Ded na si Lolo

On my Filipino movie marathon, I've chosen "Ded na si Lolo" (Grampa is dead) for my comedy fill. It's a digital movie written and directed by Soxie Topacio - the legendary theater, TV and film icon.

Initially, I found it to have had a lackluster opening. It was pretty boring and precipitously loud. then again, I had to take into consideration that the entire setting and the families were living in Gagalangin, Tondo. Naturally, noise would be synonymous to the residents and the area.

The plot revolves around the death of the family's patriarch. On his death, the family had to come together and unearth family secrets and grievances - each secret, though ugly, had to brought out and be given a resolution and closure to.

The movie also acts like a foreigner's primer on Filipino superstition. Though it seems hilarious (especially when you're watching it from the sidelines), these traditions and beliefs are deeply rooted and are hard to get rid of. As Dick Israel's character said "Wala naman masama kung sumunod" (No harm in doing it)

Manilyn Reynes shows her effectivity as an actress with the way she has brought to life her character, Charing - a mother of two trying to make ends meet for her family while trying to instill correct values to her children. I found her daughter to be a little off in her acting as a "sosyalera" and instead it came out like she was trying to be gay.

Elizabeth Oropesa shows fine acting skills as the sister that everybody loves to hate (You'll see the twist sometime at the end of the movie). All in all, the acting was impeccable.

The movie is not just a comedy. It's full of layers upon layers of Filipino complexity - family, obligation, secrets and truths. But what got to me was the ending of the film. Through a child's eyes, death can be the most horrific and traumatic thing or it could just be a matter of fact. Either way, their lives are going to be changed forever.

Ded na si Lolo stars Roderick Paulate, Manilyn Reynes, Elizabeth Oropesa, Dick Israel and Gina Alajar.