How can this movie with such graphic content and sensitive subject matter be chosen as an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival? — One might wonder as both film fest patrons and non-watchers alike raise eyebrows on MY FATHER, MYSELF. After attending its red carpet premiere and seeing the warm reactions of the audience, it is as clear as daylight that Joel Lamangan’s latest film to hit the big screen is a curious conversation starter and not just a mere gratifying offering — after his more than 10 titles helmed into the pandemic.
3:16 Media Network and Mentorque, with Nay Len Carrillo and Bryan Diamante on the driver’s seat, have gone the distance to create a product that deserves to be seen by more Filipino moviegoers. Given its R-18 rating from MTRCB, it sets an inevitable limitation that it cannot be theatrical screened or promoted at the largest cinema chain in the country. This could also pose confusion to the audience looking for this title at the ticket counter only to be dismayed. The production team and its publicists are naturally expected to remind the public then and again of their select exhibition venues.
It is neither a perfect movie nor a masterpiece but it presents itself a shard of reality — however truthful it is to its source material (since it is publicized as based on a true story). Its writer Quinn Carrillo continues her streak on presenting shocking stories after a number of screenplays for the streaming platform Vivamax.
It’s easy to notice how the smallness of its cast brings out the bigness of its impact on the romance and the drama. Jake Cuenca and Dimples Romana, the veterans they are, are screaming for awards. Their acting prowesses are skillful and methodical; they clearly know what they are doing as husband and wife with secrets of their own and with the kind of love they provide and they yearn. They both have their shining moments that could either step them up or leave their co-actors outshone. Just give their Best Actor and Best Actress nominations, please?
The two newbies, Sean De Guzman and Tiffany Grey, have strong potentials. Polished little by little by his early sexy films, Sean De Guzman has carefully delivered thanks to the guidance of his director, Joel Lamangan, who was also the first filmmaker to bring the best out of him as an introductory star for the lead role in ‘Anak ng Macho Dancer.’ He has gone a long way thus far and the commendations he has been receiving are all worthy for such talent. Tiffany has her moments too with those nuances and that sexy figure. She could indeed still improve with the learnings she got from the reliable actors of this film. Can’t wait for Tiffany to showcase more of herself in her future projects!
An open mind and eyes wide open are necessary to appreciate MY FATHER, MYSELF, for being brave and relevant in this time and age of colorful tales on family, love, and scandals.
Kudos to the whole team for this offering that opens December 25 in theaters nationwide. Go see it.
TATAK MNL 
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