. It is the character of Leo Martinez that I care about most; Leo Martinez shines in this movie.

I intentionally do not mention of what happens at the start of the movie and some imporatant scenes to point out lest I'd spill some potential spoilers that will ruin the viewing experience of those who intend to watch this. It's still showing, by the way.

I have only two (very) minor complaints: some minor lapses in production design and the ending comes too soon. But I like how the movie ends.

Rating: 3.5/4.0

Date seen: July 17, 2013