I’m not a fan of horror films in general
but occasionally I get nerved to watch. Some of the recent horor flicks that I remember were 2005
Hollywood film The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Thai films The Eye and Shutter, and
Filipino movies Feng Shui and Sukob.
Someone told me that when it
comes to horror, Asian filmmakers are good and I agree with him/ her as viewer.
Among the horror films I watched my favorite were The Eye and Halimaw sa Banga (monster
in a jar). In my opinion, there are lot of belief and superstition among Asian
countries and apparently, it sill goes on and on. So in a sense it’s believable
if you adapt those stories in a film.
Review:
Tiktik is a horrific creature
similar to vampire. But compare to gorgeous vampires that we see in recent
years they are creepy. Hello Edward Cullen” (Robert Pattinson of Twilight
series), Celine (Kate Beckinsale
of Underworld series) and Damon
Salvatore or Klaus Mikaelson (Ian
Sommerhalder and Joseph Morgan
of Vampire Diaries)!
Close to what I imagined since I
was a child, Tiktik: The Aswang
Chronicles which top billed and co-produced by Dingdong Dantes, showcased the lifestyle of this creatures. In this movie directed by Erik Mati they can transform into animals like a pig, hide in the shadow, run faster
and fly higher like a special kind of dinosaur.
Superb visual effects
What I like in the movie is first
the special effects. It breaks the record of early
approaches of filmmakers. You maybe see this effect in Hollywood films but it
is a first time for a Filipino film - to shot on green screen chroma key.
Then I like the
characterization of Makoy (played by Dingdong), Sonia (Lovi Poe), Nestor (Joey
Marquez), Fely ( Janice de Belen), Bart (Ramon Bautista). They depict
typical Filipinos who are struggling in their own situation. Although Bart is one of the sources of comedy
relief in the story, you can still sympathize with his stand and “red Lips.”
They are right
that this film is comedy-horror, but
honestly I laugh a lot than to feel scared.
De belen, Marquez, Bautista and even that one big fat Tiktik were
hilarious. And though it’s annoying sometimes but generally the appearance of
endorsements in the film are funny.
Also here, Dingdong
looks hot, really! I watched some of his
works from TGIS, Encantadia, Marimar, Kimmy Dora but I he’s not really appealing to me but in this film- okay hands
down, he’s macho!
Not so internationally appealing
Maybe the jokes
and story of Tiktik sell to me but I think it has no international appeal. I
wonder how the foreign audience’s reaction to cornick as tool to fight powerful
tiktik. Remember that it takes a lot of salt and garlic (according to belief)
to shoo them away Tiktik, what more to kill them in just a piece of cornick?
Although I can
say that despite of the simplicity of the story, numerous endorsements and questionable
actions of Tiktik, it’s a must see film for Filipinos and international
audience. Just try to see the creature
with long tongues who we are scared of especially if there’s pregnant woman or
newly born baby.
Reflection:
Lovi Poe’s
character Sonia is a representation of Filipina or women who goes back to her
parents’ home because failure- Failure to fulfill her dream in the city and
failure in love. Rina Reyes’s character (the neighbor who owns factory of salt) is
an example of someone who mocks others because of their mistakes. Her rationale is Fely (Sonia’s mother) is
very boastful to them because of Sonia’s achievement being the only
professional (she’s a teacher) in their town.
I know many
women who like Sonia – who forget their dreams because of love and out of
wedlock got pregnant. I’m proud of those find way to solve their problems and
able to stand up again. I’m happy to those who ended up with the father of
their kids and live as one family. And I’m very sad for women who left behind
and struggling to stand up.
The ugly truth,
there are only few men now who are man enough to be responsible in their
obligations. Okay let’s say that love fades away between the couple but the
baby, you can’t rid it as if it’s just like a doll. The romantic part of Tiktik: Aswang Chronicles
is Makoy follows Sonia in her province because he loves her and learns to be responsible
partner and soon-to-be father. I hope
many men like Makoy will realize how women bear the pain, judgment and obligation
when they have to raise their kids on their own.
And I wish those
who like Sonia, will able to stand up again. If you fail to find love and partner
in life, at least you have grace and chance to be a champion in terms of
motherhood. I think being the mother is the true essence of being a woman.
because of this I rember the I Dreamed a Dream from the play Les Miserables which has movie adaptation that will premier in December. This Anne Hattaway will take the role of Fantine.
