Movie No. 86 (2016): DIE BEAUTIFUL

Die Beautiful (2016)
Director: Jun Robles Lana
Cast: Paolo Ballesteros, Christian Bables, Joel Torre, Gladys Reyes, Lou Veloso, Albie Casino, Luis Alandy
In Tagalog, with English subtitles

Paolo Ballesteros is Patrick/Trisha, a transgender who's disowned by his family. In real life, Paolo Ballesteros, is world famous for his talent on transforming his face into deadringers of famous celebrities (local and international) using make-up. It's no-brainer that the script capitalizes on this. It's expected that at some point in the movie, these transformations shall be exhibited. And as suggested by the title, that point shall be during Trisha's death. Of course, the script takes care of how things lead to that point.

The script, though not really focused, is capable of effectively essaying aspects of Trisha's life as a transgender. Dialogues are realistic. Performances of Paolo Ballesteros, Christian Bables (the best friend), and Joel Torre (as the father) are excellent. The presentation of the funeral wake having turned into a circus or media event reminds me of some scenes in Fellini movies. The non-linear editing, though confusing at some points, has definitely contributed to the experience watching a film as original as Die Beautiful.

Rating: 3.5/4.0

Date seen: December 25, 2016

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