Son, Fritzy Venus A.

X-Orange
21st Century Literature of the Philippines and the World 08-20-2019

A Feminist Literary Analysis of the film “Four Sisters and A Wedding”

One of the gems of the Filipino movies is entitled, “Four Sisters and A Wedding.” It is all

about a family that composed of one boy and the youngest of five siblings with four older sisters

with their mother. It seems very mundane and typical Filipino movie with the same melodramatic

plot that talks about how a family love one another despite of the challenges they are experiencing.

The film can be easily considered as one of the materials for a feminist review as women are

dominantly in charge of the film. From producers, screenplay, editing, directing, and acting, this

chick lit is abundant with female talents and perspectives.

Most of the main characters of the story are ABSCBN artists like Enchong Dee through

his character, CJ. His four older sisters are Teddie (Toni Gonzaga), Gabbie (Shaina Magdayao),

Bobbie (Bea Alonzo) and Alex (Angel Locsin). They play varying roles as sisters of CJ with very

different personalities just as in any household. Teddie, the OFW from Spain who has skeletons

in her closet; Gabbie, the old maid with that loving maternal instinct; Bobbie, the career-driven

New Yorker whose only regret is that she did not live an adventurous life; and Alex, the wayward

daughter whose current boyfriend was Bobbie’s past lover. Because of this, Alex and Bobie act

cold towards each other once all the four sisters rendezvous again at their home for their little

brother’s engagement, which they are hell bent on preventing. CJ is engaged to a beautiful and

sweet lady whose surname is “Bayag” and this lady is the daughter of a wealthy peculiar couple,

whom he met in the past four (4) months. CJ’s sisters don’t like his fiancé and for that reason, his

sisters made a plan to stop the wedding. Soon enough, the sisters realize that the conflict is not
between their family and the Bayags but among the sisters themselves. Everyone who will watch

this movie will later realize that it’s not CJ who’s the protagonist, but the four sisters. The

personalities of the four sisters are irreconcilable, they fight for little things and because of their

egos, these little things turned into intense fight. But one thing I really love about this movie is that

no matter how anger, how many fights you and your family have done, at the end of the day you

will always find ways to be united again and will always be there for each other most specially

knowing that there is someone who is hurting. Their mother, Grace, plays the important role in the

family. As a mother she did her best just to give the equal love and support to her children and

even though it’s hard to raise children without a father, she able to do it. And we will notice at the

beginning of the film, as a way of establishing transition and passing of time, the camera pans to

the left over the picture frames of the family from their childhood to the present. In the last picture

frame, it can be noticed that the father is no longer part of the picture suggesting the current family

set-up is matriarchy run.

This film transforms its viewers to spectators and makes them reflect about their family

relations, fears, insecurities, hopes, and aspirations. More than the entertainment, the lessons

implied that favoritism as an old-age issue destroys family relationships, high expectations to the

point of perfectionism forces an individual to put on a mask and cover up for shortcomings, lack

of attention and affection can drive a person to excel in an effort to conceal deep emotional wounds

and inferiority complex, adventurism and risk-taking pay-off, and being true to self is not

equivalent to being tactless. And, truth, forgiveness, acceptance, and love liberate, heal, assure,

and satisfy a person. And because of this film, I’ve realized that home is not always a place, it’s

your family.
Tanauan, Justine Azenith Maxine B. X-Chico

21st Century Literature of the Philippines and the World 08-20-2019

A Feminist Literary Analysis of the film “Four Sisters and A Wedding”

Four Sisters and a Wedding is all about the Salazar sisters, a well-educated family made

up of matriarch who are on a journey to halt the wedding of their youngest sibling CJ that was

played adorably by Enchong Dee. The eldest among the four, Teddie, is a waitress, janitress and

governess working in Spain where in she’s loud, earnest and light. The second sister, Bobbie, is

played classily by Bea Alonzo. Bobbie is the New York-based corporate communications manager

who is considered as the smart one in the family. Bea expertly succeeds in giving a hint of depth

to the one-dimensional character she was provided with. The third sister is Alex, the “black sheep”

and carefree rebel among the siblings. The independent film assistant director is played

convincingly by Angel Locsin. The fourth sister is Gabbie, the strict, stiff, young “old maid” in

the family played maturely by Shaina Magdayao. Her one-note performance is understandable

given the limited nuance made available to her character. Connie Reyes plays the mother of the

siblings. Firm but gentle, she also shines in the movie thanks to her subdued performance.

