World Premiere, Competition Section of the 69th Venice International Film Festival 2012
WAVES OF RAVES
A heartbreaking, devoutly humanist work
"Shot in a strict realist style, Thy Womb is on one level a record of this tiny, isolated community’s daily existence, attentively capturing the minutiae of their unique way of life... There’s a sense of timelessness to these moments... as always, Mendoza is nothing if not rigorous in the construction of his narrative... Aunor, one of the Philippines’ biggest and most beloved stars, offers a moving portrayal of a woman determined to provide her husband
with a child... Directed by Mendoza with an unfailingly keen eye for detail
and attention to the rhythms of rural life..."
-- Steve Gravestock, programmer, 2012 Toronto International Film Festival
Typically arresting direction and a stoically moving lead turn from local industry legend Nora Aunor...
"Mendoza is concerned about a more external focus crowding his affectingly intimate relationship study. He strenuously avoids judging Shaleha's simultaneously courageous and anti-feminist decision to act as her beloved husband's marriage broker, though Aunor's softly crinkled face beautifully registers the internal pain of her every decision in this curious process...
Working again with regular d.p. Odyssey Flores, whose water-proficient digital lensing negotiates picture-postcard skies and grubby boltholes with equal fluidity...What ensues is part marital tearjerker, part cultural comedy of manners… Unusual story world with just the right balance of the exotic and the authentic “"
The best film to date from Filipino director Brillante Mendoza
“As quietly agonising as a De Sica film…it is hard to bear emotionally in an unflinching film rich in human, social and natural detail.”
Alluring scenery and a sympathetic lead performance...
"Philippines entertainment legend Nora Aunor stars in a drama by award-winning director Brillante Mendoza…Her elfin features, so powerfully expressive of both happiness and sorrow, help make Shahela an engaging, unlikely heroine here.”
-- Neil Young, Hollywood Reporter
One of the most poignant and intimate films in competition at this year's 69th Venice Film Festival.
"A moving and visually captivating movie with two commanding yet understated central performances. Mendoza's film deserves an accolade at Venezia 69.”
(Click the title or the writer's name to access the link of the full review.)
Director Brillante Mendoza poses proudly with Ms. Nora Aunor whose performance won the Premio Bisato d'Oro (Golden Eel) given by a European jury covering the 69th Venice Interntional Film Festival 2012.
Website by MYKE U. OBENIETA
thy womb
a BRILLANTE MA. MENDOZA film