Kritikultura
Review aggregator | Filipino films
Review aggregator for homegrown Filipino films
Generally positive reviews
Relationship between a hard-working mother and her son is challenged when she invites one of her students to their home.
This is not a pleasant experience. It is, however, very worth the unpleasantness. The most shocking cinema from all over the world doesn’t aim simply to shock — instead it reveals what’s most shocking about reality and asks us to bear witness. (4.5/5)
”The discomfort gets under your skin longer than it should be. So when you hear the term disturb the narrative, this is it. (4.5/5)
”Aside from the genuine performances, I am truly captivated by the characters and its symbolism. The depth and unique personalities of each character make them perfect for the development of the film's beautiful screenplay. (8.3/10)
”"Your Mother's Son" is an uncomfortable drama about manipulation and deception with many references to Filipino politics and society.
”It’s all very engaging while you watch, bravely performed by the able cast, and seems to have been crafted with deep political intent – an attempt to understand how the Philippines has got to where it is now. (4/5)
”[...] this nugget of a film is a striking example of trenchant storytelling brought to life by economical filmmaking, narrative brevity and a small ensemble of notable performances.
”Combined with the use of longer takes, Lana makes us viewers the unwitting houseguest in this domestic drama, stirring our need for answers while making us dread their discovery.
”In Jun Lana’s struggle to make sense of past political conditions, Your Mother’s Son becomes his definitive bomba film: mired deeply in sex, and politically dense in its delirious and lustful desires. (4/5)
”There is no Freudian slip in Jun Lana’s Your Mother’s Son, that which emanates from the scenes of desire and pleasure. Everything is conscious, whether upfront or not—even those we never see onscreen. (4/5)
”An engrossing albeit uncomfortable film to watch, but great to discuss with others afterwards, especially considering how divisive it can be.
”Twisted and darkly funny, Your Mother’s Son is a worthy addition to the Duterte era filmography.
”The fact that filmmaker Jun Lana highlights the fundamental components of sexual relationships and eroticism by showing the diversity of human viewpoints is entirely admirable. (3.5/5)
”[...] Lana showed here how a such a sick sordid tale could be richly spun with layers of simmering steam and danger before its inevitable conclusion. (7/10)
”Despite strong performances, the film didn’t give a strong statement nor make a firm stand. It ended up being disturbing but not moving. It doesn’t push you to be better. (1.84/5)
”While it’s applaudable that Lana combines spectacle and commentaries, the insertion of the political messages felt random at best and forcibly inserted at worst.
”I'm not sure if the concept fully lands - framing everything within a psychosexual context misses some of the nuances of our relationship with people in power, and the roots of fanaticism in uncritical veneration and unquestioning worship. (3/5)
”While this feels much more thoughtful and deliberate, I came out of it unsure if I gained anything out of it. It felt like a lot of thought put towards a gaping hole of nihilism. (3/5)
”[...] what the audiences get in return is not a Jun Lana that achieves his lofty aspiration of channeling Brocka, De Leon, or Bernal; but a Jun Lana that stands pat on doing a Todd Haynes pastiche with the pacing and narrative execution of the best film Vivamax could produce on its sunniest day. (3/5)
”[...] it still feels like this needs to be told on a different perspective to match with the new commentary. (2.5/5)
”The film ends up relying on shock value. Still, the film's performances (Sue Prado is definitely the standout here) and Lana's direction are enough to see this steamy domestic drama, making it worth seeking out. (2.5/5)
”I understand that Emma’s statis is part of the political commentary about Filipino complacency. But I don’t agree with that political commentary. (2/5)
”Masarap himayin at upuan over a cup of coffee, Keri Lang sya for me but I can rate this higher sana if only they were able to give me that "satisfying" redemption arc, well this is just my cent. (2/5)
”[...] if the work, or for that matter the entire 100 minutes of it, merely elicits what should be a universal knowledge by now, then it breaks little ground as far as insight is concerned.
”Lacking substance and layers, it takes itself too seriously and desperately tries to be something that it is not. (1.5/5)
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