One such issue in this movie is that CJ’s sisters not liking his fiancé. First is that they think

that she is unattractive. Which, though mean. They dislike her because she is tacky and nouveau

riche and a daughter of a peculiar parents. Angel Locsin and Bea Alonzo were on fire with their

acting, and that helped to save the film. Their performances lent an emotional gravity to the film

which made it watchable. Toni Gonzaga seemed both over- and under-directed. She had moments

when she was more cartoon than person, and others when she could have benefited from guidance.

She had moments, when she played off her co-stars, which showed her chops. Shaina Magdayao,
in her few moments, was effective. Shame though that she wasn't given more to do. Coney Reyes,

as the matriarch, served as a great anchor. I saw from the performances of these good actresses

that this could have been a really great film. It was a great cast. But it was uneven. The stories

should have been interwoven, but instead, we just jumped between characters. There were so many

strands of story, all of them potentially rich, that none of them were fully explored.

But above the imperfections of this movie, this movie made me realize the importance of

a family that no matter what happen, you may be in separate ways, you’ll always find time to be

with each other. Family is something that is valuable. Valuable in a way that they can’t be replace

by someone. Other people may leave you behind, but your family? They will always stay by your

side with no hesitation and asking something in return. It is good to have sisters and a brother.

You may have different personalities but at the end of the day, you are still siblings that no

material things can replace that. A family is to give you a safe and supportive base from which to

explore the world. This applies both to the family your parents make for you, and to the one you

eventually make for yourself.

This movie opened our eyes that in a family insecurities, fears, hopes, relationship and love

plays it important role just to keep the family going. No matter what type of a family you have, it

doesn’t matter. The important thing there is you are capable of acceptance, forgiveness and love.

It is so hard to find a family like yours. Every family is a unique one. Give love as much as you

can because they are not at your side forever.

Son, Fritzy Venus A. X-Orange

21st Century Literature of the Philippines and the World 08-20-2019

A Historical literary Criticism of the film “GOYO: ANG BATANG HENERAL”

This movie is all about the life of Gregorio `Goyo' del Pilar, one of the youngest generals

during the Philippine-American War, who fought in the Battle of Tirad Pass. Goyo: Ang Batang

Heneral is a story about one of Bulacan's finest generals. General Antonio Luna has been killed,

but the war is far from over. Known by many as "the President's favorite," Gen. Gregorio "Goyo"

del Pilar (Paulo Avelino) is tasked to lead the Philippines' revolutionary forces against the

Americans. This movie is a lengthy movie that lacks the fire, and shock and awe value of Heneral

Luna, but that doesn't mean it is monotonous --very far from it.

Paulo Avelino's portrayal of the young general is not as stellar as John Arcilla's Luna, but

it fits him. In some moments in the movie, especially in the first acts, you will feel like he does not

need to play the role; it appears like he just goes in there, be himself and just delivers the lines.

Also, the good thing about it is that he operated on the same level as his co-artists, whereas Arcilla

seemed to have overpowered everyone. The movie is not mainly about national pride or about

saving the country. It is reflexive rather than expressive. It is about the emotions, the psych and

what really goes on inside a person that is about to take on a task and might be asked to give the

ultimate sacrifice. Goyo's demeanor swings back and forth from being a kid to being a general and

vice versa, from devising plans for battle to womanizing, both of which were foreshadowed by

Pule (Quizon) in one of his dialogs. The story also mirrors the relationship we have had with the

Americans in the past decades.

 There is also a scene that exemplifies the switch of stillness to the preparation of war where

the Filipinos have to climb a mountain with an intention to be fully intact for the battle. As they

are climbing, the force of nature through the heavy rain and devastating wind signifies that the

coldness can be a cause of destruction. In addition, that moment when the wife of the President,

Hilaria Aguinaldo, becomes unconscious due to the tiring voyage, the struggle to bring up water

that eventually gotten from the bamboo’s stem can be a cause of death when not provided.

