This is as much the story of three women as it is the story of Culion. In the 1940s, Anna, Doris, and Ditas are three leper patients who live in Culion at a time when the disease is practically a life sentence. No cure has yet been found, and no one is allowed to leave. You live and die there. It is why the place is called the Land of the Living Dead. Anna (Iza Calzado) never loses hope that soon a cure will be found, even when her baby is taken away from her. Doris (Jasmine Curtis-Smith) believes in the myth that a beautiful diwata will soon heal the place. Ditas (Meryll Soriano) keeps attempting to kill herself, helpless against the onslaught of memories from the outside world.
Together the three friends try to negotiate a life of stigma that seesaws between hope and despair, redefining their roles as women, mother, friend, and human being. In the end they prove that neither disease nor death can erase their humanity and their capacity to endure.
Culion is a slowburn emotional drama that deftly captures the lives of leper patients isolated in the bautiful place of Culion. It's beautiful dialogue and screenplay keeps you interested as the story progress on and unfolds. Culion is one of the most poignant, emotionally impactful film that I've seen this year with exemplary performances that were completely captivating and authentic with an exceptional story to tell. So thrilled to see the three main cast in one frame Iza Calzado, Meryll Soriano and Jasmine Cutis-Smith that have different complex of character in the film and remarkably gave justice to the role of Anna, Ditas and Doris. Iza shines on her strong performance as a strong willed mother who is determined to fight for the right of her child. Meryll shines on her quiet moment where he doesn't need a dialoue to convey her emotion. Jasmine shines on her affecting performance and expressive eyes that effectively act out as a young woman full of inner passion.
Ms. Suzette Ranillo truly standout on her remarkable performance as a firm leader with a heart that might gave her a best supporting actresses award. The lead male cast Joem Bascon and Mike Liwag effectively dwell into their character that also exhibit dramatic moment in the film. Culion as beautiully captured and fully utilized in the film will make you love more not only the location but also the Cultural history and kindness of heart of people living there as shown in the film as one of the highlights. Overall, Culion is a lyrical poetic journey with a beautiful story that stays with your heart even after watching.
Ms. Suzette Ranillo truly standout on her remarkable performance as a firm leader with a heart that might gave her a best supporting actresses award. The lead male cast Joem Bascon and Mike Liwag effectively dwell into their character that also exhibit dramatic moment in the film. Culion as beautiully captured and fully utilized in the film will make you love more not only the location but also the Cultural history and kindness of heart of people living there as shown in the film as one of the highlights. Overall, Culion is a lyrical poetic journey with a beautiful story that stays with your heart even after watching.
My Verdict: 4/5
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