Movie review: Irony plays a big role in MMFF New Wave indie ‘Magkakabaung’

The Metro Manila Film Festival begins the screening of its mainstream entries on December 25, but the independent films that form the MMFF's New Wave section are now in select cinemas in the run-up to Christmas Day.

One of these, Jason Paul Laxamana's "Magkakabaung," depicts the lengths one would go just to make amends to a departed loved one. The film's plot film is one full of irony: a coffin-maker struggles to afford a decent burial—even a decent coffin—for his child.

Coffin-maker Randy (Allen Dizon) loses his eight-year-old daughter Angeline (Dizon's actual daughter Felixia) after giving her medicine she turns out to be allergic to.
 
Things continue to unravel for Randy after Angeline's death, including his relationship with Mabel (Gladys Reyes)—Angeline's mother, who abandoned them both.

Randy also cannot afford to pay his daughter's hospital bill. The owner of a funeral home lends him money to do so, in exchange for Randy's custom. With Randy still without the money to hire the funeral home for his daughter, the funeral home owner suggests a solution that drives Randy berserk.

A heart-wrenching story centering on loss and guilt, "Magkakabaung" is also visually stunning, especially near the end. The camera handling seemed shaky during the first half, perhaps due to the production's being "indie"—these are economical shots, but not necessarily audience-friendly.

A talented cast fleshes out the script, talking in Kapampangan and Tagalog throughout the film. Allen Dizon proves that he can pull off a dramatic role. He has his moments, especially towards the end. And his daughter, Felixia, is a natural actress. Emilio Garcia, Gladys Reyes, and Chanel Latorre round out the ensemble.

Surprisingly for its subject matter, the film has its moments of humor and suspense. — BM, GMA News
 
"Magkakabaung" is part of the New Wave category of the Metro Manila Film Festival. Catch the film at SM Megamall Cinema 12 and Glorietta 4 Cinema 1. For more information including screening schedule, visit the MMFF New Wave Facebook page or the film's Facebook page.