Sometimes, all it takes is a good performance to salvage a not-so-good movie. In the case for Sheryl Andes’ Pandanggo sa Hukay, having Iza Calzado as the lead is the best thing going for it.
I had high hopes for the movie. Its premise (a midwife braving the odds to make it to an important interview) has the appeal of a really good movie. For the first few minutes, it felt light and fun thanks to distinct characters and a number of good lines.
The script, however, felt like it could use some more work. While it wasn’t exactly bad, it was a little loose. There were minutes spent on aimless small talks that did not serve any purpose. Some plot elements were left hanging and if you think back after the movie, you’ll realize that some of them did not pan out.
On the other hand, some sub-plots were too predictable. Maybe it would have been more effective if they were sewn in to the scenes a lot more subtly so that it would feel a bit suprising when it happens, even for just a moment.
It gave me the kind of feeling I experience when watching an episode of a primetime teleserye, which isn’t exactly bad. But it leaves room for so much questions.
However, the story still has that mysterious appeal, like a hypnotic glare that will pull you in. The build up was there and once the events shift into high gear, they get out of hand very quickly.
Elena (Calzado) gets kidnapped by the town’s most notorious criminals on the eve of a very important job interview. In what’s supposed to be a high-tension, high-drama sequences, the emotions felt diluted. The stakes are really high for Elena and even for her abductors, but the sense of imminent danger is missing. Even in the scenes where Elena is dancing along danger, there was no feeling of dread. It’s not coming through the screen the way it should.
I’m not exactly sure why but some scenes lack the intensity to engage me as an audience.
Elena’s fight for survival was cleverly written but it didn’t feel like she has overcome an insurmountable obstacle. And when the movie ended, you’re left with a feeling that something’s not right.
What’s right, however, is getting Calzado to play the lead because, as always, she is impeccable. In this case, that’s good enough for me.
