Ploning

The first time I saw the trailer of Ploning and read on the movie brief, I thought "Ay, parang Batanes." (But actually I haven't watched Batanes to compare it with. It's probably because of the setting and the mention of Taiwanese). I got less interested to watch the movie. But when a good friend sent me an IM telling me to watch the film because it’s that good, I got intrigued to watch the film. Not to mention, I value her recommendation.

********

Ploning transcends the common movie story of a romantic love. Most Filipino movies have the element of romantic love or often it’s even the premise of the movie. But Ploning is different. The movie is premised on love that will make you fall with the idea of love beyond romance. It is a movie that may have an element of romantic love but it touches the hearts of the audience in a very different sense. This is the next Filipino movie that made me cry after “Magnifico”.

Majority of the conversation in the movie is in Cuyonon. (I appreciate any movie that showcases the culture and tradition of Filipinos. It’s always a learning experience.) All the non-Cuyonon actors (yes, another thing interesting about the movie is that they casted locals and they acted pretty okay) had to learn the language. You know that they really spent effort in learning. I love the way Judy Ann delivered her line. It’s truthful, if you’ll compare her accent to the Cuyonon actors).

I just love the transitions. I love the way the audience were led to the past and the present (yes, the movie is full of flashbacks). You wouldn't be confused (and you shouldn’t be with that kind of story). The transitions were really smooth that you can really understand every detail from the past to connect it with the present.

Interestingly, some of the veteran actors in the movie had a very little participation (e.g. Joel Torre). It’s probably the producer’s way of enticing people to watch. A not-so-popular actor could have played his role as the mayor.

It's not the mystery of the story that will keep you watching the movie. It's the mystery of Ploning's character.

*******

Judy Ann is stunningly beautiful in the movie. I wonder if it has something to do with the cinematography. Or it’s probably because she’s “looking wow and feeling wow.”