My second favorite Filipino movie (Jologs first, Crying Ladies third) and the best of 2006. I've seen Kasal in theatres before the New Year and i never missed seeing it in Cinema One or special showings in ABS later on.
The movie is divided into three segments (according to the three words in the title) that show how Angie (BOOM! A surprisingly mature, funny and excellent Judy Ann Santos) and Jed (an equally superb Ryan Agoncillo) survived marriage life, family issues and interruptions, pregnancy and a sexy Barbie doll mistress (Palermo). That's just about it. So why is it such a hit?
Well maybe because in this very simple film, we can find colorful non-stereotypical characters in a very common situation. In the core of the film, we are introduced to the opposing families. Angie's bototay-making tough-as-nails politician mama Belita (BAAAAAANG! a scene stealing, lauded and exceptionally hilarious Gina Pareno) approves of Angie's choices, as well as her witty and equally tough pop (Soliman Cruz) and his other family (Cheena and -HAHAHAHAHA- Bronson) and the whole family. But Ged's sophisticated drama queen mom Charito (a fascinating turn from Gloria Diaz) doesn't approve because she dislikes the lifestyle of Angie's clan. So they just wed secretly and surprised their circle of friends (also a great ensemble of Vargas, Alano, Ramsay, Villaruz) and the two families. We also meet Mariel (Palermo), Jed's hot and quietly wild mistress who gets lectured by Angie in one of the funniest restaurant scenes in Philippine cinema.
Jose Javier Reyes gathered great picks for the ensemble cast, wrote a hilarious and humane script, gets all the juice in his cast and just sat back while accolades kept on rolling in his bag. He proves us again that he's one of the greatest Pinoy directors around (not to mention writer).
I'm giving praise to the wonderful ensemble in their beautiful depiction of family, friends and Filipinos. Incredibly terrific and very very VERY rare.
The editing and music are also terrific and flawless. The reworking of Yeng's Hawak Kamay becomes ear candy in this movie.
Most of you recognize and root for Bronson, but there's more caricature in this film.
Judy Ann Santos is already claimed as one of the greatest actresses today but I was totally impressed here. She plays a real tough woman who stresses her feelings, stands for her rights and knows what is right from wrong. But at the same time, she's funny, daring and intelligent. Santos plays Angie with wit and confidence that when she's out, I'm mostly stunned.
Soliman Cruz also gives a fine performance as the tough cookie dad. In his drinking scene with preggy Angie, you can see how he's been, what he's done and how much he doubts everything. And Cruz acts these sentiments that dads out there could cry for him, too.
Of course, I'll have to mention -DRUM ROLE PLEASE- Gina Pareno! 2007 was surely her year. She won the FAMAS and MMFF award for Best Supporting Actress for this film and later on, a Best Actress nod from Gawad Urian for her silent portrayal of a bet collector in Kubrador. She totally deserves the accolades, especially here. If Angie is a real woman, well her mother sure is, too! Belita is a toughy, exciting and hilarious mama who wants her children to be in good hands. She's handled mamas way back, but Pareno plays this woman no other Pinay has ever done before. Pareno would stick with this character later on, in the hit TV show Tayong Dalawa two years later.
I'd see Kasal again anytime and i would totally feel happy when i get to see it again. Kasal Kasali Kasalo is that type of movie where you can find a life, no matter how simple, that's so happy and fun.
