Movie Review: Ang Babae sa Septic Tank

August 15, 2011
SM Centerpoint, Sta. Mesa

MTRCB Rating: PG-13
Genre: Independent

Starring:
Eugene Domingo
JM de Guzman
Kean Cipriano
Cai Cortez

I heard and read many praises for this film and it got me curious. The trailer on TV seemed promising. It was funny. Two weeks after its premiere on the big screen, I decided to give it a go.

3 young filmakers, a producer, a director and a production assistant were braimstorming about a project; a story about a mother living in the slums who sold her son to a pedophile in desperation to survive. They believed they had the great script, the determination and the drive to win an Oscar award. They visualized many versions of the script: a musical, indie and mellow drama styles. They had an occular inspection of the slums. Finally, they chose Eugene Domingo to star in the film, who in turn gladly accepted the role in the condition that they would get a double for her in the septic tank scene. During the shooting, Eugene got excited and fell into the septic tank. Not wasting any time, the camera started rolling and Eugene had no choice but to to the scene.

Positive: Eugene Domingo, definitely. She is brilliant here and deserves all praises. JM, Kean, and Cai had very interesting characters, too. I love the musical part. The song was very good. I can't believe it is possible to infuse musical to this kind of film. The movie is informative. It shows the the endeavors, the trials, problems and struggles of filmmakers to produce a movie.

Negative: I got bored most of the time. The opening scene where the slums were shown took a long time that I almost walked out of the cinema. But then again, I thought of the money I spent just to see this. The ending was a cliff-hanger. Eugene fell into the septic tank, shooting resumed, then boom! Closing credits. WTF was that? The teaser shown on TV made me curious to watch the film. I was expecting more comedy scenes. The scenes shown on TV were actually the highlights. Unfortunately, nothing more was offered so I was like in an I-already-watched-it-on-TV mood.

Overall: The good cast didn't make up for my boredom. Or maybe I'm just not into indie films. I wasn't entertained. Well, a few of Eugene's scenes were an exception. If not for her, this movie is trash.

Rating: