SFIAAFF: “Santa Mesa”
Mar 19th, 2008 by dino-ray
If you’re looking for a happy-go-lucky, lift your spirits type of movie then Santa Mesa is for you! Wait a second, no it isn’t. It’s honestly kind of depressing - but don’t let that dissuade you. Sometimes we need a good cry to make us smile.
The story focuses on Hector (Jacob Shalov). His mother dies and he is forced to move to the Philppines to live with his estranged grandmother, Lita (Angie Ferro) in Santa Mesa, a not-so-glamorous part of Manila.
He doesn’t speak a word of Tagalog and she doesn’t speak any English. That said, things don’t exactly pan out for the best.
Hector starts to explore the streets of the slummy district and befriends a street hustler that looks like a long lost member of Menudo, Miguel (Pierro Rodriguez), an emotionally scarred dreamer Sel (Maria Lopez) and a tough-as-nails mentor Jose (Jaime Tirelli).
There’s laughs. There’s tears. There’s trouble. And there’s more tears. But in the end, it’s a story about the relationship of Hector and his grandmother. More than that, it’s about a boy getting back to his roots.
What I liked: It evokes so much emotion. I connected with it on a “Filipino identity” level, but at the same time I saw it as movie about relationships and how dysfunctional families can do a lot of damage control despite what has happened in the past.
Event though the film is mostly shot in the slums of Manila, there’s something beautiful and peaceful about it. It shows the Philippines in a raw lens, making it a perfect backdrop for the movie.
And finally, I LOVED Angie Ferro as the grandmother. Her portrayal of a hard-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside Lita made my heart melt - and it made me miss my grandma. Yes, I am a softie.
What I didn’t like: The “romantic” relationship between Hector and Sel. It wasn’t strong - even if it was just puppy love.
My rating: I give it a “B+” for making me a bawl like a baby.