What I liked most about this film was its cinematography and production design. The aerial

shots, specifically the ones highlighting Tirad Pass, really stood out for me. I'm not really sure if

I'm making this up but I think those particular shots were filmed in such a way that it would

resemble that of an eagle's perspective. The eagle symbolizes as Goyo. And it is mind blowing.

The film was masterfully done. The cinematography itself is brilliant and eye-

opening. The actors are wonderful in their role, they really know their character, that explains why

they deliver an awesome play. Paulo Avelino portrays his role in an astounding way as a baby-

faced general.The film shows us how brave the soldiers are and that if you oppose with the law

you will die in an instant. In that era the way Filipino lives are different from now. They tend to

suffer some of the abusive people of the government.

The film teaches me the past life of the Filipino in the arms of the Generals. They

show us the way they live and how they suffer to live a normal and peaceful life.

In this generation we should thankful that we live in a normal life--- so peaceful.

Through this literary analysis, I will go through the Semiotics that makes up the

movie, which would help to give proof on the most important ideas that our country will be our

home forever and its history.

 Tanauan, Justine Azenith Maxine B. X-Chico

21st Century Literature of the Philippines and the World 08-20-2019

A Historical literary Criticism of the film “GOYO: ANG BATANG HENERAL”

Thie movie is all about the journey of Gregorio `Goyo' del Pilar as one of the youngest

generals during the Philippine-American War, who fought in the Battle of Tirad Pass. It is a story

about one of Bulacan's finest generals. General Luna has been killed, but the war is not yet done.

Goyo is also known by many as the favorite of the President, Emilio Aguinaldo. Paulo Avelino,

an actor from ABSCBN is tasked to lead the Philippines' revolutionary forces against the

Americans. This movie is very lengthy movie that shock and awe value of Heneral Luna, but that

doesn't mean it is not a nice movie. It is just a historic movie that not everyone has the interest to

watch.

Avelino's acting skills as the young general is not that big time as John Arcilla's Luna but

it really fits him and it is so good to know that there is someone who able to act perfectly as one

of the heroes of the Philippines who gave their very best just to all sure that all Filipinos will be

free with the oppression that they are experiencing. In some moments in the movie, you will feel

like he does not need to play the role; it appears like he just goes in there, be himself and just

delivers the lines. Also, the good thing about it is that he operated on the same level as his co-

artists, whereas Arcilla seemed to have overpowered everyone.

The movie is about the emotions, the psych and what really goes on inside a person that is

about to take on a task and might be asked to give the ultimate sacrifice. Goyo's demeanor swings

back and forth from being a kid to being a general and vice versa, from devising plans for battle
to womanizing, both of which were foreshadowed by Pule (Quizon) in one of his dialogs. The

story also mirrors the relationship we have had with the Americans in the past decades.

This movie is something that we really need to give value for the reason that it is

part of our history and it gives us a realization to be thankful for the reason that we did not

experience the war they’ve experience.

The heroes of our country is not heroes for only that time. They will be heroes

forever in our hearts. They maybe not in the present time but let’s just be thankful that they’ve

sacrifice their own happiness just to protect our motherland. This film has its brilliant

cinematography and production design. The aerial shots, specifically the ones highlighting Tirad

Pass is remarkable.

This movie made me realize that in everything that we do, we have to make sure that you

are capable to continue most specially if it’s for our country. No matter how big or small things

you have done for our country, it doesn’t matter, the important thing there is you did your best just

to show that you value our country, the Philippines.

The story gives me a conclusion in which the motion picture highlights that the governance

in general has to be led in flexibility, in a way that when power is being exercised it doesn’t neglect

the strong build up of people below that welds the throne.

