User Reviews

Dagitab grips a sort of strange premise at the start; this is basically about a struggling marriage between two college professors who eventually realized that they never got satisfied at the choices they made in the past. This particular story leads to a couple of unlikely moments which involves a scandal and an encounter of a supernatural being. While these sequences are meant to give a compelling shock, the film doesn't let them take over the overall story and sticks to the larger meat that takes place in their simple but gloomy lives. There are still some moments that are inevitably questionable, but then this is what these types of movies are supposed to be. The rest of it all, stellar performances and graceful direction is what makes it all engrossing.

The story focuses on a married couple who are living in a midlife crisis, in which their relationship weren't able to grow enough because one of them has been working on a long time research while the other was just waiting for it to be over. The movie doesn't only go straightly as a drama, in its first hour the plot goes through a sense that resembles to a morality tale and a mind-perplexing thriller, potentially tries to give some high concept weirdness in this small story. The sudden encounter with the research might expect something bigger and turn everything into a symbolism, but after those odd scenes, the film returns to the actual theme and makes sure it doesn't leave it. The scandal in the other hand is nothing more than another affair that adds more tension and consequence to the story. In the end, it was never about the scandal or the research, it is just about the couple who needs to continue living after creating a long journey milestone.

The film just lets the two be themselves, either expressing their regrets, or considering to stay together or finally give up. This wasn't probably what the intriguing opening scene indicates, but it was rather fulfilling anyway. The direction is obviously calm, letting every single scene breathe and express whatever they have to express. Lead actors of the film, Eula Valdes and Nonie Buencamino, remarkably gives the characters their modest connections, while hiding their inner insanity and often shows their brooding.

Although it begins with a maggot infested corpse or have a bizarre scene involving a ghost, it is still one quiet, almost a love story that comes really close to reality without any shouting, and pours more on what they honestly feel in their complicated situation. Dagitab perfectly lingers in whatever is happening and there it becomes even more thought-provoking and totally heartfelt. There are still some strange parts that has been left mysterious, but does it even matter, the film has already succeed in its much wonderful commitment.

SPARKS - this word is enough to describe the film - FULL OF SPARKS.

When I first hit CCP I immediately asked for Hustisya and Dagitab - two films that are so close to my heart after seeing the trailer. I was contemplating then what would I be able to see in the movie aside from an amazing ensemble. YES, good thing I didn't kill myself on pondering and pondering what story should be seeing. Will it disappoint me as an avid fan of Valdez and Buencamino? Will it surprise me? Will I be seeing another film that clings to the same family issue? Out of my surprise, I was totally blown away. Am giving you FIVE reasons why;

1. Eula Valdez and Nonnie Buencamino they are both perfect for the role. Buencamino had a very subtle acting style in this film but he was able to channel it in various angle. I will never forget that scene when writing the preface of his book (that was an amazing close up shot) where he was engrossed to the words that he was saying. I am pretty sure that this acting will be given a special recognition. Of course the one and only Eula Valdez words are not enough to describe her performance. She was an amazing character all through out the film and not in a single blink she dropped it. What a couple! Gian Abrahan is now a PRO.

2. The gift of visual adventure was present. All the shots were taken seriously and perfected to a level where you will just keep your lips sealed but your eyes glowing. Here are some of the memorable scenes; The search for sundang. The Intersection, where in Eula and Martin are both lying on the sea shore and as if they are being enveloped by darkness. The comfort room scene where "Do you believe in sparks" line was shown. And my favorite of it all The Dusk where fireflies are flying which was just so apt to close the film.

3. The soundtrack. I was lulled by the beautiful mix of unexpected music. The scores were chosen well as to match every scene. I can just close my eyes and imagine am listening to a concerto. #ChampLuiPo of course just to mention because I am still a big fan of that band.

4. Wordplay was superb. I don't need to elaborate this further but I wanna say that of all my Cinemalaya experience since 2006 the screenplay of this film will always be in my heart.

5. Just to mention the funny yet compelling role of Martin del Rosario. His evolution as actor in this film should never be forgotten. He was able to carry such great emotions and throw some punches to the viewers. He is on his way to get his first acting awards and that will be on Sunday.

I just want to end my review with this, "Why do you want to shut out of your life any uneasiness, any misery, any depression, since after all you don't know what work these conditions are doing inside you? Why do you want to persecute yourself with the question of where all this is coming from and where it is going? Since you know, after all, that you are in the midst of transitions and you wished for nothing so much as to change. If there is anything unhealthy in your reactions, just bear in mind that sickness is the means by which an organism frees itself from what is alien; so one must simply help it to be sick, to have its whole sickness and to break out with it, since that is the way it gets better."

― Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

To review and explain DAGITAB (2014), is like to give meaning to a poem. Director Giancarlo Abrahan V pulls together a lyrical, silent, and melancholic story of two academicians, married for years, and have viewed life as a road of passing phases. It is artsy, deep, and uncomprehending at some point, but it is good! Very good indeed.

Issey (Eula Valdez) and Jimmy (Nonie Buencamino) have been married for years. As the story begins, their relationship is already on the verge of falling apart. Jimmy takes flight in search of a relic for his work that involves a long lost love. Issey, on the other hand, gets involved in a scandal with a young student (who is also her godson) in the university where she and Jimmy work.

It's a simple plot, with simple scenes. But one can argue if they really are. DAGITAB makes use of long undramatic scenes that will still leave you breathless and wondering. The film presents two opposing symbols (fire and water), without shoving it down your throat. These symbols represent two opposing emotions: fire for passion and water for loss, and imagination. You see, it's just there: conveniently hidden for the idle, but still beautifully planted for the searching.

DAGITAB creates a wonderful example of poetry in film. Abrahan meticulously directs with utmost care to deliver a Cinemalaya entry that silently speaks a loud undertone.

Like the rhythmic form, it's brilliance is hidden in its silences, and its magnificence in its performances.

Just as I said: It's like poetry.