Tuesday was a rainy day, perfect weather for watching movies. Today we'll be talking about Derick Cabrido's Tuos.
The movie takes place somewhere in the mountains of Panay island. Nora Aunor is Pina-ilog, who serves as a 'binukot'. It's a position akin to a princess among the tribe of the Panay Bukidnon. As the fairest maiden in the village, she lives in seclusion, with little to no contact, physical or otherwise, with most of the other people in the village. She is skilled in the arts of embroidery and the oral tradition of the Panay Bukidnon, the Sugidanon. People like her fetch a hefty dowry. She is rearing her young granddaughter (Barbie Forteza) to be the next binukot. But the child is rebellious and fiercely independent; this makes Pina-ilog examine the circumstances of her own life and tradition.
Interspersed with the narrative are animated excerpts from one of the epics of the Sugidanon, the tale of Tikum Kadlum, whose story draws parallels to the main story and its themes. Its titular character is an enchanted hunting dog with the ability to see paranormal things. Tikum Kadlum appears in both narratives, serving as a spiritual guide for the characters involved; he becomes the very presence of the spirits in the real world. Metaphor, reality and the spiritual mix to create an interesting sort of magical realism.
The clash of old and new traditions is reflected in with our two main characters. Whereas Nora Aunor's performance is mostly silent and restrained, excellent as always, Barbie Forteza matches her almost every step of the way with an equally adroit performance, contrasting Nora's silence and restraint with impatience, naivete and intense emotion. I believe she's one of the most talented actresses in her generation.
The movie's theme encapsulates a paradigm shift - where characters realize that the old ways may not always be the best ones. Its spirit of independence epitomizes the spirit of what this festival should be, which is made even more evident when the movie meta-analyzes itself and the current filmmaking industry in its final frames. It is a challenge, an exhortation, a silent prayer - to break free from the established mold of filmmaking and open one's self to the endless possibilities of the art form. And it is a challenge to us, the audience, as well, to seek the same kind of experiences in watching them.
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