Cinema One Originals 2017 Movie Review: Marilou Diaz-Abaya's "MORAL" (1982) Digitally Restored & Remastered

Marilou Diaz-Abaya's Moral (1982)

1982 was a big year for Philippine cinema. The year's Metro Manila Film Festival debuted the all time favorite, critically-acclaimed masterpiece from Ishmael Bernal- the Nora Aunor starrer Himala. But aside from that, the film's writer, master storyteller Ricky Lee wrote another praise-worthy movie released at that same time. Moral (1982) produced by Seven Star Productions and directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, starred Lorna Tolentino, Gina Alajar, Sandy Andolong and Anna Marin. One of the official entries for the 1982 MMFF, it's a four-story movie about four friends at the height of youth activism in the years before Martial Law.

And last November 16, 2017 at the Trinoma Cinema 2, the ABS-CBN Film Restoration unveiled the film's digitally restored and remastered version. The special screening was graced by the film's writer, Mr. Ricky Lee himself, Marc Abaya (son of the lte director Marilou Diaz-Abaya) and one of the film's star, Ms. Lorna Tolentino. I was lucky enough to be invited and be part of the said event by the ABS-CBN Film Restoration.

With the Grand Slam Queen Ms. Lorna Tolentino

The film opens with the wedding of Maritess (Anna Marin) attended by her three classmates and best friends: Joey (Lorna Tolentino), Kathy (Gina Alajar) and Sylvia (Sandy Andolong). Joey is a drug user who sleeps around with different men. Kathy is a mediocre singer who will stop at nothing to fulfill her dream of the big-time. Sylvia is a liberated woman who finds security in the love of her gay ex-husband who is now living in with another man. Maritess ended up as a conventional housewife, who is reduced to a baby-making machine. In the span of three years from 1979 to 1982 the film traces the lives of these four women through their seemingly desperate but also interwoven experiences, and in their attempts to resolve their individual problems, are mirrored the different faces of the woman in our society today.

Despite the film being more than thirty years old already, it's undeniably entertaining. Honestly, I didn't even noticed the film's two hours and thirty minute running time because there was no dull or boring moment in the film. Each of the four characters had their own unique experiences, each telling a different story. I particularly liked Joey and Kathy's journey. Kathy's obsession of becoming famous is something that is very common these days in the age of social media. Joey's attempt of finding love from a guy who doesn't have feelings for her is something that anyone can relate to. The script, penned by Lee, was brimming with hip language, deep realizations in life and lovely humor. Matched with the artistic direction of helmer Marilou Diaz-Abaya, I love how the film's script introduced these four characters and build them up in a way that the audience can sympathize with them and willingly follow their lives. The way the characters were written and brought to life felt so raw and real.

The film boasts a powerful cast not only in the lead but also in it's supporting roles. There's the surprising portrayal of Juan Rodrigo and Lito Pimentel as Sylvia's gay ex and his lover. Dexter Doria steals the show with her short but memorable portrayal of a jealous mistress. We also have Odette Khan and Laurice Guillen to complete the list. Anna Marin and Sandy Andolong were both great in their roles as Maritess and Sylvia respectively. Gina Alajar's unforgettable turn as the ambitious Kathy was a really fun one. She brought the whole theater into laughter with her humorous quips and jokes. Watch out for that scene where she tries to hang out with Claire Dela Fuente and Amy Austria. It was absolutely hilarious and is probably one of the unforgettable scenes in the film. Lorna Tolentino was outstanding in her tour de force performance as the troubled Joey. She really stood out in this movie. I particularly liked those moments she shared with Ms. Laurice Guillen who plays her mother.

Regarding the film's quality, it was already made clear early on before the film played that there were a lot of difficulties in the restoration. This is because the film reels that they were able to contain had suffered from mold damage. This greatly affected the film's look and sound. Although there were some green shades that appear onscreen during some parts of the film, I think they were able to do a pretty good job in restoring the film. The whole movie still looks stunning in high definition. Overall, this has been one of those restored classics that I really enjoyed watching. I am surely looking forward to seeing more of these restored classics.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

"Moral" (1982)
Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, starring Lorna Tolentino, Gina Alajar, Sandy Andolong and Anna Marin