Mudraks

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

TRIBUTE


Mudraks. A unique, eye-opener tribute for the most exquisite woman in everyone’s life, is one of Cinemalaya’s entries for this year’s Independent Film Festival. Directed by Arah Jell Badayos, the film promises to touch each and everyone’s hearts and later on projects a realization that would leave audiences talking about it.

A celebration of both motherhood and feminism, Mudraks reflects the story of the mothers who knows best for her family – but is not appreciated.

Mudraks’ story revolved around Rio Locsin as Margaret, the infamous, obsessive-compulsive mother who tried to touch her incessantly cold family’s lives. Pippa, played by young actress Roxanne Barcelo, was the daughter who found herself fighting the urge of accepting her mom of whomsoever she was. Throughout the story, she kept a diary, her secret-keeper, which was discovered by Margaret intentionally/unintentionally, that sparked the change in both their lives. And to the queerest of all, Margaret found comfort from the support casts, the yaya and the grocery-boy-turned-Margaret’s-secret-lover, played by Miguel Lorenzo Javier, rather than from her family.

From her husband, down to her two children, and down again still to her relatives-in-law, she was treated ill – discrimination was profound thru her family’s actions. And so when so-called revenge came, after realizing what she had been through, the loving mother finally chose to love herself first.

The only thing that was rubbish about this film was the sound. Musical score was so weak that it may have ruined the entire movie if it continued! The background music was almost-ghostly quiet; the dialogs were delivered hushed, therefore making the whole package almost dull. But luck was still on Badayos’ side, that hideous opening for her film did not continue as the story went on.

Despite of the flaw of having a not-so-high-quality sound on the beginning, the film bounced back and excelled on its featured story. The idea of having a very intriguing ending was so effective; the thought of that controversial reason was the highlight among the highlights of the film. It was evident that it shocked audiences because the latter never stopped buzzing even though the movie was already finished. It left a mark on everybody’s mind, making the filmmakers’ intention successfully accomplished.

On the other hand, the portrayals were also to be applauded. Locsin exemplified the true nature of a love and attention seeking woman, particularly a mother. Her acting was superbly done that it made the cold-hearted people from the audience recoil. Barcelo’s depiction of her character was superb as well. She was perfectly fit for the role, and eventually that made her effective on the movie.

Another plus for this movie is its editing. Though some shots were obliquely done, the transitions made here were good that it became eye-friendly and easy to follow as well.

Though the idea was somewhat common for the film, – Anak, Abakada Ina, Madrasta, etc. – Mudraks still has an edge for its odd conclusion. It was so odd that it made audience crave for more about its exquisite, controversial ending. And yes, this tribute is a salute to all the brave mothers out there!