Movie No. 58 (2014). Cinemalaya X: KASAL

Kasal (2014)
Director: Jose Altarejos
Cast: Arnold Reyes, Oliver Aquino, Rita Avila, Maureen Mauricio

The movie dissects same-sex relationship in the Philippine setting. Sherwin (Arnold Reyes) is a lawyer whose expertise is annulment; Paolo (Oliver Aquino) is a film director who moonlights in wedding ceremonies video coverage. They have been living together for three years. Paolo suggests to Sherwin that they get married despite absence of law allowing it. Paolo, who is practically still in the closet, rejects the suggestion, citing it will never work in the local setting. 

The movie is riddled with irony, which makes the movie an interesting piece. Even the beautiful cinematography is ironic since what we see on screen is a relationship that is on the verge of turning sour. On their way to the wedding of Sherwin's 16-year-old sister, who got impregnated by an equally young fiancee, Sherwin and Paolo occasionally get into bouts of argument, sometimes over trivial things, sometimes about one upbraiding the other on issues of infidelity, etc. The performances of the lead actors are excellent, making every scene involving them so engaging. The script can actually work even for a heterosexual relationship. 

This is one of the best films shown in this year's Cinemalaya.

Rating: 3.5/4.0

Date seen: August 5, 2014