The Director, Writer and Producer of this film was my schoolmate in high school…. He also gained credits on films Beautiful Life, Kahapon May Dalawang Bata, and many more…multi-awarded director and writer!!!
Cast: Cherie Gil, Jacklyn Jose, Bembol Roco, Mark Gil, Simon Ibarra, Sid Lucero, Angel Aquino, Kenneth Ocampo, Erika Ann Luna, and Aaron Junatas
Director: Adolfo Borinaga Alix, Jr.
One of Cinemalaya 2006’s best features, Adolf Alix Jr.’s powerful romantic drama makes its successful transition to 35-mm. It follows the bittersweet story of Teresa (Angel Aquino), a grieving breast cancer patient who returns to Donsol, Sorsogon to seek closure after the accidental death of her husband (Mark Gil) one year earlier.
Instead of finding peace, however, she finds romance in the person of Daniel (the very promising Sid Lucero), a sweet Butanding Interaction Officer who’s also on the rebound from a failed love.
Set against the backdrop of rustic Sorsogon and the majestic butanding (whale sharks), Teresa and Daniel’s powerful love story is further aided by the fine performances of everybody in the cast — Aquino, Lucero, Cherie Gil, Jaclyn Jose, Simon Ibarra and Mark Gil (who was outstanding in another Cinemalaya movie, Ron Bryant’s
brilliant “Rotonda”).
Giving the best performance of her career, Angel (who was likewise very good in “Ang Pamana”) is powerful in her intensity and honesty — a tribute to the actress’ willingness to learn, and to her good heart.
The film transfer glistens with clarity, depth and texture. The
breathtaking and eye-popping visual splendor of Sorsogon is on full view here — from the sparkling waterfalls and the majesty of the butanding in the deep seas to the mysterious- looking mangroves.
Even the evening shots are well-lit. The sound design is also polished — although its volume can be occasionally overwhelming. But, the film would not have been possible without Alix’s insightful directorial vision. He weaves the narrative flow with straightforward fluidity and
confidence that make you understand the story and the characters who populate it.
More than any of the film’s topnotch production elements, “Donsol” will
swim — and soar — in the depths of its viewers’ hearts and minds for its affecting story about love and loss.
Indeed, there’s no telling the heart when it can start beating again.
By Rito Asilo
Inquirer
12/02/2006
Published on page H1 of the December
2, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily
Inquirer
