Movie Review: Lola Magdalena and Ang Ina Mo

 

Lola Magdalena is a good balance of comedy and drama that will surely touch your heart. It is a homage to our grandparents and a glimpse on their touching story. It is led by Gloria Diaz as Dalena, who works by day as an albularyo in the church grounds, but at night, she moonlights as a street walker. Ms. Gloria Diaz gave a sensitive performance that acts as the anchor of the whole story. She is joined by other veteran actresses that have an equal fair share of story to tell. Ms. Perla Bautista got a story on one great love to Joonee Gamboa, Ms. Liza Lorena is very cool and light on her role as a widow who fights for her ancestral house that she inherited from her husband. Ms Pia Moran serves as the light and fun vibes of the film with her cute story with a young man. Ms. Sunshine Cruz is also part of the film and the youngest member in the group, her story is captivating showing the harsh reality of being a prostitute.  Lola Magdalena got a unique story to tell on elderly and prostitutes told in a light and affecting manner. It is a decent drama with comedy on the side that we miss watching on the big screen.

 

My Verdict: 3/5

 

 

 

 

Ang Ina Mo is an acting showdown with Lotlot De Leon and Charlie Dizon. They both delivered in the film and gave their all as an actress. Lotlot as an affecting and villain mother. You Will love and hate her in this film. Charlie on the other hand, is a fighting and feisty daughter proving her point and affirmation in her moral compass. You will feel in her acting, the conviction and strongness of her character. The story is not new about the conflicts between mother and daughter but this film shines with its beautiful cinematography and close to detailed production design that you will feel in the slums in far provinces. Rico Barrera plays as the lover of Lotlot and is effective with his masculinity and presence. Jameson Blake plays as the boyfriend of Charlie Dizon in which the two have chemistry and evidently flowing on the big screen. This is another engaging drama that we miss watching on the big screen.

 

My Verdict: 3.5/5

 

 

Both films are intended for submission to the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 and are both directed by the award winning director Joel Lamangan, who directed remarkable MMFF entries like Blue Moon, Mano Po and Rainbow Sunset.