Movie No. 57 (2016): MERCURY IS MINE

Mercury Is Mine (2016)
Director: Jason Paul Laxamana
Cast: Pokwang, Bret Jackson
In Tagalog, Kapampangan, and English, with English subtitles

Carmen, a fifty-year-old cook and owner of the only eatery at the foot of Mt. Arayat, within which vicinity a treasure is rumored to be buried, decides to close down her business. But, the coming of a teenage American (name Mercury), who begs for temporary shelter from the heavy rain at that time, changes her plans. The transient, then, becomes semi-permanent, resulting in Carmen's business picking up again, all due to the presence of Mercury.

The film, in my opinion, is a direct attack of Filipinos' fascination with foreigners (aka cololial mentality), particularly the fair-skinned like Americans. The Carmen character, although shown to have initial hesitation, welcomes a complete stranger in her household. At the point when Carmen learns about Mercury's dark secret, she seems to have just accepted Mercury no matter what. This, for me, is puzzling. I guess, it is after this revelation when selfish intentions of the two characters start to brood. But, we don't know know about it. 

Despite that we see how the lead characters' evolve due to circumstances thrown into them, I'm not comfortable seeing Pokwang (as Carmen) acting out comedic scenes as Pokwang, not as Carmen. Bret Jackson (as Mercury), however, is a revelation. His performance is worth praising.

The film's script is fluid although I'm not convinced of the backstory behind Carmen's almost estranging her family. Some scenes are unnecessary; they only dilute the film's strength. The cinematography is competent. Overall, the film is enjoyable.

Rating: 3.5/4.0

Date seen: August 7, 2016