By RUEL J. MENDOZA
Isang original musical ang Ang Larawan na base sa play ni Nick Joaquin na The Portrait of the Filipino as an Artist.
Ayon sa producer na si Celeste Legaspi, mahal niya ang mga original Pinoy musicals kaya nag-produce ito ng mga musicals tulad ng Katy!, Kenkoy Loves Rosing, Alikabok at Sino Ka Ba Jose Rizal?
Ginawang Tagalog ng yumaong Rolando Tinio ang English play na iyon ni Nick Joaquin at naging isang malaking musical noong 1998.
Ngayon ay isang pelikula na ito at tinatawag na “dark horse” ng MMFF dahil naiiba ito sa pangkaraniwang pelikula na nakasanayan na ng maraming moviegoers tuwing Pasko.
“We feel the current audience is going to enjoy Ang Larawan.
“Most of all, we are hopeful that they are going to be provoked by it, especially now that we live in a materialistic society.
“Turning Ang Larawan into a movie is our response to the need for films with educational and cultural values.
“It is also our part to preserve the great works of our Filipino artists, so that the youth can learn, be challenged and cherish our Filipino history and culture,” ngiti pa ni Ms. Celeste.
Sa isang review ng Variety ng film critic na si Richard Kuipers:
“Ang Larawan (The Portrait) is a stirring musical drama. No speaks and sings more eloquently than Paula and Candida. The lyrics and the music are highly effective.”
Kasama rin sa cast ng Ang Larawan ay sina Nonie Buencamino, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Robert Arevalo, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Rayver Cruz, Sandino Martin, Cris Villanco, Aicelle Santos, Bernardo Bernardo, Jaime Fabregas, Nanette Inventor, Noel Trinidad, Dulce, Cara Manglapus, Jojit Lorenzo, Leo Rialp at Ogie Alcasid.
