Iliw (Nostalgia), an Ilokano Love Story

ILIW(Nostalgia) is about two couples from different race who fall in love.  The story happens in Ilocos and it showcase the very beautiful places, culture and heritages of Ilocos. I really like to go there. I want to try to make a clay pot and weave.

Analyzing the movie, I hope that they will take my criticism as an opportunity for improvement, the level of satisfaction  that I am expecting for an Indie movie is not reached. The're some issues with the casting. The way Hiroyuki Takashima bow in the movie was awkward. Audience inside the cinema was laughing every time that he bows. I was disappointed with the acting of Alex Medina especially on his death scene. My friend who happens to be an Ilokano stated that it's not acting for a movie, but he is delivering a monologue. I wish Santiago's role was given to Ron Morales who's been showing a strong acting in the movie. 

I also want to commend Irma Adlawan who had been very good actress in the movie. I liked the way she portrayed as mother of Fidela.

Mama: a love even death can't break

The story of Mama is a good example of the

everlasting love of a mother to her child. It  is about a mental patient in an asylum. Her baby was taken away from her that is why she was in raged to escaped and killed people she encountered. 

She was hunted by town people to make sure that the baby is safe from her and to take custody. Due to insanity, she jumped over the cliff with the baby when she was cornered. They both hit a branch. The baby clothes hook and hang in he branch while Edith fell directly to the water. The dead baby is recover by townsmen.  Edith's spirit is seeking her baby presense since they are separated. Her body turns to black butterfly and flew in the forest. It will make you understand that even death cannot separate the very loving mother to her child. Edith was never in peace until a child die with her in the cliff.

Audience will also learn patience and understanding how children may react to situation. Anabel, although she is not the biological mother, persist to be a adopted mother from the two kids. Most of the time she is rejected and didn't know the reason why the kids initial don't like her.  I really love the scene when Anabel brought Lily  inside the house after she found the latter sleeping outside.  

But looking it in another view, you will realize the it is not only Edith who loves children. The father of Victoria and Lily, who attempted to kill them before, give signs to his brother to save his children from death.

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Movie Picture above is from google.com.