Further, it considers the idea of what the exact purpose should be that forms the unity, and

therefore eliminating the agenda of selfish will and power. It then would have to be no partition

that weakens the shield, involving coercion, envy, and false determination.
 Son, Fritzy Venus A. X-Orange

21st Century Literature of the Philippines and the World 08-20-2019

“A Socio-cultural Literary Analysis on the film Ang Larawan”

Ang Larawan is a Filipino movie that talks about what is really important in life, is

it being materialistic or not. This is a story about the two daughters of Don Lorenzo Marasigan,

Paula and Candida, having in mind if they will sell the last masterpiece of their father or they will

keep it. The portrait is been titled as the Retrato del Artista como Filipino (Portrait of the Artist as

a Filipino.) In that painting there’s an old man on a young man’s back behind them is a burning

city. His father painted it for Paula and Candid. Of high stature yet with no money, the two sisters

have been shunned by society and are left to fend for themselves as they have been abandoned by

their older siblings, Manolo and Pepang. All they have to their name is a house they cannot afford

to keep and the last painting of Don Lorenzo, a self-portrait, which he has given to them to keep.

There are many themes running through this play. Women had very little choices in those

times, they had to be married or live in servitude to well-off family members. Candida and Paula’s

lives and reputations were at stake and the film sort of reminds us why the feminist movement is

badly needed today.

While it is a joy to watch the performances from Rachel Alejandro (Paula), Sandino Martin

(Bitoy, a family friend), Nonie Buencamino (Manolo), Menchu Lauchengco (Pepang), Paulo

Avelino (Tony), and a stellar turn for Joanna Ampil (Candida), the play’s story and structure limit

the film’s capacity to be truly cinematic.

 Near the end, there’s a powerful song that ends really big that it felt like an ending. It could

have been a proper ending for the film, but it continues on afterwards, prolonging the catharsis.

And because of the wordiness of the libretto, certain scenes would do better if it were spoken

through than sung. But the film is not without its charm. In fact, there’s a lovely little number with

Zsa Zsa Padilla as a lady who visits and has a conga dance number that fits just right in and leaves

a smile on your face.

There’s care involved in every aspect, even the casting of Paulo Avelino, who appears to

be the only non-classically trained singer in the group, but it works well as his character is rough

around the edges and is a pianist in vaudeville. The contrast to his singing style works for the

character.

I can say that this movie made the viewers realize the value of time wherein we can see the

song that they are singing in the past full of love, compassion and felt by everyone and is different

from the songs in the new generations that some of the songs in our time are not that good just like

the old songs.

 Tanauan, Justine Azenith Maxine B. X-Chico

21st Century Literature of the Philippines and the World 08-20-2019

A psychoanalytic literary analysis of the film “ Exes Baggage”

A good romantic drama relies on the chemistry between its leads. A mismatched

pair can ruin even the best plots so getting the right love team to portray the roles is key. Luckily,

for Dan Villegas’ Exes Baggage, Carlo Aquino and Angelica Panganiban more than deliver. Their

chemistry is incredible and it’s what drives the film to its well-deserved success.

In Exes Baggage, Aquino and Panganiban star as Nix and Pia, two young Filipinos who

meet in a bar and fall in love. They’re polar opposites: Nix is somewhat shy and reserved, while

Pia is loud and outspoken. They also have different views on love. Nix is scared to enter a new

relationship after a bad breakup and Pia believes that you should continue loving, even if it hurts.

It’s a story that we’ve heard countless times before, but it works well because of its leads.

Panganiban is amazing, delivering punchline after punchline, alternating it with poignant scenes

that she carries just as well. Even if Aquino’s character is more restrained, he deftly keeps up with

his co-star, catching all the quips and responding with aplomb.

There are times when I felt like the whole movie was an extended improv act, where

Villegas only gave the actors guidelines and allowed them to breathe life into the story without a

solid script.
 Much of the success of Exes Baggage is that Aquino and Panganiban are real-life exes.

Because of their history as a couple, you see them relaxed and at ease with each other. There are

no awkward moments, no missed sparks. It feels like you’re watching a real relationship form…

and then crumble. You feel each line, you get kilig, and you are affected at that pivotal scene

towards the end.

The millennial feel of the film can alienate those who are over the aesthetic, but it’s such

an enjoyable watch that it doesn’t matter in the end. Aquino and Panganiban take us on this

emotional journey and we love it, excess baggage and all.

This movie made me realize that all people are capable of loving and are trustworthy to

love. You just have to find someone who will allow you to love him/her and will give back the

love you ever wanted.