We came to watch “Sinagtala” hoping for a feel-good musical extravaganza ala “That Thing You Do!”
We got more than what we bargained for.
Where “That Thing You Do!” offers a simple, caricaturesque look at the clichés given to band drama, allowing for bittersweet but ultimately inconsequential viewing, “Sinagtala” moved not only our feet but our soul.
It does so going beyond safe confines, proposing a far darker, more complex tale in an effort to ultimately inspire, motivate its audience.
And who are these, exactly?
Well, it could be anyone actually but those who are down and out, those who feel lost, discarded, those hiding in shame, those who feel like they are carrying baggage heavier than sin itself, would definitely find much-needed succour in “Sinagtala.”
Yes, it might be prickly viewing at one point or the other for some, particularly those who see their lives mirrored in the tragic characters that inhabit the film, but the reward, in the end, is more than worth it.
Who says Filipino films are bereft of substance, meaning, purpose?
All are accounted for here.
And we couldn’t find fault in the production either.
The screenplay is solid, the directing fluid, the acting superb.
A big plus is the use of catchy, originally-penned tunes as performed by the film’s stars themselves.
Yes, Virginia, there is hope yet for local cinema.
Starring Rayver Cruz, Matt Lozano, Glaiza de Castro, Arci Muñoz, Rhian Ramos, as ably supported by Ricky Davao, Robert Seña, Benjie Paras, among others, “Sinagtala,” as directed by Mike Sandejas, is now in cinemas.
