Movie No. 83 (2017): ANG LARAWAN

Ang Larawan (2017)
Director: Loy Arcenas
Cast: Rachel Alejandro, Joanna Ampil, Paulo Avelino, Sandino Martin, Noni Buencamino, Menchu Lauchengco, Celeste Legaspi, Robert Arevalo
In Tagalog, with English subtitles

"Ang Larawan" is part 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival.

The "larawan" in the movie is a painting by the patriarch of a once affluent family. The painting depicts a representation of an artist and his conscience. The patriarch, now a recluse, leaves the care of their ancestral house and its utilities to his two daughters, Candida and Paula, both still unmarried. Their two older siblings, who live comfortably with their respective families, persuade their younger siblings to sell the house. Then there's this tenant, Tony Javier, a vaudeville piano player. Paula and Candida let him a room. Tony flirts with Paula. He persuades the sisters to sell the painting for an amount that may solve their money problems. And then there's the nosy neighbors and family friends who visit the house that provide good vantage to watch the procession of Virgen La Naval. All these happen before the second world war comes to Manila.

The movie is based on the play "A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino" by Nick Joaquin, National Artist in Literature. Another National Artist, Rolando Tinio, translated it to Filipino. This movie adaptation is a musical. Ryan Cayabyab provides the score and music.

The lead actors, Rachel Alejandro and Joanna Ampil, are both competent as Paula and Candida, respectively. They have no problem hitting high and difficult notes while maintaining their respective characters. Paulo Avelino does a good job as the seducing and scheming tenant.

Some of the lyrics sound weird in the way they are matched with notes. Initially, I felt uncomfortable hearing such lyrics while being sung. But, if these were in English, they would sound smooth. Realizing this, I forgive such minor flaw. The musical score and songs sound good.

The "larawan" may also be referring to the portrait of the family as they struggle to live while maintaining dignity in the midst of changing times and impending war. The attempts to sell the house and the painting are obvious metaphors relevant to the state of society during the period.

Considering also the other aspects, such as cinematography and production design,"Ang Larawan" is a splendid work of art.

Rating: 3.5/4.0

Date seen: December 25, 2017