(MOVIE REVIEW) Chito Rono’s THE HEALING by Star Cinema – R18.

Seth: “Pagkatapos ho?”

Manang Elsa: “Mangyayari ang mangyayari”

SYNOPSIS: I am really unsure of what to expect last night at the Director’s Cut of Chito Rono’s The Healing. Star Cinema’s The Healing is a story of Filipino tradition wherein people are asking for help on treatment of diseases. A news about the miraculous works of a faith healer spread like wildfire attracting the attention of people suffering from various illness coming from all walks of life. All of the sudden, the faith healer stops her “healing” sessions but was forced by a group of patient.

The Healing is the HORROR MOVIE EVENT OF THE YEAR!

GRADE: Cinema Evaluation Board gave an A.

MTRCB: R13 and R18 (First in Philippine cinema)

Cast: Vilma Santos, Kim Chiu, Martin Del Rosario, Janice de Belen, Mark Gil, Martin del Rosario, Allan Paule, Cris Villanueva, Daria Ramirez, Ces Quesada, Ynez Veneracion, Simon Ibarra, Abi Bautista, Joel Torre, Chinggoy Alonso, Mon Confiado, Carmi Martin and Pokwang.

FULL TRAILER

patients.

The last time I checked, Feng Shiu (2004) and Sukob (2006) were the only memorable suspense-horror films I have seen. This 2012, I will add The Healing on my A-LIST. Oh I realized that all of these three are Chito Rono’s! At the beginning of the movie, you will feel that there will be huge and big scenes await you as they are establishing the characters. I figured that I would understand what was going on without knowing the plot. After all, Chito Rono’s movie had arguably huge plot. In the story, nobody tries to find an alternate escape route. Even Seth (Vilma) In fact, the main character literally is confuse with what to do exactly that they opted to sought help back to Manang Elsa, but discovered a shocking revelation.  The Cinematography of the film is superb. The plot is engaging in a way that you would want to know the conflict. Vilma’s acting is just fine. Enough to make you feel she is scared. I remember it was on a blogger’s conference when Direk Chito literally shown and guided Vilma what to exactly do on scary scenes and she delivered it well.

The reason I like Chito Rono’s horror movies, and the reason I see most of them in the theatre, is because suspense-horror is a completely original genre, completely divorced from the hang-ups and expectations of movies that involve real people doing somewhat credible things. I remember when Chito Rono did a suspense project DAHAS, topbilled by Maricel Soriano and Richard Gomez. It was one of a kind. Very engaging just like the Healing.

Kim Chiu, among other characters has lesser exposure here but a huge revelation. She epitomizes the typical Asian character on every horror films we watched. Her make-up was perfect and she looks so fresh on the movie.

Pokwang, Janice and Martin Del Rosario did a great job as support role. Their characters are very important and happy to see Janice De Belen again on the big screen. Pokwang gave a little taste of comic on her dialogues, which gave everyone to catch their breath in preparation to next scene. Martin Del Rosario is a real charmer.

Again the focus of the film is the story, its suspense package and for Vilma Santos, which they succeeded. I suggest everyone should watch the uncut version, brave the director’s cut as there seems to be obvious reason why some of the scenes are not included on R13.

DISLIKE: There’s one thing I don’t like, they are trying to blur some of Vilma Santos physical feature. That looks very obvious on the big screen. But you will love the color coding (that’s for you to find out).

Star Cinema gave another reason for everyone to go back to movie houses and appreciate local films. It’s another excellent film of 2012.

MY Favorite Scenes were:

1. Cris Villanueva and Pokwang showing their illnesses/wounds to Vilma Santos
2. Anak ni Janice death (Not that I like tragic but I am impressed with how it’s done cinematically.
3. The establishing shots of the location. From Vilma Santos walking away from Manang Elsa’s house up to the mountain.
4. The suspense scene of Vilma Santos with disturbing crows.
5. Manang Elsa’s external view of her house.

The Movie is in honor of Vilma’s 50th anniversary, Star Cinema gathered an all-star highly acclaimed powerhouse cast composed of Kim, Janice de Belen, Mark Gil, Martin del Rosario, Allan Paule, Cris Villanueva, Daria Ramirez, Ces Quesada, Ynez Veneracion, Simon Ibarra, Abi Bautista, Joel Torre, Chinggoy Alonso, Mon Confiado, Carmi Martin and Pokwang.

I am giving THE HEALING 10 out of 10.