Donsol

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Independent

EXEMPLAR


An exemplar of the true meaning of quality local films, Donsol is surely on its way on captivating the minds and hearts of its audiences. Written, produced, and directed by PLM – CMC alumnus Adolfo Alix, Jr., the film is set to bag awards in and out Cinemalaya and the country for it features breathtaking sceneries, juicy acting, and a heartwarming love story of heartbreak and the healing power of love.

Arranged in a well embedded manner, the film is about Daniel, a young B.I.O. (Butanding Interaction Officer) who happens to find himself being drawn to the mysteriousness of Teresa, a tourist who returns in Donsol bearing the scars of her past. Together, they both discovered in each other the essence of love’s mending as time passes by.

Truly, love is an ocean of emotions.

The film did not fail to emphasize that quotation, because aside from its very emotional, moving, and touching story, it also featured actors whom interpretations on their characters were an added X-factor for the film’s entirety. Daniel was played by young actor Sid Lucero, who is known to be born on a family of well renowned actors in the country. Lucero wowed audiences not only with his stunning looks, but also with his portrayal of his character. He was so effective in his manner of acting, and he even made it as if he was really the one he’s portraying! From the looks, to the actions, and to his accent as a Bicolano, everything was perfectly done. It was really splendid, very believable! Acting blood is truly flowing on his veins. Then again, Angel Aquino as Teresa was a surprise here. From the fact that she was not first known on this field, she managed to pull something that audiences were not expecting, at least, for a renowned model like her. Contrary to what people thinks, this lady can really act. This movie was one of her few appearances wherein she is found serious – seriously acting and inspiring people as well. She crossed the borders of modeling and performing with such profound acting prowess, and that was observed here in Donsol. With Lucero and Aquino, a team of powerhouse support cast consisted of Cherie Gil, Jaclyn Jose, Bembol Roco, Mark Gil, and Simon Ibarra also delivered acting on such high standards as well, equally and remarkably.

Unlike other commercial films that was also entitled with a name of a certain place (particularly the film’s setting, where the story mainly evolved) such as Milan and Dubai to name a few, Donsol differs in the sense that it did not abused and romanticized the whole place thing. The story was – yes – simple, but it was artistically depicted. No dull moments, no cheesy scenes, and not even a single sign of ambiguity. Though there were elements of parallelism evident – the myth about the butandings being alike Daniel and Teresa’s situation, it was not bad and boring at all. In fact, it even gave a realization for the viewers, and also an impression of a well-built story with significance and connection. Everything was blissfully conjoined together.

As to its shots, it made audiences mouth-opened, drooling in awe for more of spectacular sceneries. The film featured perfectly captured scenes on each angle appropriate for it, and it was one of Donsol’s edges among the other entries on this film festival.

The editing was smooth. Every transition gave an impression of very eye-friendly visuals. Both the shots and the transitions were perfectly fit together, and thus making this film both enjoyable and moving to watch.

Another plus factor was the movie’s musical score. It helped a lot on emphasizing the highlights on the flow of the film’s story. It was so effective that it helped the sustaining of the audience’s interest on watching the film.

The over-all execution of the film was superbly made. All the aspects of the film’s entirety went hand-in-hand, making the movie a catch itself on the list of independent films on this year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

Donsol is, without a doubt, one of the most promising indie films of the year. Exceptional among others, it surely guarantees a breathtaking experience for its audiences. Truly, this is an exemplar of the true meaning of a quality local film.