Gitling (Cinemalaya 2023) Directed by: Jopy Arnaldo
A filmmaker and an interpreter use language to connect with each other.
Words are the key characters in this story. Subtitles are utilized to establish relationships. The more you embrace the texts and subtitles on screen, the more you appreciate the subtext.
You get to know the characters gradually through their conversations. Started on casual hi’s and ended on profound goodbyes. The words have more weight as the discussions get deeper.
Gabby Padilla and Ken Yamamura are no longer just characters inside a movie. You recognize them as people living in real life. You empathize with them.
You’re no longer just an audience. You are part of the discussions. You become comfortable with them as they share intimate details with you. Trust has been established.
Pinagkatiwalaan mo ang pelikulang ito. At hindi ka nila binigo.
Ang mga desisyon na ginawa nila sa pelikula ay nagmamarka sa’yo sa totoong buhay. Hindi lang nila ito ginawa nang tama, binigyan rin nila ito ng hustisya. Hindi lang puso ang ginagamit dito. Pati isip ay pinapairal din. Ang mga usapan ay may damdamin. Ang mga kaganapan ay may rason.
Lumuluha kang nakangiti. Masakit pero masarap sa pakiramdam. Parehas na mabigat at magaan sa dibdib. Kahit sa mga oras na tahimik lang sila, mayroon pa rin silang sinasabi.
The director knows his film language. The writer knows what words to say and when to say them. The director and the writer are one—literally and figuratively. Jopy Arnaldo is adept at storytelling and screenplay, being able to integrate the scenes and the conversations flawlessly.
The visuals are not too loud and not too silent, but you feel its authencity. Every line is meaningful and relatable. The scoring, the sound, and the song capture the characters’ feelings. The ending is cathartic. Everything is real.
Technically, 𝘎𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 or ‘hyphen’ is used to connect two words, forming a new meaning.
In this case, they used 𝘎𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 to connect the audience to the characters. As you find solace to the film’s choices, you also find meaning to your life choices.
You are one with the film.
Ikaw at ang pelikula... Ngayon ay iisa.
GITLING
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cast: Gabby Padilla, Ken Yamamura Presented by: Cinemalaya 2023 Date Released: August 5, 2023 at the PICC A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews
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