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| Huwag Mong Itanong Kung Bakit |
Huwag Mong Itanong Kung Bakit puts to satisfactory use the signifying systems of film by designing its narrative according to the exigencies of brisk, lean storytelling. This is achieved in the effective sequencing of scenes and shots that tame the sometimes warped traditions of formula through steady technical control. Garcia's employment of production elements from Manny Morfe's art direction to George Canseco's surprisingly restrained musical score is both purposive and sensitive and his efficient execution furnishes the film with a thoroughly polished design. In this, he is ably complemented by Romeo Vitug's evocative visualization. The cast generally turn in creditable performances, as most of them usually do. Dina Bonnevie has never been so effective. Her antagonists provide the flint by which she lights her fire. Cherie Gil is a wonderful actress who communicates pathos with relative ease and great truthfulness. Debbie Miller as Darlene, Lhar's loving but now distraught girlfriend, puts things in her own hands when the chips are down. Anita Linda prevails as Nena, the driven mother. Huwag Mong Itanong Kung Bakit lends itself well to the explication of the violence that makes the lives of women unbearable at home and in society. While in the final analysis, such violence might desensitize them with too much realism and vulgar suspense, it is also possible that it would generate the proper sense of anger and righteous indignation among mute victims and fence-sitting witnesses.
Directed By: Eddie Garcia
Story By: Gilda Olvidado Serialized In Espesyal Komiks
Screenplay By: Gina Marissa Tagasa, Emmanuel H.Borlaza And Elmar Ingles
Photographed By: Romeo Vitug
Music By: George Canseco
Edited By: Jesse Navarro
Production Design: Manny Morfe
Produced By: Viva Films
Release Date: January 4, 1988
1:22 AM
Hi Jojo!
I thought this film was better than the last time I saw it. Maybe because of excessive cuts that was aired in cable and local tv. I even forgot some sensitive scenes when I first watched it in beta.
The love and sacrifices between two brothers and two sisters were parlayed well most especially between two sisters, Dinia (Dina Bonnevie) and Aning (Cherie Gil). Ricky Davao was so good in this movie as Bobby that you would really hate him the whole time but felt for him the moment his brother Lhar (Edu Manzano) hug him when he slowly disintegrates in madness. Blood is indeed thicker than water.
The reason why I also like this film because Viva used to make well-made melodrama and this is one of them in my book. Those komiks material were often good basis for melodramatic storyline without sacrificing moral themes. Not to mentioned the used of obligatory movie themes used by Viva. The theme song of the same name sang by Bimbo Cerrudo were fully intended for the film and not those that came from old pinoy songs.
Interesting and very informative thoughts on the movie as always Jojo!
2:55 AM
Hello Dennis!
I would say that this is one of Eddie Garcia's best Viva produced melodramas. The acting is topnotch. Dina has never been better and Cherie is excellent. Ricky's performance was a little over the top while Edu was adequate.
Family drama has always been the focal point of many komiks novels but it has never been delineated in film the way it was done in this movie. The screenplay presented well-defined characters in believable situations which was an improvement from the novel. Indeed, blood is thicker than water and this theme was used to its fullest in the movie without the unecessary melodramatic concessions. Something that his earlier effort, Magdusa Ka! was unable to convey.
I know how much you love the theme songs and the one thing I noticed is that it wasn't as overused in this movie compared to the others. The music is not as overbearing, it was weaved seamlessly with the movie...
12:20 AM
Yes, I also like the fact that in this movie Cherie plays a much subtle yet still effective role. Ricky's hysterics sometimes reminds me of some of Christopher De Leon's past roles.
I very much like the opening of the movie too, so quiet that the viewers sense the impending tension already with the dreaded sound of the footsteps.
I loved the movie's theme especially with the vocals.
9:13 AM
Cherie is amazing even when given material with the corniest lines to deliver. Great observation Dennis! Ricky is an excellent actor but he has the tendency to overact which was evident in a couple key scenes in the movie.
The opening scene sets the tone for the entire movie while the theme song was appropriate...
5:19 AM
Yes, Cherie can easily get away with the corniest of lines and still get the attention of the viewers!
I just missed those komiks-based melodramas Jojo! Thanks for posting this 'forgotten' gem of a movie.
5:55 AM
Anytime Dennis!
Most komiks based melodramas are remade for television although not as often as they used to. Instead of doing remakes, the networks should secure the rights to the unfilmed titles and make them into teleseryes...